Sweeping landscapes marled with peat and thatches of heather, cut by ragged rushing rivers and brooding lachs. The landscape in the Scottish Highlands is rugged and its weather fierce. The land is poetic but go inside and it’s another story. This is the land of whisky, roaring fires and overstuffed furniture all enjoyed against the backdrop of swaths of vintage rugs. These are the interiors and travels that inspired Rugnet’s Highlands Collection.
STAY
A Rugnet favorite, the Fife Arms is a 5-star hotel in Braemar, a charming village at the edge of Cairngorms National Park with trails that wind through stunning Scottish landscapes. Owned by renowned gallerists Hauser & Wirth, this renovated coach inn blends fine art, sophisticated design, and top-notch service that always feels friendly, never stuffy. Interiors are dreamy with overstuffed sofas in hotel-designed tartans, mounted heads and horns, a Picasso, and, most notably to us, a rich collection of vintage rugs throughout the property, both traditional and tribal.
Gleneagles is classic Scotland with tartan, golf, Highland views, and a century-old reputation as one of the world’s great resorts. The golf may be the draw, but what we loved most was how easy it all feels once you’re there. The interiors are grand, yet the staff makes it warm and unpretentious, like you’ve been coming for years. Family activities and kids camps celebrate Scottish sport and culture, while dinners strike that rare balance of polish and comfort. (A Rugnet vibe we adore.) It looks as if it hasn’t really changed in a hundred years, and that’s the charm. It’s less about spectacle and more about tradition, which we think is distinctively Scottish.
Located in the heart of Speyside in Aberlour, this family-owned estate is a perfect base for exploring some of the world’s finest Scotch whisky distilleries. The food and service are consistently excellent, and the hotel’s impressive whisky collection comes with knowledgeable guidance to help you choose the perfect dram. It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable enough to stay a little longer just to sample them all.
EXPLORE
The Balvenie: This famous Speyside distillery still uses traditional techniques to craft world class Scotch whisky. Tours are small but this is not to miss whether you love Scotch or not. You're here to admire the meticulous hand craftsmanship from fields to bottle. If you do love scotch, however, a tour includes an extensive tasting. Book three months ahead and set your clock to book the day your tour date opens.
Balmoral Castle: The favorite home of the late Queen, tours of the interior are only available during May, June and July and they sell out immediately. Sign up to the email list to be notified of the date ticket sales open and be the first online. If you miss, no worries. You can still visit the extensive grounds and gardens, as well as the Ballroom with a display featuring the castle's history.
Johnson's of Elgin: One of the last mills in Scotland that produces its cashmere entirely in its mill in Elgin, near Inverness, Johnson's of Elgin has stores throughout Scotland but go here for an "immersive mill experience" to see how cashmere is still crafted from raw fiber to finished product. Of course, shopping is part of the experience.
SHOP
House of Bruar: We defy you to visit Scotland and not want to incorporate some traditional country life clothing into your wardrobe. This is a fantastic complex with many buildings featuring the best UK brands, as well as a food emporium for freshly prepared dishes that can be enjoyed in the dining area with a pot of tea. There's also a large selection of Scottish cashmere. Afterwards, hike along a short but steep uphill path to see the beautiful Falls of Bruar.
Campbell's of Beuly: Harris Tweed is still crafted by independent weavers on the Isle of Harris. Campbell's of Beuly, located in a charming town outside Inverness, has one of the best selections of Harris Tweed, as well as traditional coats and jackets, and, of course, cashmere. They specialize in bespoke jackets and suits with a tweed you select but you'll need to return to be fitted. It's tempting. Or, they will help select the yardage required and you can bring back to your tailor.
Lochcarron of Scotland: This mill produces the finest tartan products in Scotland. Its store is located in the upper Highlands on the North Coast 500 route. You will be inundated by tartans throughout your tour of Scotland. This is the real deal, look for the label.
EAT
While touring through Scotland, we think it is best to stay at hotels/estates that have their own dining as it is the best way to really enjoy beautiful Scottish cuisine. Yes, beautiful. This is a country that celebrates local produce and, of course, the freshest fish and seafood with a dedication to discovering innovative ways to prepare and serve. It's no longer a secret. Scotland has one of the top food scenes on the planet that you can enjoy largely without breaking the bank.
-Boath House: Near the small town of Nairn between Elgin and Inverness, this is one of UK's finest restaurants but you can stay here, too. Prix fixe menus are available for two or three courses but foodies will want "The Experience," an eight-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing. Spectacular.
-The Fish Shop: Near Balmoral Castle, make reservations in advance even for lunch. This is a terrific fish and seafood restaurant by the owners of Fife Arms with beautifully prepared dishes in a relaxed setting.
-Plockton Inn: We stayed a night here on our way to Isle of Skye. They have a terrific restaurant with a small pub next door. Proceed with caution as the roads are narrow and one lane but you arrive at this magnificent cove making it worthwhile. Food is fresh and delicious and served in a cozy setting. Spend a night in one of their lovely rooms.
-The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant: Near Gleneagles, this restaurant is located next to the oldest working whisky distillery in Scotland and half owned by Lalique, the French glassware brand. It feels a bit posh but never stuffy and the menu celebrates fresh Scottish ingredients. It takes itself seriously, as well it should.
-The Boathouse: If you find yourself in Fort William, and you might if headed to Isle of Skye, this is a wonderful restaurant with a stunning location overlooking a cove on Loch Linnhe. Beautiful seasonal food in a relaxed setting with lovely service.
-Dolphin Fish and Chips: We mentioned some upscale places but for the most part you'll find yourself enjoying a casually elegant dinner at your hotel and some places on the fly during the day. This is one of those places. Sure, it's more rough and tumble than the above mentioned, but the food is no less enjoyable, we promise. Fresh fish perfectly crisped. That's it. Located between Elgin and Inverness.
