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.

Kenmore Hotel, Kenmore

Right slap bang in the middle of Perthshire is the tiny historic village of Kenmore, situated at the eastern end of Loch Tay where the River Tay starts it's journey to the sea. The Hotel is one of the oldest in Scotland, picturesqueto say the least. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, the food in the hotel restaurant is of the highest standard, and during the summer months there is usually some form of entertainment on offer, from dinner and music to impromptu singalongs in the bar. I can't praise the place highly enough. Bonuses - the scenery is stunning, only a few miles from the near 4000ft Ben Lawers, plus superb golf nearby and of course fishing on the river and loch. If you want something more energetic there are miles and miles of hiking trails, plus the watersports centre on the loch. And if you need to shop, you're only an hour from Perth! It's a superb base for touring the central highlands, and to me is Perthshire's best kept secret.
Kerrera

A popular place for yachts to berth, this green, hilly island is ideal for walking, with clear views to Mull and the finest outlook on Oban.
Kilchurn Castle

Hauntingly atmospheric ruins of a Campbell castle, built in 1440 on an island in Loch Awe. Visible from many vantage points, or you can go there by boat.
Kildrummy Castle

The once “noblest of northern castles” is now a grandiose ruin. Brilliant in terms of design, it retains many unique 13th-century features.
Kildrummy Castle Hotel, Nr Alford

Outstanding baronial home with a magnificent stairway. The hotel blends colonial-like extravagance with eiderdown comfort. Here, you feel like a millionaire’s best friend. Fine food and a wine list that spans the globe adds up to a grand experience.
Killiecrankie

The combined attractions of a famous battle site and an idyllic river gorge. Admire the famous Soldier’s Leap, but don’t try it! Queen Victoria loved this spot (and she was famously hard to please).
Kilmartin Glen

Inhabited for 5,000 years, this glen has a phenomenal concentration of archaeological remains: standing stones, temples and burial cairns. Pause at Kilmartin Church for the best collection of early Christian crosses.
Kilmartin House Café

An adjunct of the Kilmartin Museum, this light-lunch café is mainly vegetarian but does excellent venison burgers. Home baking and great coffee.
Kilmichael Country House

Considering the hotel’s five-star rating, its restaurant is a bargain. Set four-course menus and a connoisseur’s wine list. Booking essential.
Kilts and Tartans

No one knows why Highlanders adopted this distinctive mode of dress or exactly when clans adopted a family “pattern” or tartan. The oldest tartan is dated at around AD 245, and by 1746 there were enough clan tartans to be prohibited for 38 years in a purge on Highland culture. Today, with over 2,000 registered designs, tartans are flourishing.

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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
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £50
- £50–100
- £100–150
- £150–200
- over £200