| Can there be anything more evocative than staying in | | | | Balfour Coat of Arms. All rooms are furnished with |
| a luxury hotel set amid the annals of history? Combine | | | | original Victorian furniture. This small family run hotel will |
| your stay in Scotland with accommodation in one of | | | | allow you to relax and enjoy your stay. |
| the many luxury castles or manors. Dalhousie Castle, | | | | The Castle has two private boats, just perfect for |
| just a half hour from the centre of Edinburgh, is a | | | | discovering and exploring uninhabited islands and geos, |
| thirteenth century fortress which played a strategic | | | | the delightful caves carved out of the soft sandstone |
| role in the protection of the surrounding land. It is ironic | | | | by the sea. Delight in the diverse bird life, go fishing, |
| that it now welcomes guests from afar to relax in its | | | | play a round of golf - you are in Scotland the home of |
| authentic rooms furnished with Scottish woods and | | | | golf - or bicycle your way around the Island. Balfour |
| tartans. Of the 36 rooms there are fifteen historically | | | | Castle offers a set menu which changes every day |
| themed with period furniture to enjoy. This, combined | | | | and uses fresh locally produced foods. |
| with every modern luxury, makes for a comfortable | | | | You will be warmly welcomed with a bottle of |
| stay with a twist. | | | | champagne when you arrive at the luxurious Dornoch |
| For a gourmet dinner of local venison, salmon or | | | | Castle. This family owned and run Castle is set in the |
| grouse descend to The Dungeon. With its vaulted | | | | village of Dornoch, an hour north of Inverness. The |
| ceilings, worn stone stairway and roughly hewn stone | | | | Cathedral Room with its spa bath is in the oldest wing |
| walls, it is hard to imagine that it was once used for | | | | of the castle. The garden rooms are sunny and bright, |
| more sinister purposes. For a lighter meal visit the | | | | overlooking the walled gardens. Enjoy freshly prepared |
| Orangery with its wonderful views of the lazy River | | | | meals in the restaurant. With such delights as Scottish |
| Esk. Whether you enjoy the falconry displays in the | | | | salmon and honey and Whiskey Crème Brulee, your |
| extensive grounds or have a hydrotherapy session in | | | | palate will sizzle. Enjoy sitting by the roaring fire after a |
| the Spa you will always find something different to do | | | | round of golf. |
| at Dalhousie Castle. | | | | The Royal Dornoch is the third oldest course in |
| Airth Castle and Spa Hotel dates back to the | | | | Scotland and runs along the coast, overlooking the |
| fourteenth century and nestles beside the River Forth. | | | | beaches below. Visit local icons such as John |
| Each generous bedroom has all the modern | | | | O'Groats or take a rambling hike across the moors. |
| conveniences and twelve are historically themed. | | | | Try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting or fish the local |
| Enjoy your private Jacuzzi, rest in your own lounge or | | | | lochs. Dornoch Castle is a delight in summer and is |
| laze on the king sized bed. | | | | transformed in the winter months to sheer beauty. |
| You can walk the extensive grounds taking in the | | | | While not a castle but a Manor, Mar Hall sits |
| views along the River or enjoy the open fire in the | | | | majestically on the banks of the Clyde River, just a |
| lounge. The Glasshouse Restaurant sits under a | | | | short trip from the city of Glasgow. This five star |
| pyramid of glass and offers traditional fare with a | | | | establishment was built in the mid eighteen hundreds |
| touch of modern flair. For a light snack or a glass of | | | | and its Gothic architecture lends it authority and dignity. |
| wine the Stables Plasma Lounge is perfect. | | | | Upgraded in 2002, you now walk past two bronze |
| Visit the Orkney Islands at the top of the world and | | | | stags in the car park and into the Lobby. After |
| stay at Balfour Castle on the island of Shapinsay. The | | | | check-in, proceed to the heart of the hotel, the Grand |
| log fires are very welcoming and the rooms are all | | | | Hall where the creamy walls are covered in tapestries. |
| different, offering a range of styles. The Brass Room | | | | In fine juxtaposition, the rooms have a contemporary |
| has its own turret with island and sea views while The | | | | feel and a modern attention to detail. |
| Lairds boasts a four posted bed with carvings of the | | | | |