The best of Scotland for travellers and visitors
You could be mistaken for thinking that Poppies is merely a small garden nursery, and with a fairly well hidden entrance which is easy to miss, you could also be mistaken for thinking that it would be a fairly quiet, little place. Not so, Poppies is absolutely delightful and very well patronised – obviously by [...]
Akin to being placed into a history book depiction, our arrival at Clan Cottages, conjured images of returning to the fold, bearing rewards of a days’ hunting, as the five thatched cottages are picture perfect of an ancient Celtic settlement. Nestled into a glen, a stone’s throw from Oban; Scotland’s ancient Gateway to the Highlands, [...]
The aptly named seafood restaurant on Oban’s foreshore is so, as it worships local, fresh seafood, newly docked in Oban, and so do it’s patrons. Living studiously by their ethos of “fresh and local”, the Seafood Temple could be nothing but a great success and, that it has been since it’s opening in 2011, is [...]
Delighted to be back in Oban, I found myself at the opposite end of the bay, on the hillside, where I was invited to stay at Alt Na Craig House, the historic, 4 star Gold Guesthouse and regional finalist in the Scottish Thistle Awards. A prime illustration of Oban’s history, the impressive Victorian property sits, [...]
Although the house dates from 1745, it is certainly a work in progress as artefacts telling its history are gathered and placed in ever changing exhibitions and displays within the 1745 house, sitting in the shadows of the crumbling stronghold of Dunollie Castle. The newly opened museum and cultural centre is housed in the former [...]
Cuan Mor, for me, represents what Oban is all about: a warm welcome, roots in local tradition, a proud history presented with a current day twist and superb seafood, as, with views over the Big Ocean (Cuan Mor), it’s as fresh as it comes. Proud of the indigenous Gaelic history; a theme which is apparent [...]
Built in baronial style, unassumingly inhabiting an enviable position on the banks of Loch Awe and reached by a single track road, winding through the beautiful Argyll landscape, Ardanaiseig is the ultimate secluded hideaway. No contrived romanticism here even though you could be mistaken for believing to have arrived in the setting for a wildly [...]
Contemporary interior styling combined with an unconventional exterior; distinctive within a traditional seaside town; Ee-Usk on Oban’s seafront, is an attractive building housing an award winning seafood restaurant. The uniquely but aptly named Ee-Usk; Gaelic for “fish”; harvests the freshest possible produce from its seaside doorstep; in fact, fortunate visitors can view their lunch arriving [...]
Not only did I find myself in the extremely fortunate position of visiting Eriska, secreted away on its own private island off Scotland’s stunning West Coast; but on the day following hugely acclaimed success in achieving “Best Hotel Restaurant 2011” at the prestigious Scottish Restaurant Awards ceremony in Glasgow – I was truly privileged. Relatively [...]
