
From luxury castles to rustic brochs – seven of the most unique overnight stays across Scotland
Scroll down to find the seven most unique overnight stays across Scotland
RELAXING RETREATS From luxury castles to rustic brochs – seven of the most unique overnight stays across Scotland
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SUMMER has officially arrived, and if a trip abroad isn't in the cards, then there are plenty of unique staycations to choose from.
With the season starting off rather dreich, a getaway is often the perfect remedy for the June gloom.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
15
If a trip abroad isn't on the cards, then a staycay is often just as good
Credit: Alamy
From luxury castle stays to rustic brochs or even monasteries, here are seven of the most unique overnights across the country.
Fingal Hotel, Water of Leith, Edinburgh
15
Fingal Hotel is a Northern Lighthouse Board Ship turned floating hotel
Credit: Alamy
15
Each room is beautifully decorated
Credit: Visit Scotland
This former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, now a floating hotel, features 22 luxurious cabins that promise an unforgettable stay.
Permanently berthed along the picturesque Leith waterfront, this five-star vessel offers breathtaking views of twinkling city lights as you drift off to sleep.
Each room is beautifully decorated and comes equipped with a lavish king-size bed and rain showers.
The onboard Lighthouse Restaurant is a culinary gem, recognised with 2AA Rosettes.
The Brochs of Coigach, Achiltibuie, Highlands
15
The Brochs of Coigach are situated in one of Britain's most stunning National Scenic Areas
Credit: Visit Scotland
15
Both properties feature saunas and expansive panoramic observation areas
Credit: Visit Scotland
Nestled in one of Britain's most stunning National Scenic Areas, The Brochs of Coigach offer an unparalleled luxury getaway.
These roundhouse buildings are modern interpretations of ancient brochs, offering views of the rugged coastline and majestic highland mountains.
Set on four acres at the end of a private farm track, each broch is decorated with original works from renowned contemporary Scottish artists.
Inside Binky Felstead's getaway to Spencer Matthews' lavish Scots family estate
Both self-catering properties feature saunas and expansive panoramic observation areas, ideal for wildlife watching.
Despite their secluded setting, the charming retreats are conveniently close to a highly-rated restaurant.
You can also enjoy various activities such as hill climbing, sea kayaking, sailing, surfing and motor cruises.
The Monastery, Fort Augustus, Highlands
15
The Monastery in Fort Augustus is a the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge
Credit: Visit Scotland
15
It is a spacious one bedroom apartment
Credit: Visit Scotland
Situated in a striking monastery building in Fort Augustus, this venue is an exceptional retreat to unwind and recharge.
The spacious one-bedroom apartment boasts a double-height living room with Gothic-style windows, an open-plan kitchen and a stunning master bedroom offering breathtaking views over Loch Ness.
The luxurious bathroom features a soaking tub and underfloor heating for added comfort.
On-site amenities include a heated indoor pool, a games room, and captivating vistas.
Guests can explore nearby whiskey trails, take scenic countryside walks to the local pub or even try their luck at spotting Nessie.
The Suites at Urquhart Church, Elgin, Moray
15
The Sanctuary Apartments at the Suites at Urquhart Church sleep up to 11 guests
Credit: Visit Scotland
15
Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings
Credit: Visit Scotland
The Sanctuary Apartments at the Suites at Urquhart Church are the perfect place for a bit of peace and quiet.
The apartments sleep between two and eleven guests, making it an ideal retreat for couples, families or groups of friends.
Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings and modern amenities.
The converted church is surrounded by nearly two acres of rolling farmland.
The picturesque gardens include a pond, a charming waterfall, and a stream that meanders through the landscape.
In the Moray region, there are plenty of attractions to explore, such as centuries-old whisky distilleries, the historic Elgin Cathedral and beautiful white sandy beaches.
Chaffeur's Apartment, Lochinch Castle, Stranraer
15
The Chaffeur's Apartment is located in the Victorian Stable Courtyard of Lochinch Castle
Credit: Alamy
15
It was originally the residence for the Earl and Countess of Stair's chauffeur
Credit: Visit Scotland
The Chaffeur's Apartment, located in the Victorian Stable Courtyard of Lochinch Castle in Stranraer, is a newly refurbished three-bedroom self-catering accommodation.
Originally serving as the residence for the Earl and Countess of Stair's chauffeur, it maintains some of its historical features while incorporating modern upgrades.
Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the White Loch and the turreted Lochinch Castle.
The apartment includes three spacious bedrooms, an open-plan living room with a log fire and all essential amenities.
Guests have unlimited access to the stunning Castle Kennedy Gardens, which are open to the public from 10am to 5pm, February to October.
Visitors can partake in a variety of activities, such as pony riding, exploring a nearby chocolate factory or mountain biking in the surrounding area.
Rua Reidh Lighthouse, Gairloch, Wester Ross
15
Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located at the entrance to Loch Ewe
Credit: Alamy
15
The former Keepers' Quarters have been converted into a cosy retreat
Credit: Visit Scotland
Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located at the entrance to Loch Ewe - making it perfect for a secluded getaway.
First lit in 1912, this Stevenson lighthouse provides breathtaking views across the Minch to Skye, the Shiants and the Outer Hebrides.
The former Keepers' Quarters have been converted into a cosy retreat featuring two ensuite bedrooms, both with stunning sea views.
It's a dream destination for nature lovers as sightings of whales, dolphins and basking sharks are not uncommon.
Bracken Treehouse, St Andrews, Fife
15
Bracken Treehouse is a romantic adults-only hideaway
Credit: Alix McIntosh
15
It features a stargazing window and is designed to maximise natural light
Credit: Visit Scotland
Nestled among the treetops, Bracken Treehouse is a romantic adults-only hideaway set in an ancient 36-acre woodland.
It sleeps two guests and features a stargazing window and is designed to maximise natural light.
Modern amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, a flushing toilet and a shower with panoramic views of the surrounding canopy.
While it offers a serene and tranquil retreat in the beautiful Fife countryside, there's easy access to the picturesque East Neuk, St Andrews, and Dundee is just a short distance away.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
How HebCelt festival fights depopulation on Lewis and Harris
Ahead of this year's festivities, which will run between 16 and 19 July, I sat down with the team behind HebCelt's international success to find out what lies at the heart of this remarkable celebration of island culture. Operations Coordinator Carol Ferguson has volunteered at the award-winning festival for the last ten summers, ever since she moved to the Isle of Lewis in 2014. 'I'm excited to see the festival family come back together again. We have volunteers from all over the world, and each year, they come back. 'There are still six weeks until the festival. This is when Stornoway starts to come alive, all the shops start decorating the windows, and there's that buzz that something is coming.' Carol Ferguson is the Operations Coordinator for the festival. (Image: Supplied) Carol's enthusiasm is shared by festival chair Iain Macphail, who first volunteered at the festival 23 years ago. 'I first got involved in 2002 when I was 14,' Iain, who was born and bred in Stornoway, tells me. 'My cousin's mother dragged me along. I started tidying up and stewarding, and before long caught the festival bug. I worked as site security for a while, and then joined the board in 2018. 'I was voted in as chair of the board last September. It's been a new experience, I've been learning a lot.' This year's lineup is chock-a-block with well-known Scots musicians. Tidelines, Skerryvore, and Lulu will headline; with Nina Nesbitt, Eddi Reader, Trail West, Kassidy, and Beluga Lagoon also appearing. Thousands are expected to attend the four-day jamboree, which saw 18,000 people buy tickets last year. In recent years, the festival has gone from strength to strength, generating millions of pounds in revenue for island businesses. An aerial view of the festival. (Image: Supplied) Carol tells me: 'Our impact comes not just from the ticket sales, but our deep commitment to working with our local suppliers. 'So, everything that we can get locally, we absolutely procure locally to give that benefit back.' Iain agrees, adding: 'The festival plays such a huge part in the annual calendar. It's huge. thing for the local economy and has such a positive economic impact. 'We brought in £4.1m for local businesses last year. We expect to have made a £40 million economic impact by our 30th anniversary in 2027, over the lifetime of the festival, which is a pretty incredible achievement, especially when it's run by volunteers. The festival also creates space for island performers to share their music. Last year, 45% of performers during the four-day event hailed from Lewis and Harris. Carol and Iain both point to Elias Alexander, the electro-Celtic artist who got his start volunteering on the tech team a decade ago. The up-and-coming musician is returning to the festival in 2025, this time as a performer on the island stage. Iain says: 'The festival is great for finding local artists as well. It gives them the opportunity to experience what it's like to play at a festival. Elias was a volunteer in 2014, you know, working on the island stage and this year he's playing on it.' Carol adds: 'He started out with us as a volunteer on the tech team, and he's now back on the stage here. And is that progression that we can afford to individuals.' Elias Alexander is one of the performers. (Image: Supplied) HebCelt has led on a number of gender and climate pledges, becoming one of the first major festivals to ban plastic straws and insisting on a 50/50 gender balance for performers. These commitments go beyond a tick box exercise, Carol says. 'Our commitment to gender equality is reflected behind the scenes as well. There is a lot of strong female influence behind the festival as well. But it's not just a tick box for us. 'So our voluntary board is five females and four male, our vice chair Eilidh is female, and our finance director and our music programmer are all females. And I myself as a coordinator. 'It's a value that guides how we program, plan, and operate the festival.' Iain adds: 'We've stood the test of time. As a rural festival, we're really setting a lot of the standards when it comes to sustainability. 'We ran the production offices last year off solar and wind energy and battery storage. We've run the island stage for a period of time using a hydrogen generator which uses locally sourced clean hydrogen. So we're not afraid to try things. 'How can we lower our impact on the climate whilst helping improve things industry wide - because the data is then available for other people to look at.' It's never easy to run a major festival, especially amidst a cost of living crisis. Yet, HebCelt is thriving, in part due to a three-year funding commitment from Creative Scotland. 'This allows for some breathing space. It's allowed us to plan for those three years and we know we have that. So that's been huge for us,' Carol tells me. Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: My trek up the Royal Mile — what do tourists say about Scotland's capital? Calls to bring back this 'unique' detail in Princes Square shopping centre 'Trailblazing' Scottish trad legends to be honoured at HebCelt Festival Iain adds: 'This is really good because it allows us to plan positively for the next three years up to our 30th anniversary. So, you know, there's a lot of positives and goodwill and a lot of support helps make it happen. 'Everybody's experiencing the cost-of-living crisis. And we're looking at how we can support that, but at the same time we need to be able to afford to put things on. 'So, this year we've decided to keep the 2025 tickets at 2024 prices. 'We're doing things like that to try and help the wider community and make it more accessible for people.' Asked about what she is looking forward to the most at the festival this year, Carol grins. 'Well there are some things I can't reveal now, but I'm really excited. 'This year's quite a special year. There will be a lot of special programs that are going on as we deepen our community roots and strengthen international partnerships, especially through things like Celtic connections and Showcase Scotland.' Rock band Skerryvore will headline the festival. (Image: Supplied) Iain says he is looking forward to the "phenomenal" lineup. 'We have everything from local kids that are putting on a concert all the way to Lulu and Skerryvore. We've got Tidelines. We've got Beluga Lagoon. 'There's just such a huge variety of exceptional talent coming to play on the island and bless us all with their talent.' HebCelt serves as an example of island excellence, sharing a message that is more important than ever amidst rising costs and depopulation. Carol tells me: 'Depopulation is a real concern across the islands, especially amongst the younger generations. But we as an organization show that the islands can be a place of creativity and opportunity. We're aiming to inspire people to stay.' 'We're always shaped by our people and their belief that culture and connection transforms communities.' Iain agrees, telling me: 'It really expresses what we're about and who we are, you know, as a people, I suppose. It showcases the island, and what can be done. 'We talk about it as the HebCelt family. People think about family as being really nice and warm and fuzzy and everybody's on side and they're working together. 'But it's deeper than that, because the relationships you make with your colleagues, the other volunteers, your colleagues, the other volunteers, the suppliers, your sponsors, they just go deeper. 'Everybody pulls together because they see the benefit that it has for the island and everybody's very, very proud of the island.'


Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside town with world's shortest street that only has room for one address
Measuring in at just 6ft and nine inches in length (2.06m), the world's shortest street is actually located in a UK seaside town known for its beautiful scenery, rich wildlife, and ubiquitous history A quaint coastal town dripping with natural beauty and maritime history has one bizarre fame to claim - it is home to the world's shortest street. Situated in the far north of Scotland, in Caithness, lies the former Viking settlement of Wick. Once the busiest herring port in Europe, the tiny seaside town now attracts tourists from all over the globe thanks to its intricate castle ruins, rugged cliffs, and rich wildlife. "Around three miles north from Wick the dramatic 15th to 17th century ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe castles rise steeply from a needle-thin promontory," hails Visit Scotland, the area's official tourist board. "There is a good clifftop walk to the castle via Noss Head Lighthouse from the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe. Visitors will encounter a wide selection of wildlife along the way including various species of seabirds and puffins and a beautiful scenic beach, popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting, awaits them at the end of Sinclair Bay." For tourists wanting to visit something a little more unusual, head over to Ebenezer Place, the world's shortest street. Measuring in at just 6ft and nine inches in length (2.06m) - the street is so tiny it can only fit one address, Mackay's Hotel's No. 1 Bistro. The eatery, idyllically set next to the Wick River, serves up mouth-watering dishes based on local produce - as well as afternoon tea, cocktail masterclasses, and (of course) whisky. In 2006, the street - which is maintained by Highland Council as road authority - scooped a Guinness World Record on October 28, 2006, officially crowning it the shortest street on the planet. "When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883, after making his fortune, he built Mackays Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street," Mackay's Hotel's website states. "The council instructed him to put a name on the short end of the building, as they deemed it a separate street. Ebenezer Place then appeared in the town's records from 1887." Located more than 670 miles from central London, driving to Wick from the Big Smoke will take you almost 13 hours. If you're not prepared for such a gruelling car journey, you can fly to Inverness, and then drive two and a half hours down to the town. Flights to Inverness take just one and a half hours, and depart from both London Luton and Heathrow Airport. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £44 in July. Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@ for a chance to be featured.


Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Our Auld Enemy rivalry will always be part of our DNA — but look to the US and Canada for the next great national drama
ZARA JANJUA Our Auld Enemy rivalry will always be part of our DNA — but look to the US and Canada for the next great national drama Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE Scots pride ourselves on being world-class grudge holders. For centuries, the English have been our go-to national frenemy — the original source of cultural, political and footie-based beef. But while we've been locked in this existential tug-of-war with England, another rivalry has been quietly gathering momentum across the Atlantic. 4 Scottish Sun columnist Zara Credit: The Sun 4 Our Auld Enemy rivalry with England will always be part of our DNA Credit: PA 4 Donald Trump with new Canadian PM Mark Carney Credit: AP 4 Matthew Tkachuk of Team USA fights with Brandon Hagel of Team Canada during the first period in the 4 Nations Face-Off game Credit: Getty And I hate to say it, but it might just outdo ours in both stakes and pettiness. I speak, of course, of Canada vs the United States — a feud with the energy of a polite street fight outside a farmers' market, but one that could soon eclipse our age-old Anglo-Scottish sparring. One close point from the US to Canada is the border between Detroit, Michigan (US) and Windsor, Ontario (Canada), which spans the Detroit River. This week I flew to Detroit and crossed the border by car into Windsor. On one side, muscle cars and MAGA hats; on the other, maple leaves and passive resistance. Landing in the US, I found myself wondering: Have I ever tweeted something spicy enough to be flagged by Homeland Security? I'm a liberal Pakistani-Scottish woman with a fondness for human rights and sarcasm — so, probably. I even censored myself mid-flight while chatting to the woman beside me, just in case my views got me deported before I'd even finished my pretzels. As it turned out, I sailed through immigration. But the process felt Orwellian — less Big Brother, more Big Border Patrol. It was the first time I felt that my politics, passport and profile picture might be under review by an algorithm with a grudge. Trump crushes hopes of 'peace talks' call with Musk as he insists Elon has 'lost his mind' after feud went nuclear Last week King Charles and Queen Camilla landed in Ottawa, 400 miles from Windsor — like some royal advance party sent to remind Canada they're not available for franchise. Charles was there to open Parliament and, unofficially, to stick a diplomatic elbow between Canada and Trump's vision of turning it into a Walmart with trees. Trump had recently floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state — a suggestion so absurd it made The Handmaid's Tale look like a romcom. But Canadians, long stereotyped as gentle pacifists with a fetish for fleece, have started pushing back with the Elbows Up movement. Time to tan and pair up again TEN years. That's how long Love Island has been thrusting bronzed 20-somethings into a villa armed with veneers, trust issues, and bikinis smaller than their moral compasses. And somehow, despite the rise of AI lovers and Hinge horror stories, the show's stayed loyal to its original premise: couple-up or get dumped. In this economy? That's practically a marriage vow. Tomorrow, the 12th series washes ashore – and just like your ex, it'll turn up every weekday at 9pm, whether you want it to or not. But credit where it's due: in an age of ghosting, orbiting and situationships, the transactional honesty is almost refreshing. Find someone hot. Stay together. Win. If only the rest of us had a narrator explaining where we went wrong with that man from Fife who 'wasn't ready to label things'. 'Elbows Up, Canada!' is their national pep talk, a slogan born from ice hockey legend Gordie Howe, who once said: 'If a guy slashed me, I'd pull him close and elbow him in the head.' And now the nation has adopted that spirit. It features in a video campaign with new Prime Minister Mark Carney and actual national treasure Mike Myers, whose shirt: reads: 'NEVER 51.' That's the mood now — polite defiance in plaid. It's a masterclass in soft power. The Scottish-English tension may have Brexit baggage, but this? This is a full-blown cold war of the niceties. Miley is the adult now THERE are things no one prepares you for in life: pandemics, the rise of Crocs, and your dad dating Liz Hurley. But here we are – Miley Cyrus, patron saint of post-trauma empowerment, has broken her silence on her da Billy Ray's new love interest. Not a line-dancing divorcee or a country starlet, but the one and only safety-pinned icon of the Nineties. Yes, that Liz Hurley. Now, if you thought family drama peaked with Meghan and Harry, hold Miley's gluten-free beer. The former Disney rebel has navigated her parents' split, gone no-contact with Dad, and now emerged with the kind of perspective that costs thousands in therapy. 'I'm being an adult about it,' she told the New York Times, as if she's not clearly the only adult in the room. Should we have opinions on our parents' love lives? Absolutely not. Do we? Always. Especially when their new flame once dated Hugh Grant and probably owns lingerie more expensive than most mortgages. But Miley's honesty hits a nerve. That moment you realise your parents are fallible, with achy breaky hearts and questionable taste in post- divorce rebounds. It's disarming, dignified – and depressingly mature. Still, if anyone can make blended family dysfunction look glam, it's Liz bloody Hurley. And if Miley can 'wish happiness' to the chaos, maybe there's hope for the rest of us. Next year construction is due to finish on the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, named after the elbow-throwing icon. But this isn't just infrastructure — it's metaphor. A physical link between two nations increasingly trying to figure out how to stay connected without being consumed. The old Auld Enemy rivalry will always be part of our DNA — but if you're looking for the next great national drama, look to the US and Canada. It's neighbour vs neighbour, lumber vs logic, satire vs statecraft and Mike Myres vs Trump.