Five Scottish gastro hotels

Indulge yourself with great food and stunning scenery at these luxurious lodgings. By Rhiannon Batten

Monachyle Mhor, Perthshire

Locations don't get much more romantic than Monachyle Mhor, which is approached via a single-lane loch-side track in the Trossachs. Run by rising-star chef Tom Lewis and his two siblings, what you get when you arrive more than meets expectations – stylish, boutique-style bedrooms, cosy fireside lounges, a mellow bar and some of the best food in Scotland, much of it sourced locally.

Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Perthshire (01877 384 622; monachylemhor.com). B&B starts at £105; five course-dinner costs £46 per person, excluding drinks.

Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye

Technically a restaurant with rooms, the Three Chimneys was started by chef Shirley Spear and her wine expert husband, Eddie, almost a quarter of a century ago. Now it is an intimate haven of sophisticated dining, set in a cottage on the shore of Loch Dunvegan in the remote north-west of Skye. Fortunately for reluctant drivers, there are six smart bedrooms in an adjacent building.

The Three Chimneys, Colbost, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye (01470 511 258; threechimneys.co.uk). B&B starts at £265; three-course dinner costs £50, excluding drinks.

The Torridon, Wester Ross

You need not wear plus fours to fit in at The Torridon, a gorgeous but relaxed colonial pile. Set in 58 acres of parkland at the head of a spectacular sea loch, this old-fashioned retreat has opulent bedrooms, an atmospheric whisky bar and a fine-dining restaurant. Don't miss the local langoustines and scallops.

The Torridon, by Achnasheen, Wester Ross (01445 791 242; thetorridon.com). Doubles start at £198, half board.

Loch Ness Lodge, Near Inverness

Opened this year, this purpose-built hotel overlooking Loch Ness gives a great sense of escapism despite being only nine miles from Inverness. Run by Scott Sutherland and his sister Iona, the best thing about the lodge – besides chef Ross Fraser's decadent dinners – is the comfort factor.

Loch Ness Lodge, Brachla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness (01456 459 469; loch-ness-lodge.com). B&B starts at £190; five-course dinner starts at £45, excluding drinks.

Trigony House Hotel, Dumfries and Galloway

Like the county it's set in, which is so often bypassed by travellers zooming north to the Highlands, Trigony House is an undiscovered treasure. This is the place to come to if you want Scottish hospitality without the hordes. It features 10 character-packed rooms, a highly rated restaurant (in season, much of the fresh produce served comes from the hotel's walled garden) and is dog-friendly to boot.

Trigony House Hotel, Closeburn, Dumfries & Galloway (01848 331 211; trigonyhotel.co.uk). B&B starts at £90; three-course dinner starts at £25, excluding drinks.