SCOTLAND
FAVORITE PROPERTIES
EDINBURGH:
THE BALMORAL
Built in 1902, the Balmoral is considered a landmark of Edinburgh. The property was originally built as a grand railway hotel, and its turret clock was set three minutes fast to make sure passengers never miss their trains. To this day, the hotel’s clock is dependably inaccurate, but everything else about The Balmoral is on point, from its excellent location, clean, Scottish-inspired rooms, to its awarded restaurants.
OCHIL HILLS: GLENEAGLES
An iconic country estate set beneath the beautiful Ochil Hills, The Gleneagles Hotel has been a luxury destination for nearly a century. Located just one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports and with its own railway station, Gleneagles offers the perfect retreat for those looking for relaxation, fun and adventure. Three championship courses have established the resort’s reputation as a golfer’s paradise but the hotel offers so much more than golf. Fly a Harris’ Hawk, ride horses, play tennis, go off-roading, train gundogs, shoot game, fish, enjoy Michelin-starred dining, or relax in their award winning spa.
ISLE OF SKYE: KINLOCH
Kinloch is a former 16th-century hunting lodge and later family home to the Macdonalds, whose hands the property is still in today. The hotel is located on the south of the island, just over 15 minutes' drive from the Skye Bridge, on the shores of Loch na Dal in the Sound of Sleat. The views are pretty spectacular, and many rooms benefit from them. Interiors are quintessentially Scottish country cosy; grand, with plenty of tartan and tweed. It's full of family heirlooms and pictures, and all lounges have roaring fires. ]
MORAY COAST: BOATH HOUSE
Boath House is located in Nairn, on the Moray Coast, near Inverness. Once described as “the most beautiful Regency House in Scotland,” the property is set on 20 acres of well-tended lawns, walled gardens, woodlands and streams. A series of well-kept paths connect with the house, enabling guests to explore the gardens and rest and relax in secluded seating areas or on sunny terraces. The fine-dining restaurant holds a coveted Michelin star and offers fabulous views over the lawn to the lake. The hotel’s kitchen gardens provide much of the organic fruit, herbs and vegetables; the focus is on creating dishes combining these with produce of local, artisan growers, breeders, producers and foragers.
BEN NEVIS: INVERLOCHY CASTLE
In the foothills of Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain) sits Inverlochy Castle, famously visited by Queen Victoria 10 years after it was built in 1863. The castle’s decor is heavy and Scottish, not everyone’s cup of tea, but worth visiting for the experience alone. Inverlochy’s rosette restaurant delivers a dining experience to savor, with a menu featuring modern British cuisine. (Note: Jacket and tie are required to be worn by gents in the dining room in the evenings.)
LOCH LOMOND: CAMERON HOUSE
Widely regarded as one of the best resorts in the UK, Cameron House commands a dramatic setting on the banks of Loch Lomond, less than 30 minutes from Glasgow. The estate offers many activities, including boating, hiking in the National Park and even seaplane rides. On the culinary end, Cameron house features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a New-England style boathouse bistro, and a relaxed open-fire grill.
TRIP INSPIRATION
GENEAOLOGY
Have roots in Scotland? We have a team of in-house genealogists who trace your ancestry for you. Historian Turtle Bunbury and Professional Genealogist, Nicola Morris will work with you to find your ancestors and even your family’s homes. One of our driver guides will happily take you there.
OFF-ROADING
Take the high road with an instructor at the wheel to access stunning highland scenery on private estate roads and tracks. Off-road experiences are half to full day excursions to remote, beautiful hill farms, accessible only by private invitation from the landowners. Leaving public roads behind, the Land Rovers climb high into the hills to enable you to discover the wild beauty of the heather uplands and the magnificent vistas which are the quintessence of Scotland.
HIGHLAND SAFARI
In the Highlands, climb aboard your and journey to the high tops. Here you can see the Majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle as you travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks.
Along the Moray Firth, a very different type of wildlife can be found. Dolphins, whales, and seals are frequently spotted off the coast - be sure not to miss it!
SCENIC HIKES/DRIVES/BIKING
Explore the Scotland by car, bike, or on foot. Road bikes are available at most hotels for guests, for a half or whole day excursion. You can bring along a guide, or navigate yourselves through the magnificent scenery.
MALT WHISKEY TRAIL
No visit to Scotland is complete without a dram of the national drink. Visit some of the most beautiful areas of the country as you discover the famous Scottish amber-coloured spirit with one of our knowledgeable guides. Witness the distillation process uncovered, see the distillery and whiskey production in action in a behind the scenes tour.
STEAM TRAIN
Step aboard what has been described as one of the world’s great train journeys, the Jacobite Steam Train. It will take you over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct; here, admire views toward Loch Sheil and the Glenfinnan Monument, a poignant reminder of the final Jacobite Rising.
GOLFING
Scotland, home of Golf. The area boasts many traditional links and upland golf courses set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Whatever interests you - scenery, challenge, style - there is a golf course in Scotland for you.
GUIDED FISHING
Scotland’s trout lochs provide the best fishing experiences – for the expert seeking to extend their range or for a wonderful introduction to the sport. Our ghillies provide a fisherman’s knowledge of the water, and some wry local humour, as well as advice on the best tackle, flies and strategies for a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re interested in salmon fishing, we can set up a fully guided expedition for you and your group.
CASTLE VISITS
From grand city landmarks to shadowy ruins, Scotland is notorious for its iconic castles. Visit castles where battles and sieges were fough, where royalty lived and died, and where more recent films have taken place.
FALCONRY
Experience the classic and ancient art of Falconry with one of our expert guides. Described as the sport of Kings, this unbelievable experience is designed to give you a greater insight into the ancient & noble sport.
SEAPLANE TOUR
A seaplane trip is a highlight of many stays in Scotland, particularly around Loch Lomond! During the trip you’ll soar over the stunning Scottish scenery including lochs, glens and rugged mountain peaks before making your way back to the pontoon to enjoy an after flight champagne on the dock.
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