Glenfinnan House Hotel

There’s a touch of magic and romance on the ‘idyllic’ shores of Loch Shiel, where stands the MacFarlane family’s ‘lovely, traditional’ hotel. It is well managed by Manja and Duncan Gibson. Bedrooms are ‘comfortably furnished’, and have original fittings. Garden-view rooms have an ‘enormous’ spa bath, underfloor heating. ‘As returning guests, we were welcomed with chocolates and a handwritten note – a nice touch.’ ‘The atmosphere is akin to staying in a friend’s Highland home,’ say the hosts, so no room keys, televisions, telephones. (‘We asked for a key, though, and there was no hesitation providing one.’) ‘Roaring’ log fires contribute to ‘the warmth and comfort of the place’; fresh flowers and Jacobite-themed paintings add colour. In the bar and restaurant, classically trained chef Duncan Gibson brings a French twist to the ‘excellent’ Scottish menu (‘some superb daily specials’). Try a ‘hot pot’ of traditional haggis; vegetarian haggis comes with clapshot (mashed potatoes and turnips with chive). Young guests are welcomed: there are children’s menus and indoor and outdoor play areas. (A and EW, Lynn Wildgoose)