Scotland is a country of incredible diversity, offering tourists the chance to experience a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. Visitors can also experience unique accommodation while staying in Scotland, with many unusual hotels and guest houses to choose from.
Isle of Eriska
The Isle of Eriska is a privately owned 300 acre island which lies north of Oban on Scotland's west coast. Wildlife is abundant on the island and visitors can expect to see otters, seals, deer and, just maybe, a golden eagle. The earliest trace of human settlement on the island dates from 200 BC.
The centrepiece of the island is a grand hotel, designed by Hippolyte Blanc and finished in 1884. The hotel offers five star accomodation, either in the main building or nearby cottage suites. The suites are set in private grounds with their own hot tubs.
The hotel restaurant boasts three AA rosettes and is also open to non-residents. There is also a 17 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, beauty therapy treatments and a gym. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits. These include golf, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, tennis and croquet. All of these activities are included in the room rate, which starts from £155 per person. The hotel website also has details of special offers and seasonal events.
“Parrandier”, The Old Church of Urquhart
This converted 19th century church is situated five miles from Elgin, on the outskirts of Urquhart village. It hilltop setting provides scenic views over the surrounding countryside and the hotel has around two acres of its own gardens. The church is a listed building and retains much of its original character. Its location between the northern cities of Inverness and Aberdeen make it an ideal place to stay for exploring the Highlands and Grampian regions.
New Lanark Mill Hotel and the Old Mill Hotel, Motherwell
Both of these hotels were once working mills. The hotel at New Lanark is part of a World Heritage Site, with many preserved buildings dating from the areas cotton-spinning days of the industrial revolution. Constructed in the late 18th century the hotel has guest rooms, five of which have been converted to allow wheelchair access. All of the rooms have views over the nearby River Clyde.
The Old Mill Hotel in Motherwell is the older of the two, dating from the 16th century. Some of the machinery from the mill is still on display in the hotel, and the waterwheel is also still present. Meals from the hotel’s Granary Restaurant can be enjoyed outside, where visitors can take in the views of the River Calder and the nearby waterfall.
For more Scottish holiday ideas read about Strange Places to Visit in Scotland and Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland.
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