The Highland Games is one of Scotland’s highlights of the summer, attracting thousands of competitors and tens of thousands of spectators each year.
Held at locations across Scotland with a series of events to enjoy, as it approaches this May, the Good Hotel Guide shares 10 of their top hotels in Scotland near the Highland Games…
For the Gourock Highland games – 12th May
Colintraive Hotel, Argyll and Bute
Offering peace, tranquillity and beautiful local food on the edge of Loch Lomond, Colintraive Hotel is situated in a National Park.
With log fires and plenty of opportunities to walk in magical surroundings, the historic property has been given a contemporary update inside, making it warm, welcoming and superbly comfy.
They welcome dogs, and provide opportunities to spot incredible wildlife from red squirrels and eagles to basking sharks.
The Creggans Inn, Argyll and Bute
A historic country inn with loch views and an unmistakable white exterior, The Creggans Inn on Loch Fyne dates back to the 1800s and is a family run hotel with oodles of character.
Welcoming dogs and delighting owners with opportunities to roam in the surrounding countryside, it’s well known for its hearty food and drink and was once owned by Sir Fitzroy Maclean.
An original member of the SAS and Winston Churchill’s personal representative in German occupied Yugoslavia, Maclean’s friendship with Ian Fleming has sparked belief that he may have been the inspiration behind James Bond.
For the Gordon Castle Highland Games – 19th May
Boath House, Nairn
An exquisite mansion in exceptional grounds that include mown paths, a lake and an organic walled garden, Boath House is a magical and utterly romantic escape but without pretence.
There is a charming sense of the old fashioned with dinner for example served at 7.30, while home-made biscuits and a bowl of apples are readily available.
It still has a sense of being a family home and proprietors have been careful to be true to its regency roots when it comes to design whilst still incorporating more contemporary design features and artworks, making it everything you could ask for, for a true country house hotel experience.
The Dulaig, Grantown-on-Spey
Not far from Culdearn House, The Dulaig is a glorious B&B that’s 10 minutes from Grantown-on-Spey.
Along with a carousel of freshly baked cakes and treats, food is a rich affair in this corner of Scotland, where even the porridge is served with heather honey, cream and a dash of whisky.
For the Blackford Highland Games – 25th May
Barley Bree, Muthill
A red-stone former coaching inn-cum-restaurant-with-rooms, Barley Bree is all cosy welcomes in the winter and scenic outdoor spaces in the summer.
Whatever time of the year you visit though you can indulge in their award-winning food offering local flavours with a French twist.
Sunbank House, Perth
Small and perfectly formed, Sunbank House is a four star hotel 10 minutes outside Perth.
Classic and traditional, it’s got a homely but pleasantly formal vibe with 11 elegant rooms including family rooms and a passion for culinary classics from ‘Scotland’s larder’.
For the The Atholl Gathering and Highland games – 25th May
The Green Park, Pitlochry
A Victorian country house on the shores of Loch Faskally, The Green Park is a beautiful hotel where you’re treated like royalty.
Set in three acres of grounds, the views are spectacular.
Stroll to nearby shops or the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, take in elegant touches such as the family of sculptured metal deer in the gardens, and tuck into tea, coffee and cakes all day, and as much sherry as one likes before dinner.
Then retreat to one of the 16 rooms and suites for one of the most peaceful nights’ sleep you have ever had.
Killiecrankie Hotel, Pitlochry
Greeted by a team in tartan skirts and trews, Killiecrankie Hotel is run with style and humour.
A sign on the garden gate warns rabbits to keep out, while the house is brimming with fresh flowers, antiques and tartan wooden blankets.
A whisky menu helps to warm the soul on cold days, and fine food is served from the daily changing menu.
For the Carmunnock International Highland games – 26th May
Grasshoppers, Glasgow
A sprightly hop, skip and jump from Central Station, this good-value, design-led hotel in Glasgow’s busy city centre is no frills but excellent quality.
Take the lift to the penthouse to discover Scandinavian-influenced urban cool, and a welcome with tea, coffee and treats (perhaps cupcakes today, ice cream tomorrow).
15Glasgow, Glasgow
A stylish B&B in Glasgow city centre, 15Glasgow is a grand 19th century terrace house that has been delightfully updated, retaining original fireplaces, cornicing and wooden shutters.
Luxurious finishes give it an air of decadence, and all five rooms have names connected with Scotland.
For example, there’s Thistle and Heather, as well as a suite named after Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
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