I stayed at ‘finest’ boutique hotel in Scotland - it’s so much more than a golfing paradise
This north east hotel has gained a Michelin Key and been named one of UK’s top 50 boutique hotels. Rosalind Erskine visited for a weekend of great food, company and whisky.
I absolutely love a long drive, and I know I am biased, but there’s nowhere better to do so than in Scotland. One of my more recent road trips was to Dornoch, a north east town I have only visited once before, but was keen to return to. So fresh from a 3am bedtime after a friend’s brilliant wedding, I found myself non-stop up the A9 in the pouring rain to Dornoch and one of the nicest hotels I’ve visited, Links House at Royal Dornoch. I must say, I am not a golfer (much to my Dad’s disappointment) and despite being the second best crazy golfer in my family (thanks for the putting advice Dad), I’d have been unlikely to visit this particular abode if you’d told me just how close to the golf course it was. But, it was the allure of whisky that got me on the road and I am so glad as it turned out to be a brilliant weekend of great drams, interesting company and complete comfort.
Budget or boutique?
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The accommodation at Links House or across the road at Glenshiel very much feels like you’re spending the weekend in a comfortable, decadent friend’s house, and with only 15 rooms, it’s a boutique affair. Prices are £334 per night B&B based on two people sharing a Main House room and Glenshiel Master Suites costs from £625 a night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.
Room service
There are two houses available to book - Links House at Royal Dornoch and Glenshiel, which is home to five suites and a penthouse. That’s where we found ourselves for our weekend stay and, these are some of the most sumptuous rooms I’ve stayed in. Our Naver Suite featured a huge bed, comfortable armchairs in the bay window, a desk area, and a huge bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate tub. The decor is traditional, with plaid throws, coral tweed headboards and cushions and floral curtains but the muted complementary colour palette gives it a fresher edge. It’s obviously Scottish, but not twee.
Wining and dining
Mara restaurant, located in Links House, has two AA rosettes for culinary excellence and is led by head chef Theo Creton. Serving a dinner, lunch and breakfast menu, the kitchen team creates a seasonal offering and are striving to produce as little waste as possible. Highlights during our stay were the dolce pumpkin tart, hand dived Orkney scallops, poached north sea cod and the apple souffle.
We also thoroughly enjoyed a tasting menu in the anteroom of Glenshiel, which included dishes such as Portmahomack lobster raviolo; North sea cured mackerel and Sutherland venison loin. Chef Theo started here early in his career and has returned to make his way quickly up the ranks, and it’s clear to see why he’s been able to do this - the lightness of touch that lets the ingredients shine, and an enthusiasm and love for the produce. Special mention has to go to Fraser, who served us breakfasts and dinners with professionalism and ease of conversation.
Worth getting out of bed for
You can’t come to Royal Dornoch and not get out of bed for golf, especially as the course is practically in the garden of the hotel. But, that’s not all there is to do in this charming town. We visited in late October during the Dornoch Whisky Festival, which has been running now for 10 years. The Dornoch Castle hotel has a cosy and award-winning whisky bar, which is well worth a visit as is their distillery. Independent shops, including Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop and Tartan Creations are lovely places to stop by. As we were travelling with my dog, Archie, we took a long walk in nearby woods, and I managed a 10k run (in the rain) along a country road.
Glenshiel House was such a welcome place to return to. Comfortable with friendly staff, nothing was too much bother and at no point was there a stuffiness that you imagine there could be in such a setting.
The hotel often has special events, such as the Gordon & MacPhail whisky weekend which we attended. Guests on this two night stay were treated to drinks receptions, private whisky tastings, a tasting menu and rare whiskies as well as excursions to Glasstorm in Tain and candle making with Alasdair Dickson in Dornoch. There are plans to host similar events in 2026, designed to showcase the area and offer something experiential and different. For me, it was an absolute treat and the perfect end to a two week holiday.
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Little extras
Our room had two small bottled auld fashioned cocktails served with homemade shortbread on arrival, as well as fluffy robes, slippers and full sized Arran Aromatics toiletries. There’s a turn down service and plenty of water, but if you want tea, you need to head to the butler station on the first floor of Glenshiel where there’s plenty of hot drink options and snacks such as tunnocks caramel wafers.
Guestbook comments
Located just one hour from Inverness Airport, Links House is easily accessible for a two or three-night break from London, Manchester, Bristol and Belfast. As well as sitting less than 100 yards from the first tee at Royal Dornoch, the legendary Links house is also well-placed within 30 minutes of Brora, Tain and Golspie golf courses. Whether you’re escaping for a competitive few days with friends, a luxury couples’ retreat, or a golf-filled Highland adventure with a touch of indulgence, Links Golf delivers a seamless blend of championship play and timeless hospitality, with all tee times arranged by their in-house concierge.
Hotel info
Golf Road, Dornoch IV25 3LW
01862 810279
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