News, awards and what's on
It’s not just the sun that’s shining this summer: we forecast that the Scottish hospitality scene is in for a sizzling time of it over the next couple of months.
In Edinburgh, two Luxury Scotland members have reached the hotspot in luxury travel magazine Forbes Best Hotels list.
Over on the west coast, a fleet of yachts will be stopping by on their last leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman has announced a grand addition to its accommodation, and across the country a flurry of Highland games will soon get underway.
So, without further ado, let’s check in with all the very latest updates…
Forbes fandom for Fingal and Prestonfield
Congratulations to two of our Edinburgh-based Luxury Scotland members: both Fingal and Prestonfield have garnered acclaim in the Forbes-vetted ‘10 Best Hotels in Edinburgh’ list.
Fingal was voted ‘Best Hotel in Edinburgh for Romance’, with the article noting its ‘timeless design’ and ‘enough nooks and crannies for any couple to get lost in.’
Prestonfield, meanwhile, has been declared the ‘Hotel in Edinburgh with the best views’, with the article highlighting its proximity to Edinburgh’s Old Town, the highland cows roaming the grounds and the delights of the Benjamin Franklin suite.
Why not plan your own visit to one of these extraordinary properties and see for yourself?
Tripadvisor users choose Crinan Hotel
Congratulations to Crinan Hotel, who featured as a winner in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
These user-generated awards are based on the reviews and ratings collected throughout the previous year from real users and their experiences - which makes this achievement all the more impressive!
Some like it yacht
For the first time in its 27-year history, the Clipper Round the World Race is coming to Scotland. This thrilling test of endurance sees adventurers race around the world on a 70ft yacht on an eleven-month voyage.
The competitors will make their penultimate stopover of the 40,000 nautical mile race in Oban, Scotland’s seafood capital. The town’s preparing to greet them with a full festival program from 12th -21st July, making it the perfect time for a visit.
And we can’t think of a better place to base your stay than The Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Island, where you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch or dinner at The Deck Restaurant, while soaking up some panoramic vistas. Bliss.
Grand developments for Belmond Royal Scotsman
This June, two new Grand Suites have been added to the Royal Scotsman train, adding even more space and luxury to this iconic experience.
The two new cabins are situated near the front of the train, and feature a double sleeping room, a sitting room decked out in rich Edwardian marquetry and Highland-hued textiles by Araminta Birse-Stewart, and a bathroom with shower.
Relax in your own, private berth as you watch the dramatic hillscapes rush by on this indulgent experience. Summon your personal butler from your cabin, tuck into fine dining or relax with a complimentary spa treatment.
Rest assured, there’ll be plenty of stops along the journey to enjoy a proper Highland fling, including wild swimming, whisky tasting and castle visits.
Let the games begin!
From June until September, an action-packed calendar of Highland games gets underway across the country – and it’s a must-do for any Scottish itinerary.
These outdoor gatherings usually feature a range of traditional Highland sports, including tossing the caber, tug o’ war and the hammer throw – plus plenty of Highland dancing and music. You’ll also be able to sample food, drink and crafts from local producers at the many stalls that pop up on the day.
You can learn more about the Highland games and view a full list of locations and dates on the VisitScotland website.