From stunning grounds and glamorous interiors to crumbling ruins and enchanting châteaus like just out of the pages of a fairytale, the country boasts some of the most mesmerising strongholds. Each holding a place in Scotland’s history book, and each with its own story to tell. 

It’s without a doubt that you’ll be longing to uncover the tales of time belonging to each of these unique but equally spectacular forts. Even today, you’ll never find one of its historic castles too far away from wherever you may be just waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ve recommended the 5 best castles in Scotland to give you a taste of some of the country’s most fantastic, forts, châteaus, and palaces in hopes of inspiring you for your next Scottish adventure.

Edinburgh Castle

Once the major stronghold of the country’s capital and now one of the most iconic places in the country, Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city from its confines up on Castle Rock. Drawing millions of tourists to its boundaries a year, the city’s most iconic landmark takes its visitors back in time as they delve into the history of the biggest castle in Scotland and discover just what makes this iconic structure so breathtaking. 

Its location on top of Castle Rock, which is actually an ancient and dormant volcano, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of Edinburgh and the Eastern Scottish landscape. It takes the title as one of the oldest fortifications in Europe and has developed a diverse historical timeline, having been the base for a military garrison, royal residents, sieged by Brits, defended by Scots, and been host to many battles.

Edinburgh is within easy reach of many of Scotland’s major cities and towns, and the castle can be easily reached, with public parking available nearby in the town centre.  The fort is open from 9:30 am until 6 pm every day, and information on ticket prices can be found here. 

If you plan your arrival around 1 pm on any day other than a Sunday you’ll experience the one o’clock gun firing, marking the hour that ships in the Firth of Forth estuary would change their maritime clocks to that hour.

Stirling Castle

As one of the grandest and most famous Scottish castles in history, Stirling Castle is without a doubt one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. The fortress has hosted many a historic figure in its time, including Mary Queen of Scots, who spent much of her life in the castle. 

If you’re planning on visiting with children, Stirling Castle is one of the best castles in Scotland to add to your list. You’ll find many roleplaying and costume-wearing figures roaming its halls, alongside knowledgeable guides, waiting to share the fort’s rich history and transport you back to 16th-century life from the confines of its stone walls. 

You’ll find lots of activities on the castle’s grounds as well, with dressing-up areas and opportunities to play mediaeval instruments. For after you’ve explored every nook and cranny, there is also a restaurant on-site with fantastic views from its rooftop terrace to reflect on your visit and be mesmerised by the central Scottish landscape.

During your visit, be sure to meander through The Queen Anne Gardens, a tranquil and open green space located on the south side of the castle which overlooks the Queen’s lodgings and Prince’s Tower. The castle is open from 9:30 am until 6 pm daily, with details of ticket prices and booking available here. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay locally that is within easy reach of Stirling Castle, Auchterarder House is only a 30-minute drive away and is an outstanding accommodation option to make your visit to Scotland that little bit more special.

Glamis Castle

A site bearing over 1000 years of history, Glamis Castle has lived through some of Scotland’s most impactful events, having stood through the times of William Shakespeare, Mary Queen of Scots, and even the Jacobite rebellion. 

The property is located by the village of Glamis in Angus and has hosted the likes of recent royals, including Queen Elizabeth and her daughter Princess Margaret, who was born there.

If this castle may seem familiar to you, it may be that you’ve heard its name in the famous Shakespearian play, Macbeth, as his home. However, the fortress bears no connection to the historical figure the play is based on. It is now the home of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and is open to the public. The castle is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm daily, and tickets and events at the castle can be booked here.

Dunrobin Castle

The spectacular Dunrobin Castle, located in the Highlands of Scotland, is one of the most famous Scottish castles and looks like it’s been plucked straight out of the pages of a storybook. 

Its gleaming white stone structure with round turrets and blue-tiled roofs proudly overlook the Highlands and Moray Firth below, painting a picture of how grand Dunrobin Castle really is. It is the most northerly castle in Scotland and the largest in the Northern Highlands. 

The castle overlooks its spectacular adjoining gardens, filled with fountains, lily ponds, and pristinely trimmed hedgerows which all only add to the greatness of this glorious stately home. Visitors from all over the world flock to Dunrobbin to witness its magnificence for themselves, and as one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back as far as the early 1300s, the property has its fair share of history to tell. The castle is open annually from the 1st of April until the 31st of October from 11 am until 4 pm daily. Details of ticket prices can be gained here. 

It is worth mentioning that all ticket prices include entry into the castle, its museum, gardens, and even the onsite falconry, where visitors can enjoy the ancient art of falconry alongside the castle’s resident Falconer.

Culzean Castle

The grand Culzean Castle is a castle in Scotland that you really won’t want to miss. Now owned by the National Trust, the opulent fort overlooks the Firth of Clyde and is located on the West Coast of Scotland near Maybole, with a backdrop of conifers and beech-rich woodland in its 260-acre estate.

The property was designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century and features some beautiful masterpieces inside crafted by Adam himself, including the beautiful oval staircase – the centrepiece of the property – and many gorgeous antique furnishings and paintings.

There are 39 different buildings and secret follies spread throughout the country park if you exclude the castle, so for those who enjoy exploring, the world is your oyster at this Scottish castle. Those who love meandering through parkland, beaches, and woodland can do so here, walking alongside the bordering cliffs (with many secret coves waiting to be discovered!) which boast fantastic views of the castle from every angle.  

The castle is open from the 2nd of April until the 31st of October from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm daily. You can find more information on opening hours here, and ticket prices here.

Summary

When it comes to castles to visit in Scotland, you’re not short of options. All are worthy of their own mention for their intriguing stories, spectacular architecture, and the significant role they’ve played in Scotland’s history. During your next trip, you should definitely factor in a visit to at least one of these famous castles in Scotland to experience some of the country’s finest attractions.

If you’re looking for accommodation during your next visit to Scotland, our luxurious country house is available to rent in the heart of the Scottish Highlands throughout the year and is close to some of the best castles in Scotland. Learn more and enquire about a holiday here. 

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The accolade of a Michelin star is not an easy one to gain, but you’ll find a number of Michelin star restaurants in Scotland, centred in its large, foodie cities and even its rural islands. So, if it’s fine dining you’re looking for when you next visit Scotland, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience at any of the country’s Michelin-starred eateries.  But which, you ask, are the best?

We’ve recommended the 7 best Michelin star restaurants in Scotland so that you can experience the best fine dining that the country has on offer during a gastronomic journey of discovery.

Cail Bruich – Glasgow

In 2021, the Glasgow-based restaurant Cail Bruich was awarded a Michelin star, which made it the first restaurant in the city in nearly two decades to have been given the prestigious award. 

The restaurant’s head chef from 2020, Lorna McNee, is the first solo female chef to be awarded a Michelin star in Glasgow and helped the restaurant gain the accolade in just over five months. 

Serving seasonal, high-quality British produce in a contemporary dining atmosphere, the name of the restaurant literally translates to ‘to eat well’, portraying its values and philosophy. Its head chef’s tasting menu alters based on the Scottish seasons, changing in line with the available local and sustainable ingredients. They even have their own kitchen garden where they source many ingredients that are incorporated into the menu.

Located in Glasgow’s buzzing West End, the restaurant is open on Wednesday from 7-12 pm, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12-4:30 pm and 7 pm-12 am.

The Kitchin – Edinburgh

Brought to you by the incredible mind of Tom Kitchin, the country’s youngest winner of a Michelin Star, The Kitchin is one of the Michelin star restaurants in Scotland that you should definitely add to your list. 

Tom hones French techniques using the finest Scottish ingredients to create memorable dishes for his guests. The philosophy behind the restaurant is to create dishes that reflect their passion for the freshest and finest seasonal Scottish produce – from nature to plate. 

You’ll find the Kitchin in a converted whisky warehouse in the centre of Edinburgh on the Leith waterfront offering a modern and contemporary dining experience, making it all the more experiential and distinctive. 

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays but is open Tuesday to Saturday for a lunch sitting from 12-2:30 p, and an evening sitting from 6-10 pm. Its prime location in the centre of the capital makes it an accessible and convenient stop-off point if you’re looking for some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in Scotland.

The Peat Inn – Fife

The Peat Inn could be considered the father of Scotland’s Michelin star scene. Having gained the country’s first Michelin star in the 1980s, it has been a thriving and popular restaurant in Scotland ever since. 

The restaurant has remained listed since gaining its Michelin accreditation some 40 years ago, and was taken over in 2006 by husband and wife team Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle. Geoffrey is the head chef, and makes the most of the fantastic produce on offer in their beautiful region, sourcing only the finest ingredients for their guests. 

The Peat Inn perfectly encapsulates charming living and dining in a small country home, creating a down-to-earth and intimate atmosphere. A few steps out of the restaurant, you’ll find The Residence – luxury accommodation across eight suites for guests to reside in as they explore the surrounding region of Fife and the local St Andrews. 

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays but is open the rest of the week, with a lunch sitting from 12:30-2 pm, and an evening sitting from 6:30-9 pm.

The Cellar – Anstruther

A firm favourite when it comes to fine dining, The Cellar could be argued to be one of the most phenomenally located Michelin star restaurants in Scotland, or even the UK. 

The restaurant was previously a cooperage and smokehouse and sits overlooking the North Sea in the lovely seaside town of Anstruther. Dining here is a homely and warming experience, with exposed wooden beams and a wood-burning fire creating an inviting atmosphere for its guests.

The restaurant has one Michelin star and offers a tasting menu, the most intriguing aspect of which is that the dishes are garnished and inventively created with ingredients foraged from the local coastline and countryside, making for a thoughtful and carefully crafted culinary experience. The restaurant is open from 6-9 pm on Wednesdays and 12-9 pm Thursdays to Sundays.

Loch Bay – Isle of Skye

The lochan at the house is stocked with trout and guests are very welcome to try Loch Bay is a popular Michelin star restaurant in Scotland, but you won’t find it located on the mainland. Situated in Stein on the Isle of Skye, the eatery serves traditional Scottish Highland cuisine. You’ll also find seafood that can’t get much more local from the Isle itself, as well as more varied menus, all with a French twist added by the restaurant’s Chef Michael Smith.

The restaurant holds one Michelin star and offers an intimate and cosy interior hosting up to 18 guests at any one time. The most iconic menu is the ‘Skye Fruits de Mer’. Honouring the phenomenal Skye seafood on offer, it showcases locally caught fish and shellfish from the waters and loch around the isle. 

The 18th-century fishing village of Stein, designed by Thomas Telford, is a picturesque settlement with quaint white-painted houses, adding to the homely feel of a visit to experience some of the best fine dining in Scotland. The restaurant is open from 6:30-10:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Restaurant Martin Wishart – Edinburgh

Located in the historic port of Leith in the heart of Edinburgh city, the one Michelin star Restaurant Martin Wishart offers modern European cuisine that incorporates the highest-quality Scottish sourced ingredients with classical French techniques. 

Edinburgh-born Martin Wishart is the master behind the restaurant. He has gradually gained the reputation of one of the most respected chefs in the UK and has trained under some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including the likes of Marco Pierre White and Michel Roux Jr. 

His passion for high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced comes from his love for his home, which he shares with all of his guests when carefully crafting his innovative dishes amalgamated from the best of Scotland’s produce and French culinary craftsmanship.

The restaurant is perfectly situated on the idyllic shore of Leith waters and is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12-1:30 pm for a daytime sitting and 7-9 pm for an evening sitting, with this being 6:30-9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie – Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder

Located at the Gleneagles Hotel in the charming town of Auchterarder, you’ll find Restaurant Andrew Fairlie. Taking the title as the only Michelin star restaurant in Scotland with two stars, the eatery offers discreet, evening-only private dining hosted in the 5-star Gleneagles hotel.

Set within the beautiful scenery of the Perthshire countryside, the world-renowned Gleneagles offers 850 acres in one of Scotland’s most phenomenal locations and can be easily accessed either by car or train within an hour from Glasgow and 1-2 hours from Edinburgh. 

Guests should expect thought and creativity when it comes to the uniquely crafted dishes on the menu, and the recent refurbishments of the restaurant’s interior contribute to its comfortable and sumptuous ‘salon’ atmosphere. 

On the menu, you’ll find an array of fresh seafood dishes, as well as high-quality meat options including veal and lamb and classic vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is open from 6:30-10 pm 6 days a week from Mondays to Saturdays.

Summary

When it comes to fine dining in Scotland, you’re spoilt for choice. With eateries boasting a passion for local and quality produce and honing years of experience fine-tuning culinary techniques and expertise, these Michelin star restaurants in Scotland are on the top of our list as some of the best restaurants that the country has to offer.
If you’re looking for accommodation during your next visit to Scotland, our luxurious country house is available to rent in the heart of the Scottish Highlands throughout the year. Learn more and enquire about a holiday here.

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The area of Gleneagles is probably best known for the famous Gleneagles Hotel.  Situated in the heart of Perthshire, in Central Scotland, it is a superb location for visitors to Scotland to explore and enjoy everything on offer. 

Gleneagles Hotel

The Gleneagles Hotel has exceptionally comfortable bedrooms and suites to stay in and offers several different dining experiences for guests including the Michael Fairlie Restaurant which is the only restaurant in Scotland to hold 2 Michelin stars.  There is also a whole host of outdoor activities to enjoy from traditional country pursuits to golf (on one of the three top golf courses in Scotland).  There is an equestrian school, cycling, hiking and walking, gun dog training, a ferret school, the British School of Falconry and off-road driving amongst other activities on offer.  If you’re looking for some peace and tranquility there is also the Spa & Wellness Centre to relax and wind down in after an action packed day. Gleneagles also has a fascinating history that is well worth taking a look at.

Auchterarder House is just 5 minutes drive away from the Gleneagles Hotel and for guests of Auchterarder they can enjoy many of the facilities on offer at there.  However, there are many other activities which can be enjoyed in the Gleneagles area or on site at Auchterarder House, many of which are listed here.

Do it Outdoors

If you’re looking for fun and wild outdoor activities, this is the place to go (although they will come to Auchterarder House).  They can organise axe throwing, bushcraft courses, archery, camp cook outs, fly fishing instruction and eco team building events.  It doesn’t matter what age you are.

Skydiving Strathallan

Near Gleneagles is Strathallan Airfield.  Why not test your nerves and try skydiving from 10,000 feet with the Scottish Parachute Club?  They provide a safe and professional environment in which to try out a skydive and enjoy the fabulous views as you drop towards the earth.  Completely exhilarating!  10 minutes drive from Auchterarder House.

Bicycling

We can hire bikes for everyone and have them delivered to Auchterarder House for you to enjoy during your stay.  There are lots of great roads and tracks to enjoy nearby.

Fishing

The lochan at the house is stocked with trout and guests are very welcome to try their luck.  There is also trout fishing on the slightly larger, Lindores Loch nearby which is fun for guests of all ages as well as Orchill Trout Fishery which is just 20 minutes away.  Boats and tackle can be hired by the day and you can take a picnic.  If guests are keen to do some salmon fishing, the River Tay is just 30 minutes drive from Auchterarder.

Scone Palace

Visiting Scone Palace offers an exciting and colourful history for those interested in Scotland’s past.  Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts.  Since then it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.  There is an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings and rare artefacts and the grounds are well known throughout the world.  There is plenty for children to do including the wonderful ‘tartan’ Murray Star Maze. 

White Water Rafting

Just one hour away from Auchterarder is Aberfeldy where guests can do white water rafting which can include just gentle rides or a full-on water adventure.

The Isle of May

Guests can take a boat from the village of Anstruther to see the puffins on the Isle of May.  A one hours drive to Anstruther and a fun excursion.

Glamis Castle

The childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, Glamis Castle is a magical place to visit, not least because of the centuries of Royal connections.  Just one hours drive from Auchterarder House.

The House of Bruar

An extraordinarily popular retail spot in the middle of the Scottish Highlands.  There is a fabulous food hall full of local delicacies and other foodie delights as well as beautiful tweeds, woollens, designer clothes and gifts.  Local crafts are on display from talented craftsmen/women and there is a café as well as some of the best fish and chips.

Off-road Driving

This can be organised locally and is great fun for guests with an adventurous streak and those looking for a challenge.

If you’re interested in visiting Gleneagles but don’t wish to stay on their grounds, take a look at staying in our luxury private manor house in the Scottish Highlands. Get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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Gleneagles Hotel was first opened in 1924 and because of the beauty of it’s location was described as a ‘Riviera in the Highlands’. The General Manager of the Caledonian Railway Company was a man called Donald Matheson and he so loved the area around Gleneagles that he decided to build a huge hotel with a golf course. In 1913 Gleneagles Ltd was founded and construction of the hotel began but then the project stopped for a while and work resumed again in 1922. However in 1919 James Braid the 5 times Open Championship was hired to design Kings & Queen’s courses in the grounds. In those days this was done by manual labour and using horse & cart converting very rough ground into 2 beautiful courses, which opened 5 years before the hotel.

The early years of Gleneagles Hotel

In 1921, Gleneagles was honoured to host the 1^st international match between America and Britain in a match which later became the Ryder Cup. In 1923 the Caledonian Railway Company became part of another rail company called LMS and work on the hotel progressed with a grand opening in 1924. This was a huge deal for Scotland and the media got very excited calling the hotel “the eighth wonder of the world”. There was a huge gala ball which was broadcast on the BBC with bandleader Henry Hall performing. By 1930 the hotel was a very fashionable place to stay and a well- known playground for leisured classes. Sadly in 1939 the hotel had to close when World War II was declared and the Gleneagles Hotel was used as a military hospital and later a miner’s rehabilitation centre. When the hotel finally re-opened in 1950 the chefs had to cope with rationing but it yet again became a popular summer destination for high society clientele in post war Britain.

Important events at Gleneagles Hotel

The hotel hosted many important events and in 1977 Commonwealth leaders met to plan their sporting boycott of South Africa and sign what became the Gleneagles Agreement to try and stop the apartheid regime. In 1982 the hotel started to operate year-round for the first time and a spa was opened (in what used to be the garage).  In 1985 the Jackie Stewart Shooting School and the Mark Phillips Equestrian Centres were opened providing guests with yet more facilities. These were the first of their kind and big draws for the hotel, as was the British school of falconry in 1992. A 3^rd golf course was added in 1993 when the legendary Jack Nicklaus designed the Monarch’s Course which went on to become the PGA Centenary Course. The quality of golf at Gleneagles is exceptional and all the courses are truly beautiful and a massive selling point for the hotel which hosts many prestigious tournaments including in 2022 the Seniors Open. The Ryder Cup and The Solheim Cup have also been held at Gleneagles. No other hotel in Europe has achieved this.

Food at Gleneagles Hotel

On the culinary front, fame came with the arrival of Andrew Fairlie in 2002. Although Andrew has now sadly died, his restaurant remains Scotland’s only two-star Michelin venue. 2005 was another very important year for the hotel with the G8 summit, which was a massive event for Scotland and the Queen hosted a famous state dinner prepared by Andrew Fairlie and the hotel’s Glendevon Room became the main meeting room. The spa was hugely upgraded in 2008 and added on 18 treatment rooms winning all sorts of awards for its excellence. The golf club house also got a huge upgrade in 2011 and the Dormy was created providing a super new bar and grill, with a lovely terrace for pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner cigars.

Gleneagles Hotel in recent years

In 2015 the hotel was sold by Diageo the drinks conglomerate, to Ennismore, a London company that operates high-end hospitality venues here and abroad. Very excitingly for the hotel, they embarked on a massive refurbishment programme at Gleneagles which was much needed. They also opened 3 new bars, 3 new restaurants, an afternoon tea lounge, children’s adventure areas, a beauty lodge and a huge upgrade of all the bedrooms & suites which had got a little tired but which now look super. The hotel is in very good shape indeed! A new private events wing Ochil House was opened in 2018 offering an incredibly stylish venue for meetings or private events. This would be a lovely spot for a party and the staff at all these different hotel venues are excellent. This is a very well-run hotel with exceptionally high standards. Gleneagles is world renowned and regarded as one of the finest hotels in the World. There is a shopping arcade and the hotel sort of has everything. There are so many different activities on offer now from falconry to ferreting, you could happily spend a few days there and never leave the estate.

If you’re interested in visiting Gleneagles but don’t wish to stay on their grounds, take a look at staying in our luxury private manor house in the Scottish Highlands. Get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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Scotland being the home of golf, is where golfers from all over the world head to play on some of the finest ‘links’ courses.  Links courses are built on sand and although not unique to Scotland, we have the most famous and respected links courses, some dating back 300 years.  The Kingdom of Fife is where it all started when some folk in St Andrews decided to convert an old rabbit farm owned by Strathtyrum Estate into the world’s first golf course.  The Royal & Ancient soon emerged and thereafter all over the country wonderful links courses were built and golf became the summer pursuit of the gentry.  As the popularity of the sport spread around the world, players soon flocked to Scotland to play a few of our ancient and very challenging courses, many with a large selection of nasty and strategically placed bunkers!  Fortunately, with over 300 golf courses available, guests can play on whatever level of course suits their level of play or handicap, as the game officially calls it.

Best Golf Courses in Fife

Fife, as mentioned, is where it all started.  St Andrews soon became THE golf town and is about to host the 150^th Open on the famous ‘old course’. There are now 5 further courses wrapped around the town’s coastline, which from May to October are booked solid with guests from all over the world.  A four-ball tees off every 3 minutes from each course and the R&A is now one of the most powerful sporting organisations in the world. Seven miles outside the town is the much-admired Kingsbarns Golf Course, first founded in 1793.  Then later, under the inspiration of Lady Erskine of Cambo, it was re-established in 1922, where it has been much enjoyed by guests ever since.  The course is one of the top 100 golf courses in the world and hosts the Alfred Dunhill links championship.  Scotland and Ireland have 28 of the world’s top 100 courses.  America has 45 but theirs are private clubs whereas ours are public courses, which everyone can access.  Just along the coast are the stunning fishing villages of East Neuk, where you will also find some wonderful courses including Elie, Crail and Anstruther.  Inland is the beautiful Ladybank Course, which has wonderful open fairways and pretty woodland areas.  They use this course as a venue for players to qualify for the Open.  Across the border in Perthshire are the 2 famous championship golf courses at Gleneagles Hotel & Resort, which is Scotland’s most luxurious golf hotel and a stunning venue.  Then in the other direction beyond Dundee and into Angus you find the world famous Carnoustie Championship Golf Course and Hotel, where they also periodically host the Open.

Take a look at some of our other favourite golf courses in Fife here.

Best Golf Courses in East Lothian

From Fife, if you head south or as the crow flies head straight across the Firth of Forth, you reach East Lothian and another major of world-famous golf courses including Muirfield.  Along with Augusta, Muirfield is probably the grandest golf club in the world and where the recently deceased Duke of Edinburgh was the club president.  Other wonderful courses on this stretch of coastline are North Berwick, Luffness, Dunbar, Archerfield and Gullane.  There are 11 famous courses within a few miles of each other and with easy access to Edinburgh, this is a hugely important part of Scotland’s golf heritage.  North Berwick is a personal favourite with wonderful views of Bass rock and attractive town houses nestled beside the course.  Scots used to come to these small towns for their summer holidays but many people now live here year round and enjoy a splendid lifestyle with so much on offer and a very good train service into Edinburgh.  Royal Musselburgh Golf Club is another splendid course and I think the county has a total of 22 courses for players of all levels to choose from along the 30 miles of stunning East Lothian coastline.

Best Golf Courses in Ayrshire

Across the other side of Scotland is the county of Ayrshire which sits just below Glasgow.  Here you will find another clutch of the great Scottish golf courses including Turnberry (owned by Donald Trump), Western Gailes, Prestwick and Troon.  There are 50 courses to choose from including 3 championship courses and 5 of the UK’s top 100 golf courses, so plenty of choice.  The Ayrshire coastline is rugged and players face some very challenging rounds, especially when the wind is blowing in off the Atlantic.  Bunkers galore and some long par 5 holes sharpen up golfers’ skills and make that hearty dinner with plenty of whisky back at the hotel even more special as you digest the days play.  Ayrshire born Sam Torrance OBE having won 21 tournaments over 3 decades went on to become one of Europe’s most beloved Ryder Cup captains and led them to victory at the Belfry.  As Jack Nicklaus famously said “When the Open is in Scotland there’s something really special about it” and at Turnberry and Troon, Ayrshire has hosted its fair share of amazing Opens and other major tournaments.

Best Golf Courses in Aberdeenshire and Beyond

From here golfers need to head north to Aberdeenshire where there are 50 courses both inland and many that hug the coastline like the stunning Cruden Bay.  Along the coast there is the wonderful Royal Aberdeen (the 6^th oldest course in the world) and many others including Murcar, where Paul Lawrie started his career, Ballater, Fraserburgh and Trump International Golf Links on the old Menie Estate.  Cruden Bay is a personal favourite as it is so beautiful, challenging, quirky and many others consider it simply a masterpiece.  From here you can hug the Aberdeenshire coastline and head for Inverness and then after you have crossed the Black Isle you soon come to Dornoch which has Skibo Castle on its outskirts.  This is where Andrew Carnegie set up home when he retired and installed a bathroom for every bedroom, a first at the time!  However, for golfers the big excitement in this pretty town is being able to play at the famous Royal Dornoch golf club.  Overlooking the Dornoch Firth and formed in 1877, this course offers golfers an extremely challenging course but in a very friendly and relaxed environment.  Fantastically comfortable accommodation can be offered next door at the Links house and the town of Dornoch has a number of good restaurants.  If you have the energy to keep heading north, just up from here is the wonderful championship links course at Brora, which has what is considered one of golf course designer James Braid’s finest creations.  A stunningly beautiful course with just the right balance of challenging holes combined with a lot of fun. This is a great place to finish your Scottish golfing journey!!

If you’re interested in playing one of these incredible golf courses whilst visiting Auchterarder and staying in our luxury private manor house in the Scottish Highlands, get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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Perthshire is a fabulous county to base yourself whilst in Scotland, as it lies right in the centre of the country allowing easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and the Highlands. The county is also very pretty with lovely glens, the mighty River Tay, famous for its salmon fishing and home to a lot of grand stately homes & manor houses to rent.  Many of the top aristocratic families have their main home in Perthshire, which means guests can visit some wonderful castles, houses and gardens, which are all filled with treasures and fun to explore. The central town of Perthshire is Perth, which in its heyday, was a rather smart one where the local ladies of the county went to do their shopping.  Much of that glamour has transferred to Edinburgh and Perth is now slightly forlorn, although there are still hints of its former stature in some of the old buildings.

Aberfeldy & Meikleour

There are many other villages and small towns in the area which are very attractive, like Aberfeldy, with its bustling high street.  Meikleour is another attractive village with a charming village pub and also the tallest yew hedge in the world, planted long ago by the Marquis of Lansdowne to conceal their grand country house.  The rolling landscapes and hilly glens remind a lot of guests of the English county of Wiltshire or the American state of Pennsylvania.  It has a feeling of big open areas and wonderful vistas across rolling farmland.  The county is famous for its fruit and jam making. You will pass a lot of students picking strawberries & raspberries in the summer months and of course, Dundee across the border in Fife is the home of marmalade, created by Scottish grocer James Robertson in 1864.

Whisky Distilleries in Perthshire

Perthshire has a mass of famous distilleries for guests to enjoy and our favourite is Edradour which is located just above Pitlochry and is the smallest distillery in Scotland.  They do a really fun tour and it’s got a great shop & tasting room, plus there’s a good pub just down the hill for lunch. Other famous distillery names in the area are Aberfeldy, Blair Athol, Deanston, Tullibardine, Glenturret, Strathearn and Dalwhinnie.  Dewars Distillery, on the outskirts of Aberfeldy and built in the 1890s is another very popular distillery to visit and they have various different tours depending on your level of interest.  I find non-whisky fanatics like to slip off to the Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett, who is just down the road.  His hot chocolate is amazing and it’s impossible to leave without spending a fortune on his award-winning truffles. Chocolate and whisky actually go rather well together and Dalwhinnie Distillery do a tasting where they pair the two.

If you would like us to book you in on a distillery tour whilst renting our luxury stately home in the Scottish Highlands, click here to contact us.

Stately Homes & Gardens in Perthshire

Perthshire has some wonderful stately homes to visit, the most famous being Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish Kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.  It has an incredible history going back 1500 years to when it was the capital of the Picts and the palace is stuffed with artefacts.  Another hugely popular castle to visit is Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Clan Murray and for over 7 centuries their chieftain the Duke of Atholl.  The castle is very impressive and there is a 9 acre walled garden and a grove of tall & exotic conifers.  It is a fun place for guests of all ages.  Pitlochry next door has some quite good shops and plenty of places to eat.  It is a great walking area and a lot of guests stop by for a snack or to buy some new walking boots.  Branklyn Garden on the outskirts of Perth is a bit of a hidden gem and well worth a visit.  It’s a 2 acre botanical garden and is a bit of an oasis with seeds planted from all over the world.  Cluny House Gardens is another wee gem and the formal gardens at Drummond Castle are absolutely stunning and were featured in the Liam Neeson movie ‘Rob Roy’.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to actually stay in a stately home, click here to take a look at our very own Auchterarder house which is a country house you can rent in the Scottish Highlands.

Exploring the outdoors in Perthshire

Another reason Perthshire is a joy to visit is for the plethora of amazing walks it offers. You can walk along the side of a river, through a forest, up a glen or across moorland. Whatever takes your fancy! There are excellent maps to assist and some well laid out walks for guests who are walking close to towns like Auchterarder. The Hermitage National Forest, the Birks of Aberfeldy, Faskally Forest, Kinnoull Woodland Park, the Linn of Tummel, the Falls of Bruar and the Adblair Trail are just some that spring to mind.  We can arrange guides, picnics or suggest pubs & inns to stop off at on your walks.  There is also gorge walking and all sorts of water activity available like kayaking and white water rafting at Aberfeldy.  This area is a joy for exploring the great outdoors and our drivers can drop you off at a myriad of locations and then collect you when you have finished. Sometimes a quick visit to the House of Bruar afterwards is a good place to stock up on goodies or to have a delicious slice of cake and some tea.

Villages & Towns of Perthshire

Perthshire has 6 main towns Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl, Kinloch Rannoch and Auchterarder and all offer a mass of exploring. The latter has the added advantage of being 5 minutes from Gleneagles Hotel, Spa and Resort which is one of the finest hotels in Europe and offers not only wonderful golf but a lot of other fantastic activities and a selection of amazing dining experiences. Perthshire has it all and is unsurprisingly one of the most popular counties in Scotland.

If you’re interested in visiting Perthshire and staying in our luxury private manor house, get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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Auchterarder is a town in Perthshire in Central Scotland, 14 miles south west of the city of Perth. This lovely village has the longest main street in Scotland, which runs for over a mile, thus giving it the nickname ‘Lang Toon’.  Auchterarder is home to the world-famous 5-star Gleneagles Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort, which includes three fantastic golf courses and a myriad of fun activities for its guests and visitors to enjoy.

The Surrounding Area

Auchterarder is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.  Looking across from the steep sided glens of the Ochil Hills across the broad Strath or wide valley of the River Earn, Auchterarder is set amongst some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. There are rolling fields and woodlands that head south towards Glen Eagles (derived from Gaelic meaning church or pass).  It is the natural beauty of this area and the spectacular views that were the inspiration for Gleneagles Hotel which was built in 1924.  The area has a plethora of challenging golf courses including Whitemoss, Aberuthven and Dunning as well as the famous golfing experiences on offer at Gleneagles Hotel itself. 

Gleneagles Railway Station, originally called Crieff Junction, opened in 1856 and is the nearest railway station for the residents of Auchterarder. For those traveling by road, connections between Stirling and Perth were improved in 1983 when the main road (A9) bypassed Auchterarder and Aberuthen.  Edinburgh International Airport is the closest airport to Auchterarder being just 27 miles away and Glasgow International Airport is 40 miles away. There is also the much smaller Dundee Airport which serves the Highlands and Islands and is only 28 miles away. In July 2005, UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, hosted the G8 summit of world leaders at Gleneagles Hotel.  The town continues to grow and currently has over 5000 inhabitants and many small businesses based around its high street.

Where does the Name ‘Auchterarder’ come from?

The name “Auchterarder” derives from the Gaelic words uachdar, ard, and dobhar; meaning ‘well-watered place on a high ridge.’  The motto of the town is ‘A city set on a hill cannot be hid’ which is part of the association’s logo. 

The History of Auchterarder

The history of Auchterarder goes back many centuries.  The medieval Church of St Mechessock of Ochterardouer was granted to the monastery of Inchaffray in 1200.  It was one of the churches given to the monastery by Gilbert, Earl of Strathearn, on the occasion of its refoundation as an Augustinian priory and in memory of the Strathearn’s first-born son, Gilchrist.  All that is left of the priory today is a mound of earth and some walls. 

In the Middle Ages, Auchterarder was famous for its ‘100 drawbridges’, a description of the many narrow walkways leading from the road level across wide gutters to the doorsteps of houses.  During the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1716, the town of Auchterarder was burnt to the ground by the Jacobite Army as they retreated back to Perth.  The battle took place on 13th November 1715 between the Jacobite Army of James II (VII of Scotland) and the Hanoverian Army of George I. The Jacobites had as many as 8000 – 1200 men while the Hanoverian Army was about a third of this at around 3500 men.  Auchterarder was rebuilt soon after the battle but it remained small as it wasn’t on any of the important military roads that were being built in Perthshire. 

In 1834 the parish of Auchterarder was the scene of one of the first disputes that gave rise to the Disruption of 1843 when the church congregation refused to accept the minister nominated by the land owner. The controversy over the selection of the parish minister would eventually ultimately lead to the 1843 schism within the Church of Scotland. The remains of the old parish church – the tower – were renovated in 2000.  Auchterarder became one of the first towns in Scotland to build its own independent Free Church, indeed appearing to pre-empt the Disruption so that it was completed in 1843 as soon as the Free Church formally came into existence. 

The town gained Royal Burgh status back in 1200 although today, little of the original Burgh remains and most development took place after the 18th Century. Auchterarder is now a well visited stop for those travelling from and to Highland Perthshire and is known for the quality of its variety and quality of its small cafes and shops.

Industry in Auctherarder

From 1760-1780 linen weaving, a dye works and a paper mill were established in the town and the railway arrived in 1848.  The new Auchterarder town then became an important element of the growing handloom industry and thus a thriving textile town.  Its ruined castle, Auchterarder Castle, was said to be the hunting lodge of Malcolm III in the 11th century.  Edward I is thought to have stayed there in 1296 during his invasion of Scotland. In 1328, Robert the Bruce gave the town of Auchterarder to the Montifex family, who later passed it on to the Drummonds as part of a dowry.

Historical places to visit near Auchterarder

There are many historical places of interest to visit throughout the Auchterarder District.  Auchterarder is situated near Pictish forts, Roman roads, Celtic chapels and Benedictine abbeys.  For those book lovers, Innerpeffray Library is Scotland’s oldest surviving public library and well worth a visit.  The small village of Braco, just 20 minutes drive from Auchterarder, is close to the ancient Ardoch Roman Camp which guards the approach to the Antonine Wall.  Before you arrive at Braco, you will find Tullibardine Chapel which is a fine example of a 15^th Century church.  At Dunning there is a 12^th Century Norman tower, St Serf Church which stands out in this small but charming village.  A monument to Maggie Wall, who was supposedly burnt at the stake in 1657 for being a witch is also to be found near Auchterarder.

The City of Perth is only 14 miles away and has Georgian buildings, museums, galleries, shops, cafes and many other things to see and do as well.

If you’re interested in visiting Auchterarder and staying in our luxury private manor house, get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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Located in the heart of Scotland, Auchterarder is brilliantly placed for exploring much of the country. Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews are all within easy reach of the house and the Highlands are not far away, so Auchterarder house is a wonderful place to act as your base.

Spend the day at Gleneagles Hotel

If golf is a game you enjoy, the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel is located just 5 minutes from the house. With its King’s, Queen’s and PGA Centenary courses the hotel offers amazing golf and a whole host of other activities which include air rifle shooting, archery, carriage driving, clay shooting, cycling, e-rider adventure, falconry, ferrets, fishing, game shooting, guided hill walking, gundog training, horse riding, lawn games, off-roading, pashleys, polo, salmon fishing, tennis, trail rides, tree climbing, wildlife photography and zip wires. There is also a great spa, gym and indoor swimming pool. Gleneagles also has a fascinating history that is well worth exploring.

Explore Auchterarder’s Scenic Walking Routes & Cycling Paths

There are many outdoor activities available in Auchterarder and walking and cycling are very popular activities. Comprising 7 main routes around the town, the Auchterarder network of paths offers more than 50 miles of routes for walkers & cyclists. The Sma Glen, Glen Quaich and Glen Lyon are three of the most spectacular Scottish walking areas and are close to Auchterarder for walkers of all levels. People looking for more adventurous country walks can head to Ben Lawers, Schiehallion and Tarmachan Ridge which provide some of the higher and more technical mountain walks in Scotland. For those that attempt these walks the rewards are amazing, with fantastic views of the highlands and surrounding Perthshire landscapes. For a more leisurely stroll, especially with kids in tow, the gentle pathways around Loch Tay and Loch Earn will provide plenty of opportunities to appreciate the wonderful countryside.

The countryside surrounding Gleneagles offers a fantastic choice of riverside walks and woodland trails. Head for the Hermitage’s iconic trees, water pools and roaring falls just forty minutes from the hotel and follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth and Mendelssohn, who drew creative inspiration from the area’s dramatic landscape.  This patch of forest owned by the National Trust for Scotland, was originally designed as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl and is most spectacular in mid-autumn when the trees are ablaze with colour. The perfect walk for all the family is this easy woodland circular route which takes around 2½ hours. There are also a number of quaint dog-friendly pubs nearby, including the Taybank, which is renowned for its cosy atmosphere.

Enjoy the attractions in the town of Auchterarder

Near Auchterarder and in the most tranquil and rural spot is one of the most popular attractions in Auchterarder, the library at Innerpeffray, which was Scotland’s first free public lending library founded in 1680.  Used by people from the local community until 1968 you can still read the rare books in its diverse collection and trace the families who took the time to cross the fields in pursuit of knowledge, education and fun. You can wander through the graveyard to the medieval St Mary’s Chapel of Innerpeffray to view some rare wall paintings and experience the timeless atmosphere and beautiful acoustics. A Roman road passes through Innerpeffray and the cutting from the river ford is still visible today.  On the far bank the land rises to an important landmark in Auchterarder history, the site of Strageath Fort, a well known staging post and supply depot for the Romans during their time in Scotland. Innerpeffray School was founded at the same time as the Library and was operational until 1947.  The staff at the library are incredibly friendly and will bring the place to life for you, showing off rare books and letting children explore any subject that might interest them.

There are also several restaurants in Auchterarder including The Strathearn and Andrew Fairlie’s Restaurants at Gleneagles Hotel which are well worth enjoying. For those who love golf there is Auchterarder Golf Club which is renowned for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere and is also one of the top 100 golf courses in Scotland. Just over 20 minutes drive from Auchterarder, and very worthwhile visiting if you enjoy Scottish castles and gardens, is Drummond Castle and it’s stunning formal gardens. For the kids there is also Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre which is 30 minutes drive from Auchterarder and a great day tour once you have visited the various attractions in Auchterarder itself.

Skydiving for the brave

If you enjoy outdoor activities and a healthy dose of adrenaline, Skydive operates at Strathallan Airfield, near the town of Auchterarder.  They are open every weekend, as well as some bank holiday Mondays. Skydive Strathallan is an active operation making around 10000 jumps per year. They cater for regular jumpers as well as training over 1,500 beginners for their first jump per year. This is on either static line courses or tandem skydives. They have around 100 regulars and welcome visiting jumpers. The Scottish Parachute Club, Skydive Strathallan, aims to provide customers with a truly unforgettable experience, enjoyed in an environment founded on safety and professionalism. Their main objective is to facilitate the personal skydiving goals of all who wish to be part of the skydiving family right here in Scotland; founded in 1960, their members offer a warm welcome. President Reagan stayed at Auchterarder House and his successor President George H Bush was a very keen skydiver and took his last jump aged 90.

Visit historic Tullibardine Distillery

Just a few minutes from Auchterarder, Tullibardine Distillery was founded in 1949 on the site of an old brewery, which was said to have brewed ale for King James IV’s coronation back in 1488. The brewery itself dated back to the 12th century, so it’s fair to say that the site has had an incredibly long brewing and distilling history. Named for Tullibardine Moor, the distillery draws its water from the Danny Burn and lies to the south-west of Blackford. The area is renowned for the purity of its water and Highland Spring is bottled locally. Queen Helen, the wife of King Magnus of Alba, drowned in a ford after falling from her horse not far from the town and Blackford was named after her tragic death. After being bought by Invergordon in 1971 Tullibardine’s stills capacity was increased from two to four. Two decades later, Invergordon was acquired by Whyte and Mackay and a year later the whisky distillery was shut down. In December of 2003 the distillery was put back into production following the June acquisition of Tullibardine and they now produce 2.5 million litres of whisky per annum. They welcome visitors for tours and have a café. If drinking Scotch whisky and visiting whisky distilleries is something of interest, this is something that we can arrange for you when staying at Auchterarder House.

Experience the tranquillity of the Japanese Garden at Cowden

Also near Auchterarder is the Japanese Garden at Cowden which is another joy to visit and is so peaceful.  At the turn of the 20th century, Scottish adventurer Ella Christie returned home from a trip to the Orient inspired to build a Japanese garden. She chose a female designer Taki Handa to create the seven acre site in the grounds of Cowden Castle. In so doing, The Japanese Garden at Cowden became the first and only garden of its size and scale to be designed by a woman. Sadly vandalised in the 1960’s, the garden is being brought back to life by Sara Stewart and her team of experts. The restoration is still ongoing and they hope visitors will appreciate being part of the experience of the re-emergence of a unique and internationally important garden, which is unique in Scotland and somewhere you can sit quietly and think about life. For garden lovers there are many other beautiful gardens to visit and enjoy nearby.

Discover all that Crieff Visitor Centre has to offer

Crieff Visitor Centre provides a fascinating insight into the hardships & history of ancient Scottish life. A timeline depicts the stirring and interesting life and times of Crieff and how this was influenced by the relevant history of Scotland. Caithness Glass, based at the Visitor Centre has established a proud tradition of fine glassmaking since 1961 and is still a world leader today in the design and production of groundbreaking abstract glass paperweights.

This is a unique opportunity to see Caithness Glass being handcrafted by a team of skilled craftspeople close up in a studio environment. After watching the glassmakers in action, you can buy some Caithness Glass or explore your creative side and paint your own glass or plate. Glass painting is great fun for all ages, you just need to select a glass and paint your own design in their special painting area.

If you’re interested in visiting Auchterarder and staying in our luxury private manor house, get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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The Kingdom of Fife is world famous as the home of golf.  St Andrews particularly is hallowed ground for the lovers of this ancient sport, founded in 1754 by a group of noblemen, landowners and professors. Originally played on the Old Course overlooked by the Royal & Ancient (R&A) Clubhouse but now there are 7 different courses at St Andrews and just up the road is the incredibly popular Kingsbarns Golf Club. 

1. The Old Course, R & A, St Andrews

The Old Course under the auspices of the R&A is the birthplace of golf as we know it today. The course itself perhaps defines the term “classic links course”.  Just imagine the feeling of teeing off in front of the R&A Clubhouse, to walk the fairways trodden by so many legendary golfers and to return to the Clubhouse as you play the 18th hole. The course is located on a peninsula where the elements have sculptured a course completely different to modern manicured parkland courses. The ground is generally flat but dominated by depressions and undulations.  Besides the sandy ground, there is an abundance of bunkers that can easily trap those long drives required of this course. Instead of doglegs to hide holes, the course has plenty of large mounds covered in coarse grass and heather. Of course, the wide-open spaces and the prevailing sea winds also play an important part of any round. The Old Course is particularly special as it still poses a real challenge to the best golfers in the world.

2. The New Course, St Andrews

The New Course has come to be known as the ‘local’s favourite’ due to the tighter layout and some have argued it to be better than the famous Old Course! This shows that there is something special about the New Course at St Andrews Links. The fairways undulate less but still provide a challenge to golfers with the contour of the hills. The most memorable hole is the par-4, 10th, nestled in between two hills and running through a gorge. The tricky greens are typical of a links course and add to the challenge. Old Tom Morris laid out this golf course in 1895 and it is still considered to be one of the best golf courses in Scotland as well as the UK; it just goes to show that his work is timeless. 

3. Duke’s Golf Course, St Andrews

The Duke’s Golf Course is a championship golf course and has breathtaking views over the beautiful St Andrews coastline as well as the town itself.  The course has 18 holes comprising two loops of 9 holes which gives the club flexibility to adapt the layout for competitions of different formats.  The course suits golfers of every ability as the five separate tee positions at each hole allows for different course lengths.  There are first class facilities available to all players ensuring a most enjoyable time.

4. Eden Golf Course, St Andrews

Now, this is an exciting course to play.  Built by Harry S. Colt in 1914, the Eden Course is full of character and although it is possibly more forgiving than other St Andrews courses, it nevertheless provides an exciting challenge for any player.  The course is an 18 hole course although for December and January it is run as two courses of 9 holes.

5. Jubilee Golf Course, St Andrews

The Jubilee Course, having been built in 1897, originally for ladies and beginners, is now considered by some to be the most challenging course on the famous Links.  In 1988 it was converted to a championship layout because of its spectacular golfing location.

6. Strathtyrum Golf Course, St Andrews

Strathtyrum is situated on the cliffs, a mile to the east of the town.  A new course, having opened in 1993, is a slightly gentler course than some of the other St Andrews courses.  There are 15 bunkers that are very cleverly positioned and require some degree of accuracy in order to avoid being captured by them.  With large greens that have slopes and dips it is still a challenging and fun course to play.

7. Ladybank Golf Club

Ladybank Golf Club is found in the small village bearing the same name in Fife, Scotland, northeast of the Lomond Hills Regional Park. The course, despite being inland, is a fixture in the Top 100 rankings in Scotland. Golf here started as a six-hole course laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1879. In 1910, three holes were added to bring the total to nine. In 1950, the club purchased an additional 144 acres which made it possible to become the 18 hole course it is today.  Known for its Scots pies, heather and silver birch, Ladybank is probably equally famous for its deer and rare red squirrels.  Seventeen years later it would become an Open Championship Final Qualifying venue, a privilege it has had seven times. 

8. Elie Golf Club

Elie Golf Club (or The Golf House Club) as it is better known locally, is arguably one of the oldest golf links in the world. The first mention of play there dates back to the 1770s. The design influences at the Golf House Club are little recorded in fact, though it is widely accepted that Old Tom Morris had the most significant impact on the course. One of the most striking things, when you arrive at Elie, is not immediately the links itself but its starters hut, specifically the 10 meter high periscope that protrudes from the roof. Salvaged from HMS Excalibur in 1966 by a member, the periscope took up residence in the new starter hut in 2014 and provides an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding area, but most usefully, a view of when players have moved out of range over the hill at the first hole!

The course presents a fabulous mix of holes and challenges every facet of shot-making. It’s not a long golf course but it’s challenging. Many of the fairways resemble rollercoasters, with that beautiful links terrain prevalent on every hole. There are numerous locations where the internal out of bounds need to be avoided and many of the greens have very subtle run-off’s, making finding the putting surface very important. A favourite is the short Par four, 7th hole called “Peggie’s.” A drivable hole of only 252 yards, especially with the prevailing wind from behind but with some strategically placed bunkers and unpredictable links bounces; it’s not as straightforward as it seems. The final hole at Elie also presents an excellent finish to your round. This 359yard Par four has out of bounds on the right and again behind and to the left of the green. The tee shot is played on a sliver of a fairway, flanked by two pot-bunkers at about 200yards with the green likewise protected 50 yards short. The good news is, the clubhouse is in sight for a restorative dram after your round.

9. & 10. The Crail Golf Society, Balcomie & Craighead

Formed in 1786, the Crail Golf Society is the 7th oldest golf club in the world and now boasts two fine courses; the established “Balcomie”, predominantly an Old Tom Morris layout from 1895 and the much newer “Craighead” which opened in 1998. Golf was originally played much closer to the pretty fishing village of Crail until new land was bought at the turn of the 20th Century. It is undoubtedly one of the best courses under 6,000 yards.

There are six par-three’s and whilst there are some longer holes, where you can hit long shots, Crail isn’t the sort of place to beat you up. You don’t spend much time looking for golf balls as there is little rough on the compact site and bar a few holes where gorse features it’s a quick course to play without too many obstacles and a lot of fun. 

However, be warned this course is no pushover and with the wind a constant and ever-changing feature, the challenge is enhanced at many of the holes. The Club perhaps sum it up it best on their website when they say, “Created in the days when course design was governed by the natural lie of the land and not the mechanical earth mover. Extraordinary holes abound, along with those which seriously challenge and those which are more comfortable. The sum total is a layout which both enchants and delights, but which also demands and punishes, testing all the skills in a golfer’s armoury. Players who believe Balcomie will be a soft touch, do so at their peril.”

11. Lundin Golf Club

Lundin Golf club – A hidden bit of links land exists on the far south coast of Fife, stretching from the town of Lundin Links to Leven, which used to be a single 18-hole course. A century ago however the club split in two, with each getting nine holes of the existing links. These two courses are now Lundin Golf Club and Leven Links, both Open Final Qualifying courses when held at St. Andrews, and Lundin Golf Club is particularly strong, an interesting mix of links and parkland. The opening hole at Lundin Golf Club, running high above Scotland’s famous Firth of Forth across from Muirfield is one of the most intimidating in Scotland. From there, the next 3 holes at Lundin Golf Club continue down the coast, before arriving at the stone boundary separating Lundin Golf Club from Leven Links. Here, at the “Mile Dyke” which was the line at which the clubs were split in two, Lundin Golf Club turns perpendicular, with a superb short, linksy par-3, before crossing the remnants of the old railroad into the “new” part of the Lundin course, high up on a hill, with impressive views over the Firth. Whereas the first 5 holes at Lundin Golf Club are distinctly links, you now enter some parkland and Lundin has some very interesting holes on this side of the tracks as well. One in particular, the downhill 14th (named “Perfection”) is one of the prettiest in Fife. Finally, you cross back over the tracks and back into the links land and head back towards the Lundin Golf Club clubhouse in a demanding finishing stretch. Guests love the Kingdom of Fife in Scotland for its golf but this stretches far beyond St. Andrews and a day at any of these great courses is a fantastic experience and a bit of golfing history.

If you’re interested in playing one of these incredible golf courses whilst visiting Auchterarder and staying in our luxury private manor house in the Scottish Highlands, get in touch today or make an inquiry here.

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