Best in Scotland joins the elite

A Highland Perthshire B and B has been crowned the best in Scotland after nudging into the elite 1% of properties in the world on travel booking platform, Tripadvisor.

Craigmhor Lodge and Courtyard in Pitlochry, a luxury 15 bedroom Victorian Lodge and Courtyard, is set in suntrap wooded grounds and scored highest in the country in the Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.

The illustrious prize is restricted to the elite 1% out of the 8 million global properties listed on the platform which consistently receive the highest reviews from visitors.

Also amongst the premier 1% were 5-Star hotels, villas and townhouse-style accommodations in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, London, Greece, Egypt and the Maldives.

UK accolade

The Craigmhor, with views down the postcard Tummel valley, was also ranked 12th in Britain, based on a year-long analysis of customer ratings posted on the world’s biggest travel advice site.

The period Lodge has 3 bedrooms, whilst the Courtyard comprises 12 modern bedrooms with traditional features, some with private balconies and terraces, set in verdant grounds.

The reputation of the property means it receives bookings from as far afield as Canada for the Edinburgh Festival, even though the arts showcase is a 4 hour round trip by train.

Calum and Jane MacLellan, owners of 28 years, said the honour was a testament to the standards of loyal staff, although the elegance of the restored Lodge, its charming setting and sought-after breakfasts featured high in customer views.

Difficult to get

Comments left on the site over the last month highlight sleep quality, decoration, sumptuous grounds, cleanliness, staff attentiveness, proximity to local attractions and food choice as key to the Craigmhor’s allure.

“The award is great for the team. The Best of the Best represents the top 1% in the world, so it is rare,” said Calum.

“It means a lot because it is based on reviews over 12 months. It is not just a case of having a few good months or coming off the back of a refurbishment, it is about delivering, year-round, and keeping standards,” said Calum.

“We are really pleased,” added Jane. “It shows the staff that everything they are striving to achieve is paying off.”

Kitchen Excellence

Previous awards for the Craigmhor include 2019 Best Guesthouse in Scotland and the 2019 AA Best Scottish Guest House Breakfast Award.

In 2023, they landed Breakfast of the Year with National Hotels of the Year, Scotland.

Hospitality industry colleagues have been invited to sample the award-winning breakfast offering from the Craigmhor kitchen which includes raspberry and cocoa overnight oats.

Guests receive a food provenance map to see where their local, seasonal ingredients have come from, with coffee freshly ground to order.

“Breakfast is our only food statement, so we put a lot of energy into it. We make sure the menu is reflective of changing tastes and we have colleagues in the industry who come to stay with us.

“They have told us that they find breakfast a bit of a highlight, so that is good,” added Jane.

The riverside Victorian town of Pitlochry is a favourite with UK and international visitors touring the Highlands, boasting iconic walks and views, outdoor pursuits and its own festival ‘Theatre in the Hills’.

What’s on the Menu at the Craigmhor?

Breakfast includes:
• Granola Sundae
• Overnight Oats
• Portobello Mushroom
• Pancakes with seasonal fruit and maple syrup
• Peat Smoked Buckie Haddock
• Baked Croissant with Ayrshire Bacon