Blasts from the past
Whether you’re looking to delve into Scotland’s Jacobite history, or you’re a big fan of Victorian architecture, there are plenty of fascinating and luxurious places in which to enjoy taking a step back in time
BY HELEN & JASON JOINER FROM KEMNAY
Carefully curated luxury in a former Inn, Cuttieshillock, is one of Glendye Estate’s self-catering properties. Surrounded by woodland and steeped in history, the traditional stone house has been sympathetically modernised, comprising three large bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom with rainforest shower and roll top bath, dining room and separate lounge with the original fireplace to keep you snug while you pop one of the many albums on the record player. The luxury continues in the private garden with a Big Green Egg BBQ, wood-fired hot tub and sauna, where we spent a relaxing evening after walking the dog through the woodland trails on the doorstep.
A five-minute drive takes you to the main Glen Dye Estate and the BYOB Glendye Arms for residents. There is a shop stocked with the Laura Thomas Co toiletries used in the properties, as well as cheeses, homemade jams and relish, frozen soups and meals prepared using estate produce (which we purchased and enjoyed at lunchtime). Over 300 years ago when Cuttieshillock was an inn, beside what was the main road from Edinburgh to Forres, there was an annual drover’s market in front of the house, and Macbeth (the real one) marched his troops past it on the way to the battle of Lumphanan. Jacobite troops also rested here on their way to battle. We had a wonderful weekend at Cuttieshillock, relaxing and taking in the surroundings, refreshed and ready to take on the week ahead.
BY DAVID DUNCAN & JOYCE SCOTT FROM DURRIS
Arriving on a damp autumnal day, awaiting us was not only a welcome pack for us, but for the doggy too. We immediately felt delighted that our two canine companions were not just accepted but actively welcomed.
Our home for the next two days was once an apple store in the walled gardens of historic Fasque House – a 19th-century Baronial mansion and former family home to Prime Minister Gladstone. The building won awards in 2014 for its sympathetic restoration and it is easy to see why. The interior has a lavish Baroque flavour which perfectly suits the architecture. Of particular note are the painted frescoes which adorn the domed ceiling of the stairwell, adding to the feeling of opulence provided by the statement pieces of furniture and decoration.
The ground floor consists of an entrance hall, comfortable lounge and a compact kitchen. Upstairs the large bedroom features a Jacuzzi bath and shower with views of the walled garden. The separate WC has an ornately painted domed ceiling.
Guests can enjoy the gardens, policies and loch. There is a deer park and abundant wildlife. We saw red squirrels, buzzards, pheasants, swans, ducks and a hedgehog.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and can recommend a stay here to any couple looking for a cosy getaway in a tranquil location with good dog walks on the estate and at the nearby beaches.
BY ASH & LESLEY SINCLAIR FROM BALNABEEN
In 1902 a group of Dornoch businessmen opened the Dornoch light railway, a branch line connected to the main Highland Railway seven miles away. Two years later they opened the Station Hotel. For the next 30 years this upmarket hotel was a magnet for wealthy tourists. Desperately in need of some TLC it was recently given a complete refurbishment by Marine & Lawn Collection before opening its doors in August 2023.
Many original features remain including the impressive sweeping staircase and many old paintings and tapestries. The décor is stylish with accents of wood and tartan but also tiles in keeping with bygone railway station fittings. The rooms are very smart with their gold bathroom fittings and many enjoy spectacular views over the links to the sea.
The hotel overlooks the Royal Dornoch Golf Course. Although we didn’t partake of facilities, it is encouraged to leave behind one of your club golf balls to adorn the magnificent snooker lounge. The well-stocked Bar Ross, named after famous golf course architect Donald Ross, has an impressive wine list and offers whisky tasting flights. The Golden Gorse restaurant gave us a wonderful fine dining experience, although there is also an all-day snack menu in the bar. Dornoch is steeped in history, boasting a jail (now a high-end shop), a castle and one of Scotland’s smallest cathedrals, where many a famous person has pledged their troth or been baptised. Think Elon Musk and Madonna’s son respectively!
BY CAROLINE & CHRISTOPHER TROTTER FROM UPPER LARGO
We arrived in the misty dark, unaware of the proximity of the Spey. It was only in the morning looking out of our window that we saw the majestic river flowing by. We are in malt whisky country and in the bar you are faced with whiskies from all over Scotland, including a unique display of Glenfarclas going back to 1950. A dram from my birth year would have set me back nearly £1,000!
We were welcomed by Freddie whose pride and joy was the cigar room. The bedrooms are named after distilleries: ours was Glenlivet. The Mash Tun has recently been revamped under new ownership. The style in our room was individual with designer ‘peacock’ wallpaper, tartan carpet and a free-standing bathtub with high quality, locally produced bathroom condiments.
In the restaurant we chose from the specials board which really showed off the skills of the chef. Ham hock terrine and scallops to start and chicken with wild mushrooms and a seafood gnocchi. All very good.
In the breakfast room we were hosted by local girl Karen, who provided more background to the region. Breakfast was delicious, with a good choice of items.
You can walk straight onto the Speyside Way – 65 miles of riverside walks from Buckie to Aviemore. Aberlour has lots of shops and a superb deli. It might be worth staying at the Mash Tun for several nights as there is so much on offer.