Viewfield House is on the outskirts of Portree, the ‘capital’ of Skye. It is very like a private house with host Hugh Macdonald treating guests like family friends. He will prepare supper which is served in the dining room beneath family portraits and amidst mementoes from India, or he can recommend eateries in the nearby town.

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Flodigarry Country House Hotel on Skye is at Staffin, on the northeast coast and under the shadow of the Quiraing mountain, with spectacular views over to Wester Ross. Flora Macdonald’s cottage in the grounds has seven of the 18 bedrooms. There is a bar/bistro as well as a formal dining room. Sharks, whales, seals and otters have been seen of the coast.

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Newton Hotel overlooks Nairn Champonship Golf Course. It was said to have been a favourite with Charlie Chaplin , after whom a bistro in the hotel is named. The hotel has recently added the Highland Conference Centre, which can accommodate 300, and also hosts weddings. Near Culloden, the airport, Elgin cathedral and Cawdor Castle.

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Boath House sits in 20 acres of manicured gardens with a lake and woodland. One bedroom is in a cottage in the grounds. Cuisine is exceptional and the six-course dinner quite a formal affair. Rooms are spacious, some bathrooms having two baths. The atmosphere is that of a gracious country house. Service is efficient but unobtrusive.

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Corriegour Lodge Hotel is run by the delightful Christian Drew, who has done much to upgrade the hotel during recent years. The view down Loch Lochy is to die for and cuisine is looked after by award winning chef and son Ian, who will not disappoint. The hotel has traditional public rooms but refurbished pretty bedrooms, some with shower-only bathrooms.

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Craigdarroch Lodge at Lower Foyers on the South (East) side of Loch Ness has striking views and chef/proprietors Martin and Elinor to look after you. This is Lovat country with many well stocked fresh water hill lochs, as well as a waterfall, in the area. The loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre is nearby and Inverness just 30 minutes away.

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Pool House is another splendidly sited small hotel of six suites at Poolewe, near Gairloch, whence the Russian convoys used to depart in the last war. The family scour the world for curios and antiques to put in the suites and have just opened a Chinese Suite. Set dinner Tues-Sat is under the supervision of chef John Moir.

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Eddrachilles Hotel is by Scourie, facing Badcall Bay and the bird sanctuary of Handa Island and with fabulous walks all around. This is one of the wildest areas of the Highlands. Cusine is under the supervision of co-host Martine Flannery with a daily changing menu. There is a wine list of over 70 bins and 120 malt whiskies are available from the bar.

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Forss House Hotel is owned by the former owner of Ackergill Tower. It has 14 spacious bedrooms, some in outbuildings. It is near the Castle of Mey (where HM the late Queen Mother was brought up) and John o’Groats and has great river walks down to the sea and to St Mary’s Chapel.

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Lynnfield Hotel & Restaurant is on the outskirts of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkneys. It has 10 comfortable bedrooms, an award winning restaurant with panoramic views and is next door to the Highland Park Distillery. A good base for visiting Skara Brae, Scapa Flow and the many attractions of the islands.

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