Scotland is beautiful.
As a statement, it's hard to argue with. Even more so when you actually go out and visit the country itself, taking in its stunning landscape. However, the lochs, glens and mountainous scenery aren't the only contributing factor to its beauty.
It's the people of Scotland and the food and drink they produce that make this country truly wondrous and nowhere is this more apparent than when you stay here in one of Scotland's many wonderful hotels.
Combine a great hotel with an even better restaurant and Scotland's scenery and you have a formula for a great few days away. Nowhere is this better exemplified than on the coast with Scotland's seafood hotels.
Here is our selection of eight of the best:
The West coast
Wildlings Hotel and restaurant, Ayrshire
( Harbour Road, Maidens, KA26 9NR, Tel: 01655 331 401, [email protected])
Situated on the Ayrshire coast and overlooking the picturesque Maidens harbour, this lovely little family-run hotel is a short drive away from Trunberry, Culzean and Ayr.
The restaurant has its own fire place and a well stocked, wood-panelled bar. Sea Bass, Monkfish, Cod and Silver Bream are the star attractions on their excellent menu.
Also great for: The stunning views of the Holy Isle and the Isle of Arran. It's also a treat for golfers with Ayrshire's Turnberry Golf Courses being close by.
Dunvalanree, Carradale
(Port Righ, Carradale, Campbelltown, PA28 6SE, 01583 431226)
Beautiful and remote, Dunvalanree is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Alyson and Alan Halstead completely restored their characterful house to create a wonderful four star hotel in this picturesque setting.
The reviews for this hotel are consistently great and most people go back regularly.
Dunvalanree is also one of the founding members of the Scottish Seafood Trail and offers award-winning home-made meals using the freshest of local ingredients. We recommend the smoked mussels cooked in garlic with bacon lardons. Delightful.
Also great for: Exploring the rugged coast, Carradale also isn't too far from the Isle of Gigha and Campbelltown, both great places to visit and enjoy.
The Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin
(Pier House, Appin PA38 4DE, 01631 730302)
Perhaps one of the most highly rated hotels and restaurants on this list (seriously, go check out the reviews) the Pierhouse enjoys a sterling reputation for great service and even better food.
Hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of Loch Linnhe the hotel was originally the residence of the Pier Master.
The stylish restaurant offers stunning panoramic sea views and serves oysters hand-picked from Loch Creran as well as mussels and langoustines harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive. Best of all they keep their lobsters and crabs mouth-wateringly fresh using creels at the end of their pier.
Also good for: The regular boat tours are great fun and the hotel are more than happy to provide information on other activities including deer stalking and kayaking.
Hotel Hebrides, Isle of Harris
(Pier Road, Tarbert, Isle of Harris HS3 3DG Scotland, Tel: 01859 502364)
This boutique hotel on the Isle of Harris is one of the remotest on this list but is definitely worth checking out. Angus & Chirsty Macleod and their team provide an excellent welcome as well as immaculate service.
The Pierhouse restaurant is without a doubt the star of the show, taking advantage of the island's bountiful coastal larder, their selection of shell fish will leave you craving a second serving. The Isle of Lewis rope grown mussels and the West Minch Langoustines are to die for.
Also great for: The Isle of Harris has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK including the simply enchanting Luskentyre beach.
Kylesku Hotel, Sutherland
(Drumbeg, Lairg, Highland IV27 4HW,01971 502231)
In the remote region of Sutherland, on the shores of Loch Glendhu is situated a former coaching inn owned by Tanja Lister and Sonia Virechauviex.
Tanja showcases a wealth of local knowledge while chef Sonia Virechauviex creates culinary using the freshest shellfish brought in daily, the Kylesku really is an excellent place to stay.
Winners of “Informal Dining, Restaurant of the year 2015" the Kylesku's restuarant and their local King Scallops and Loch Duart Salmon Tempura are a wonder to behold.
Also good for: The amazing wildlife and of course Nearby is Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, Britain’s highest waterfall.
East Coast
The Waterfront, Anstruther
(18-20 Shore St, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3EA, 01333 312200)
Renowned for its seafood and fishing heritage, Anstruther is home to the Waterfront hotel, described on their site as “One of the treasures of the East Neuk”. Situated close to the marina the hotel has great views over the Firth of Forth.
The seafood selection boasts fresh locally sourced produce including citrus salmon, stuffed seabass, steamed mussels and the classic fish and chips.
Also good for: The hotel resides in a golfing haven, there are no less than 13 courses close by including Anstruther, Carnoustie, Gleneagles, and Ladybank.
The Mariner Hotel, Aberdeen
(349 Great Western Road, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB10 6NW, 01224 588901)
If there is one place on the east coast that knows fish it's Aberdeen and when these discerning seafood lovers frequent a restaurant you know it is good. The Mariner Hotel is a small family run hotel that houses Atlantis, one of the city's most popular seafood restaurants.
Offering an extensive range of seafood as well as daily specials, the Atlantis is a must visit. The restaurant its self is classic and reserved, the food however is anything but. The lobster - provided by Cove & Catterline - is the best you'll get anywhere while the seafood platter is a banguet of fruits de mer.
Also good for: Visiting the city itself, excellent for shopping and drinks.
The Millhouse, Buckie
(Tynet, Buckie AB56 5HJ, 01542 850395)
Recommended by big Eck himself, (Mr Salmond is a repeat visitor and is quoted on their website as saying "Great food, wonderful staff, fabulous decor, 5 Star") the Millhouse is a wonderful little hotel situated in Tynet near Buckie.
The menus and quality food are prepared by Head Chef John Paul under the watchful eye and guidance of David Guidi, owner of the famous 1629 restaurant in Lossiemouth. The dishes themselves are modern twists on seafood classics and feature Shetland Scallops, the wonderfully named Prawn and Crayfish Martini and Clarkie’s Posh Fish”n”Chips.
Also good for: Nearby is the Malt Whisky Trail and the Falconry Centre in Huntly.
