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Restaurant with stunning views over Highland loch wins top award
The Dipping Lugger, in Ullapool in Ross-shire, scooped up the AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland accolade at the AA B&B Awards 2025.
Originally built in 1798, the restaurant with rooms is located in a former Georgian mansion which overlooks the shores of Loch Broom.
It officially opened its doors in 2021, consisting of three guest bedrooms, a guest lounge and an 18-cover fine dining restaurant.
(Image: Alex Baxter Photography) (Image: Alex Baxter Photography) In the kitchen, head chef David Smith (above) creates seasonal tasting menus which are influenced by the region's best produce.
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Some of the featured dishes include scallops sourced from Loch Broom, beef from Strathkaniard Croft, and locally-sourced game from Keanchulish Lodge.
(Image: Alex Baxter Photography) (Image: Alex Baxter Photography) The establishment has already picked up a number of awards. It currently holds the AA's Five-Star Gold Restaurant with Rooms Award, three AA Red Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, an AA Breakfast Award, and a Notable Wine List Award.
Commenting on the latest award, which was announced on Tuesday, The Dipping Lugger co-owner Robert Hicks said: "To be presented with the AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland award is incredible. It's something we've all worked extremely hard for since we opened in 2021.
"We may be small, but we're perfectly formed, and this award reflects exactly what we're about. It gives us even more drive to keep pushing forward while ensuring every guest who stays or dines with us has the best possible experience."
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The AA B&B Awards judging panel commented: "The Dipping Lugger overlooks Loch Broom in Ullapool. This 18th-century former manse has been transformed into a wonderful restaurant with rooms offering the highest levels of service as well as hospitality backed up with a stunning dining experience.
"The property takes its name from a sailing boat, and much of the design has a nautical theme.
"Luxurious bedrooms cater well for the modern guest while the open log fires and the drawing room reflect the character of the property and its heritage.
"Local provenance is used to good effect in the restaurant."
