Famous distilleries, ‘lovely walking trails’ and trout-rich lochs are within easy reach of this traditional Scottish country hotel, an Islay fixture for over 150 years. A traditional welcome too. ‘Staff could not have been more helpful or positive,’ writes a reader in 2018. Morrison tartan – the family owns the Islay Estates, including the hotel – carpets the lounge with its open fire and home-baked treats, while Kate’s bar, ‘clearly enjoyed by people other than guests’, has peaty Islay malts, island ales and The Botanist gin, distilled nearby. In the dining room, its wall hung with coastal landscapes, chef Scott Chance’s ‘superb, largely locally sourced’ food has meat and game from the estate, shellfish from the surrounding ocean. A typical dish: medallions of Islay estate venison, venison faggot, truffle croquet, woodland mushroom, parsnip, woodland berry sauce. More casual bites are available in the bar. The light, bright, bedrooms are individually decorated with touches of tartan and florals, all bathrooms have island toiletries; ‘the old, solid walls prevented any noise from other rooms.’ Breakfast includes smoked haddock, poached egg, a Loch Fyne kipper. ‘We hope to return.’