On the banks of Loch Faskally, two generations of the McMenemie family run this much-liked Victorian hotel with ‘cheerful efficiency’ and an ‘informal, personable’ air. ‘We loved the all-day spread of coffees, teas and home-made cakes, and later sherry, in the splendid lounges full of comfortable chairs.’ Idle with binoculars and a book of Scottish birds in one of the seating areas; pick up a map to the hotel’s many Scottish artworks: a lesson in art history awaits. Bedrooms are in the main house and several sympathetic extensions. ‘We were so pleased with our large room overlooking the immaculate front lawn and, just beyond, lovely Loch Faskally.’ At dinner, chef Chris Tamblin’s daily-changing Franco-Scottish menu is served ‘in substantial portions, with lashings of potatoes and vegetables’. (Earlier mealtimes, just as enthusiastically attended, are available for guests heading to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre.) In the morning, help yourself from three breakfast buffet tables carrying ‘the greatest range of choices we have ever seen’; an ‘ample variety’ of cooked dishes is served at the table. (AB)