Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 38 on 11/04/2008.

This article is 8 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

Scottish Hotels of the Year 2008

Inverlochy Castle
by Fort William, Inverness-shire
Tel: +44 (0)1397 702 953

The winner of Scotland’s ultimate hotel award, The Scottish National Hotel of the Year 2008, is this much-acclaimed Relais & Chateaux member which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis. Framed by tall specimen trees, and from indoors by tall windows with elaborate drapes, Britain’s highest peak is an impressive sight. The air is fresh and full of birdsong. Queen Victoria claimed ‘never to have seen a lovelier or more romantic spot’ and, a century or more later, nothing much has changed here save that those firs are taller and the castle is now a luxurious hotel.

And the journey is somewhat easier: fly to Inverness from London in 90 minutes, or perhaps take the sleeper train to Fort William. The castle’s subtly-liveried Rolls Royce Phantom can meet you, or take you on a tour of the area – even a full day trip to places such as the Isle of Skye. With a posh picnic, perhaps? The Lochaber region is full of things to do and see and in recent years has become known as ‘Harry Potter country,’ being the backdrop to the films about the boy wizard.

Hogwarts School may have been created by CGI but the landscape certainly wasn’t.

Matthew Gray is a dedicated head chef and holds a Michelin star most deservedly. Bedrooms are continually upgraded – two favourites of ours are the Queen’s Suite and the Glen Nevis room on the top floor. Scotland at its finest.

Isle of Eriska Hotel
near Oban, Argyll
Tel: +44 (0)1631 7.....

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By Sally Toms

Section : Best of Scotland

Page number : 66