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At the top end of the market, this ivy-clad mansion is enveloped in its own estate, through which the gamekeeper will take you on a personal tour. From the embroidered “K” on the linen to the teddy on the bed, everything is perfectly set. Food à la mode by a multi-prize-winning chef.

Through lancet windows, this converted church gives views over Hawaii-like stretches of beach. A quiet repose on this beautiful island, with simple en-suite rooms and dinners available by request.

A romantic setting, next to the sea. A refined establishment whose charges include dinner and breakfast (see Knockinaam Lodge) .

Crisp, no-nonsense, well-designed rooms, kitted out with the usual gadgets – TV, DVD player and music system – but the real star is the Japanese-influenced Oshi spa, which chimes with the sushi restaurant.

In a beautiful situation below Arran’s mountains, close to the sea and an ancient castle, rests Lochranza Hostel. Secluded in a woodland garden, this old country house makes a great base for exploring the island. Close to a bus route and with its own small shop.

As its name suggests, Malmaison looks to France for inspiration, and provides a winning mix of good brasserie food and contemporary styling in its rooms – wonderful bathrooms! Nicely set on the quay, next to Fishers (see Fishers, Leith) .

Malmaison exercises its mantra of getting the details right: large, comfortable beds, mood lighting and seriously pleasurable bathrooms, with power showers and baths suitable for hour-long soaks. French-style brasserie in the crypt (the building is a converted church) and a gym to counterbalance all the lazing about.

The small island of Sanday is a gem, and Mrs Flett runs a superb guesthouse here in this rambling, old, Victorian manse. She welcomes children and pets and caters for special diets. A native Orcadian upholding the islanders’ tradition of hospitality.

One of the best things about this large, recently revamped hotel is the conservatory, which sits on the edge of George Sq. Breakfast here, and watch the crowds rushing to and from the neighbouring station. Elsewhere, solid, dependable rooms and services, if a bit corporate in style.

A stone-built farmhouse seven minutes’ drive from St Andrews. Surrounded by wheatfields, it is a spacious home with a private lounge and chairs you can disappear into. Huge breakfasts; non-smoking.