‘The views are stunning’ from Shaun and Jenny McKivragan’s ‘wonderful’ small hotel, in a dramatic setting above Loch Linnhe, with the Morvern mountains beyond. Within the former ferry inn, there’s more that pleases: ‘comfortable bedrooms’, ‘excellent dinners’ and ‘attentive, but not overpowering, service’. ‘We like the personal feel; it was great to see the owners engaging with the guests.’ Traditionally decorated public rooms are hung with original artwork; there are fresh flowers, log fires, tartan armchairs, books to borrow. The bedrooms vary in style, from country house to more contemporary, but each has ‘everything you might need’ – robes and slippers, iced water in silver jugs, a decanter of Whisky Mac. ‘Ours was delightful, with views over the loch and mountains.’ In the candlelit restaurant, chef Chris Stanley’s ‘top-notch cooking’ is served on crisp table linen. Local produce, including ‘the freshest of fish and shellfish’, features in modern dishes such as crab ravioli, shellfish sauce, wild garlic. On a clear day, request a packed lunch and help with bicycle hire, and take the ferry to Lismore – the lucky might spot dolphins or golden eagles along the way. (Susan Sutton, and others). The Airds Hotel is also a member of Pride of Britain hotels.