28 — Sunday. November 1.

1998 - Norih Shore News

Scottish hospitality a honnie good thi

EDINBURGH — In these grim times for the Canadian dollar it was good to find a place where cash went further (at least com- pared to England).

My taxi fare in the Scottish capital, tor example, was posi- tively reasonoble after London prices, and what's more the driver actually got our and carried my bags into the hotel.

The Bonham Hotel's receptionist was just as cour- teous. She found a porter, ordered a morning paper and asked about restaurant reser- vations. What I wanted to do was walk through the elegant New Town area from the Bonham to sister hotel the Howard, home of a dining room simply known as 36.

For an old city, Edinburgh has very progressive restau- rants.

No. 36, for example, takes traditional Scottish produce,

~sv@rves it lightly with flair and it all happens in a fashionably modem room.

The Bonham, too, is stvl- ish, with spacious rooms and bathrooms and multi-channel TVs. It is the newest member of Scotland’s Hotels of Distinction, 60 or so private- ly-owned hotels all over the country and offering a hand- book with map which allows visitors to plan a visit to Scotland and pre-book hotels by toll-free phone, fax or

email,

St. Andrews was the next destination, where the group's hotel is the well-known Rufllets, which allowed for a pleasane lunch on the way at the Old Manor, overlooking Lundin Links Golf Club and the sea.

There is, of course, more to Scotland than golf, and anv time Fm in the area | always take a detour through the fishing village of Lower Largo to see the birthplace (in 1676) of Alexander Sctkirk, better known as Robinson Cruse.

Salmon fishing and shoot- ing are che main activities at Farlever House near Aberteldy in the heart of the majestic Perthshire countryside. It’s close to Menzies Castle, where Bonnie Prince Charlie received refuge after the 1745 rebellion, and has beeome just as famous for its own type of hospitality.

Farleyer House oozes char- acter, from its old stone walls to the superb diving room that is the acclanied setting for meals recognized by Taste of Scotland. Here is tranquilli- ty, particularly in the new

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lodge rooms, and a warm staff who provide excellent service.

Although there are hotels at Dornoch and beyond, as well as Clapool on the west coast, Po was taking the low road through Glencoe, scene of the 1692 massacre of the Macdonalds by the Campbells. “Phere’s a climbers’ hostel and bar here where a sign savs “No hawk- ers or Campbells

The family-run Lodge on the Loch near Fort William has spectacular views over the water, although the palin trees in the hotel's arden are just as impressive. This is a very comfortable, traditional hotel whose dining room offers attractive window tables. The haggis dish T had there was

delicious.

‘Yo the south hes the hand- some town of Oban, jumping off place for the Western Isles, and the Kintyre peninsula. | carried on and caught the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry from Chonaig to Lochranaa on the Isle of Arran. Here is another of Scotland's Hotels of Distinction, Auchrannie Country House. Arran is a special place, well worth a good stay.

Getting back to the main- land is an casy trip on the new Caledonian MacBrayne terry to Ardrossan and the scenic Ayrshire coast. Best place to stay is Avr, birthplace of Robert Burns. Don’t miss his statue Whose avin is in Srantey

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S staved at Fairticld House, a Victorian mansion built by a Glasgow tea merchant. Located just five minutes from the town centre ina quiet area, if has big rooms with glorious sea views — if you book them far enough in advance!

This is a great base for golfers playing ‘Turnberry, Royal Troon, Prestwick Golf Club as well as that tine public course of Belleiste. Fairfield House has two restaurants, the bistro being excellent value.

And so to Glasgow, where

I got lost in the one-way Ste

Seeing a policeman ona motorbike by the side of the read, asked the way to the air- port: “You want the motor- wav. Follow me.”

We did just chat, and tive minutes later ane smiling policeman was waving us on our way.

Scotland? Pm going back, no matter what our loonic currency does.

§ For more information on Scotland's Hotels of Distinetion call 1-800-223- 6510 of email 100670.1521@compuserve.com

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