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.

Pneumatic Tyre

Unprecedented comfort on rough roads was achieved in 1887, with John Dunlop’s first air-filled tyre.
Point

The most style-conscious hotel in town. Broad sweeps of intense colour add vitality to the sharp minimalism throughout, and the bedrooms and bathrooms are very well appointed and deeply relaxing. Good restaurant and one of the best bars in town (see Monboddo) .
Port Mor House

Safe bathing, sandy beaches, colonies of puffins and wonderful isolation make the Isle of Muck (either isle of “pig”, or “porpoises”) a rat-race escapee’s dream. Port Mor House is a well-established guesthouse, run by the family that still owns and farms the island. After a day’s walking or beach-combing, indulge in superb and imaginative cooking.
Port Mor House

Dinner is included with bed and breakfast here, simply because there’s nowhere else to go. Thankfully the restaurant excels itself (see Port Mor House) .
Port-na-Con, Loch Eriboll

Within a pebble toss of the sea, Port-na-Con is a former Customs House built over 200 years ago. Cosy rooms (only three) and a conservatory overlooking Loch Eriboll. Children-friendly, and a scrumptious restaurant (see Port-na-Con, nr Durness) .
Port-na-Con, nr Durness

Lochside restaurant which offers international cuisine. Incredible variety and value, and adequate wine list (see Port-na-Con, Loch Eriboll) .
Prestonfield House Hotel

Seriously sumptuous stuff here! For anyone that's looking for a genuinely Scottish sleeping experience with a touch of luxury, this is the way to go. It is 10 minutes by car from the city centre and overlooked by the famous volcanic hill 'Arthur's Seat'. Prestonfield is a gorgeous 19th century mansion set in 13 acres of gardens with an adjoining golf course and the award winning restaurant 'Rhubarb' within.

It is frequented by celebrities and romantic weekenders, all of whom are treated the same by the friendly, well-informed and discreet staff at all times. Within it's old walls are well renovated luxury rooms decorated in velvet, tassels and gold leaf, well balanced out by crisp linen, simple antiques and mirrors.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the fabulous 'Rhubarb' - a great combination of traditional and international with a modern twist. For a very special treat opt for afternoon tea (with champagne perhaps) served at your choice of location throughout the house and garden. You can even sit in the outdoor conservatory by the lawn and watch the peacocks strut. Our naughty barman stole us some peanuts to feed them!

Late checkout is available, as is some amazing room service food and brilliant classic movies to watch on your own mega-screen.

Whether you're in Edinburgh for a culture weekend with a great base for your evenings or just want to hide and snuggle this is the place to stay. Recommended by Christina Aguilera....and me!
Princes Square

Luxurious shopping centre in a renovated square of 1841 – the genteel atmosphere is heightened by the occasional appearance of a piano player.
Printmakers’ Workshop

A range of limited edition works from contemporary print-makers at very reasonable prices
Radar: Sir Robert Watson-Watt (1892–1973)

Whilst working at the National Physical Laboratory, Watson-Watt developed a short-wave radio system that could locate aeroplanes. He called it “Radio Detection And Ranging”. In 1940, he became scientific adviser to the Air Ministry, and radar quickly proved its value in World War II.

Jump to top

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