What's New

Visitors justifiably flock to Scotland for its medieval castles, dramatic countryside, world-class golf, and Highland Gatherings. But travelers will delight in the country's new offerings, too, many of which incorporate the best of Scotland's past with modern entertainment, luxury, and style. Here are some of the latest developments.

Edinburgh

Accommodations -- The famous hotel, George, 19-21 George St. (tel. 0131/225-1251), broke from its link with the Inter-Continental chain and recently underwent a £12-million restoration, making it better than ever.

The Scotsman, 20 N. Bridge St. (tel. 0131/556-5565), installed the best hotel spa in Scotland. It's The Cowshed Spa, taking its name from the original in Somerset, England. Employing organic flower and plant oils, the spa staff uses ingredients blended in-house, which are applied to the scent of rose and jasmine candles.

Old Waverley Hotel, 43 Princes St. (tel. 0131/556-4648), has been given a new lease on life under the management of the Kapoor family. They have extensively modernized this relic, the oldest operating hotel in the land. In addition to the rejuvenated bedrooms, drinking and dining facilities have also found vast improvement.

Kew House & Apartments, 1 Kew Terrace (tel. 0131/313-0700), lying near a rugby field 1 mile (.6km) west of the center, is one of Edinburgh's most successful Victorian restorations. Each room is individually furnished, and there are also well-furnished apartments that are ideal for families.

In the more affordable range, Stuart Guest House, 12 E. Claremont St. (tel. 0131/557-9030), has been converted from a Georgian town house into an excellent B&B, with the original architectural features intact.

Dining -- Emerging as the best Indian restaurant in town, Roti, 70 Rose St. (tel. 0131/225-1233), is installed behind a Georgian town house facade. Its owner, former head chef aboard the Queen's Britannia royal yacht, is in charge. He uses the best of regional produce from Scotland and exotic spices from India to produce a superb cuisine, with many dishes based on "secrets" of his home country.

Shopping -- The queen of cashmere, Brenda Robertson opened a store at 13A Dundas St. (tel. 0131/557-8118), where she sells the city's finest collection of cashmeres, often in vibrant colors. To make these couture styles, she employs some of the most skilled artisans in Scotland.

After Dark -- Prince William made Opal Lounge, 51A George St. (tel. 0131/226-2275), famous when he visited frequently while a student at St. Andrews. Even though he's gone, this chic bar has emerged as the place to be seen in Edinburgh, attracting a 20s and 30s crowd. There is a dance floor plus many hidden nooks where you can get to know your partner of the evening a lot better.

St. Andrews

At the famous old golf hotel here, St. Andrews Old Course Hotel, Old Station Rd. (tel. 01334/474-371), the Kohler company has opened its first "Waters Spa" outside of its flagship center in Wisconsin. The deluxe spa uses "remineralizing treatments" that involve freeze-dried seawater and other ingredients.

Aberyfole

A country house overlooking Loch Ard, Forest Hills, Kinlochard (tel. 0870/194-2105), won "The Scottish Family Hotel of the Year" award in 2007. In the foothills of the Trossachs, arguably the most beautiful part of Scotland, the resort stands in 10 hectares (25 acres) of private grounds. With its excellent local cuisine and beautifully restored bedrooms, it is a sure-fire winner.

Glasgow

Accommodations -- An elegantly restored Edwardian building has been turned into the ABode Hotel, 129 Bath St. (tel. 0141/221-6789). Renovated from top to bottom with stunning results, it offers a wide variety of bedrooms, including some called "fabulous" that live up to their name. ABode is also the setting for one of Glasgow's most sophisticated restaurants, Michael Caines .

Dining -- Ayr-born Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or, 176 W. Regent St. (tel. 0141/248-3801), was hailed in 2006 and 2007 as "one of the finest chefs in Scotland." Some serious local foodies call him the finest chef in the land. At the age of 24, he became head chef at Le Gavroche, still considered London's finest restaurant. Today he has returned to his native roots and shares his superlative take on a French and Scottish cuisine with his fellow Glaswegians. Each dish from his kitchen bears his original and creative stamp.

The celebrated London designer, Sir Terrence Conran, has moved outside of England to open étain in The Glass House, Springfield Court, Queen St. (tel. 0141/225-5630). His staff serves a superb French and Scottish cuisine in a glamorous setting, using market-fresh regional produce whenever possible. One visitor told us that dining at étain is reason enough to go to Glasgow.

The famous West Country (England) chef, Michael Caines at ABode Glasgow, in the ABode Hotel (tel. 0141/572-6011), has expanded northward. In this chic restaurant, he serves some of the city's finest and most refined Continental and Scottish cuisine. He makes use of top-quality regional produce to turn out award-winning dinners.

Kintyre Peninsula

Scotland's newest long-distance walk, the Kintyre Way, opened in 2006, stretching for 113km (90 miles), beginning in the town of Tarbert in the north of the peninsula and stretching to the village of Southend in the south. It takes most hikers anywhere from 4 to 7 days to walk this stunning and scenic route. Along the way, they pass much wildlife, especially birds inhabiting the coastline.

Braemar

This town in Grampian has long been celebrated for its Braemar Castle (tel. 01339/741-219), attracting visitors from all over the world. However, at presstime, the castle had shut down for much-needed renovations, with no date announced for reopening. Check with tourist authorities in Scotland before making a special trip here to see this venerated old castle.

Isle of Mull

The restored Glengorm Castle, Route B8073 (tel. 01688/302-321), has been turned into the premier B&B on this historic island. Built in 1860, it rents out only five handsomely furnished bedrooms, so reserve well in advance. The castle stands on the northern tip of the island near Tobermory, overlooking the Atlantic.

John O'Groats

A legacy of the late Queen Mother, Castle of Mey, lying 9.6km (6 miles) west of John o' Groats on A836 (tel. 01847/851-473), has been opened to the public. Her Majesty restored the castle when she discovered that it was going to be abandoned in 1952, and came here every summer of her life. Today that tradition is carried on by her heir, Prince Charles.