DK Travel : Scotland

Scotland has an overwhelming abundance of natural beauty, hundreds of castles stand proud from its long and turbulent past, and an innate flair for enterprise and travel has endowed the nation with artistic treasures from around the world. The culture remains vibrant today, and there’s much to celebrate. Here’s a distillation of Scotland’s best.

Ednam House Hotel, Kelso

Classic Georgian mansion, with an outlook over the River Tweed – a major draw for its rooms and classy restaurant. The building retains period features and, though slightly heavy-handed with patterns, its clutter of fishing paraphernalia adds a homely feel.
Edradour

Established in 1825, this is Scotland’s smallest distillery and its cluster of buildings has remained virtually unchanged for 150 years. To witness the process here is all the more delightful for its being in miniature. Only twelve casks a week are produced, making it (as they say) “a rare treat for a few”.
Eglinton Youth Hostel

Unlike most of the other hostels in Edinburgh, this one is away from the madding crowd, amid the genteel respectability of the West End, though still within a 10-minute walk of Princes St. Lounge areas, games room, kitchen and laundry; dormitory accommodation only.
Eilean Donan Castle

No one manages to drive past this castle without leaping for their camera. Small, beautiful and magical, the restored 13th-century fortress of clan Macrae stands on an island in magnificent scenery on the road to Skye (see Eilean Donan Castle) .
Eilean Donan Castle

One of Scotland’s most photographed castles because of its incredible setting – huddled on an island off the mountainous shores of Loch Duich. This 13th-century stronghold of the clan Macrae was a ruin until its restoration in the 1930s (see Eilean Donan Castle) .
Eilean Iarmain Hotel

Charming and cosily set in a huddle of historic buildings by the sea (with its own oyster beds). Highest quality set four-course menu (three choices for each course) and elite wine list.
Elgin Cathedral

Once known as “the Lantern of the North”, this cathedral was burned out of spite by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390, but its ruins still draw a crowd.
Eriskay

A self-catering flat close to the beach on a halcyon Hebridean island, now linked by causeway to South Uist. A rare convolvulus grows here, said to have been planted by Bonnie Prince Charlie to mark his first landfall in Scotland – Prince’s Beach. Any stay is incomplete without a visit to Am Politician bar, with its relics from the ship in the famous British film classic Whisky Galore .
Eriskay

Real-life scene of the Whisky Galore wreck in 1941, this is the dream island of the Hebrides. Beaches, crofts, hills – everything is how the romantic would have it.
Fair Isle, Shetland

Famous for knitted patterns and as a haven of traditional crafts, this remote island has awesome cliff scenery and birdlife. The ferry is weather-dependent, so be prepared for a wait.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under £15
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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £50
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