Drive through the ‘splendid’ wrought iron gates and up a ‘beautifully wooded’ path: in ‘meticulously tended’ grounds stands this ‘impressive’ 19th-century Scottish baronial castle.

A Victorian remodelling of an 18th-century inn, this stone mansion stands tall in a ‘beautiful situation’, with lawns stretching to the loch, and views of Ben Nevis.

The former home of medical pioneer Sir Joseph Lister is anything but clinical today: the modern hotel occupying this 19th-century building, steps from the top of Princes Street, is awash in rich fabrics, bold patterns and ornate mirrors.

‘It’s a spectacular drive’ to this whitewashed manse in an ‘extraordinary setting’ on the west coast of Harris.

The peacocks in the ‘fantastic grounds’ are but a hint of the exotic style of local restaurateur James Thomson’s characterful hotel next to Royal Holyrood Park.

‘We needed a break from our busy day-to-day, and we got it.’

‘Talk about off the beaten track!’ Scott Meikle and Stephanie Graham’s ‘little jewel of a hotel’ stands at the end of the road, amid a vast moorland wilderness of lochs and lochans.

In walking country, this Edwardian stone house, originally built for a mill owner’s bride, is today a fine small hotel owned by Sylvia and John Matthews.

‘Old-fashioned in the best way’, the Harrison family’s ‘lovely, eclectic guest house’ on the shores of Loch Ewe is run by ‘friendly, informative hosts who make a real effort to ensure every guest is taken care of’.

Standing in a tranquil ‘elegant garden’, this ‘extremely welcoming’, turreted 1920s mansion is owned by Mark and Christopher Forrester, grandsons of two of the original founders.

The candlelit rooms, secret doors, and nooks and crannies of these conjoined 16th- and 17th-century buildings overlooking the Royal Mile weave a spell over charmed guests.

Overlooking Inner Hebridean islands, Kevin and Julie Oliphant’s small hotel is the lively hub of the only village on the Isle of Coll.

The classy revamp of this elegant Georgian house has made it a go-to spot in Stockbridge, a vibrant area north of the centre.

Glimpse the turrets of this small baronial mansion through acres of mature woodland, in a secluded setting north of the country town.

Sassy interiors unfurl behind the restrained Georgian exterior of this playful hotel in New Town.