Earlier this week I lunched with my two daughters at one of our favourite places: Cafe Circa, inside the Scottish Antique and Arts Centre at Abernyte, near Dundee.
The entrance to the Scottish Antique and Arts Centre at Abernyte, displaying a selection of garden ornaments for sale.
Inside, there were signs of Christmas; our table was positioned near a decorative archway festooned with baubles.
Flora and me in Cafe Circa (Lorna took the photo).
I chose a dish I often have when I come here: a starter portion of fishcake with tartare sauce and salad. I sometimes add a bowl of chips, but Flora’s meal was coming with chips and she said I could have some of hers.
Starter size fishcake at Cafe Circa.
One of their specials of the day was beer battered haddock and chips, and that was what Flora chose. There were indeed a lot of chips, and even between the two of us we didn’t manage to finish them all.
Flora’s choice: beer battered haddock and chips.
Lorna opted for a vegan dish of leek, cavolo nero and sweet potato tart, served with a hazelnut and orange salad.
Leek, cavolo nero and sweet potato tart with hazelnut and orange salad.
All three of us very much enjoyed our meals, and didn’t have much room for anything else, but Lorna and I shared a slice of carrot cake to round things off.
Carrot cake and two forks at Cafe Circa.
It had been a slow and relaxing lunch, and as we drove home under leaden skies and falling rain, I drifted into peaceful slumber feeling replete and content.
Yesterday, Lorna and I had lunch out at Dunkeld House Hotel, on our way to House of Bruar for a bit of shopping. The weather had started dull and misty, but the sun came out and we enjoyed our 25 minute drive through the turning colours of autumn.
Once we’d settled ourselves in the warm lounge bar of the hotel (which was fairly busy with other diners and a couple of well-behaved dogs), we both ordered the soup of the day, which we’d been told was pea. It came with very soft white bread, little packets of butter, and a bowl of chips.
Pea soup with soft bread and a bowl of chips at Dunkeld House Hotel. I was being distracted by a dog at a nearby table when the picture was taken.
The soup was an attractive vibrant green, and I tucked in joyfully. Lorna was suspicious of the lumps floating on the top, and hoped they were croutons. She tentatively bit into one, discovered it was a bacon lardon, and proceeded to pick the rest of them out of her bowl. I didn’t even notice them, and consumed my soup happily unaware of the meat element. (Not that it would have bothered me if I’d known, since I’m not averse to such things myself.)
Blissfully unaware of floating pig, and happily peaceful with my hearing aids out.
We enjoyed sitting in the lounge bar, with the background buzz of other diners in a warm, comfortable environment. After polishing off our meals, we decided against having anything further, and decided to push on to House of Bruar, where we would have hot drinks and a snack. Lorna forgot to take any photos at Bruar, but she did take a couple in Dunkeld House Hotel grounds as we were leaving.
Autumn colours in the car park at Dunkeld House Hotel.
One of the delights of Dunkeld House Hotel is the long private driveway leading from the main road to the hotel. It’s a mile long and has numerous gentle humps to keep traffic at low speeds. It’s almost entirely single track with passing places, and every time we go up or down it we pass other vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. The little waves we exchange with fellow drivers, and the leisurely pace of the drive, make coming and going along the driveway a special part of any visit to the hotel.
View towards the village of Dunkeld, along the driveway at Dunkeld House Hotel.
Today, I had an appointment at 12:31 for my seasonal ‘flu and Covid jabs in the local hospital. Since the appointment was at lunchtime, we decided to continue on to a local eatery instead of going back home for lunch.
Successfully jabbed, and ready for lunch out.
We drove the short distance to the Dalmore Inn, on the outskirts of Blairgowrie, a handy place we visit from time to time when we don’t want to go far.
The Dalmore Inn, Blairgowrie
Having put in our order and received our drinks (milk for me, water for Lorna), we prepared ourselves to receive cauliflower and roast almond soups, served with warm rolls.
Ready for soup at the Dalmore Inn.
Lorna was relieved to find that her soup came topped with snipped chives, rather than lumps of meat, and we tucked in.
Cauliflower and roast almond soup with a warm roll and butter at the Dalmore Inn.
The soup was nice and thick, and the almonds were clearly noticeable as tiny nibs within the soup.
After our soup, we were looking forward to dessert. We’ve noticed before at the Dalmore Inn that they’re pretty good at puddings, so our hopes were high. We had both ordered their daily special: autumnal spiced parfait with orange segments, spiced biscuit crumb and orange sorbet. It certainly looked very appealing when it arrived.
Autumnal spiced parfait at the Dalmore Inn.
There was a good range of textures within the dessert, and the orange sorbet was exceptionally delicious, having a strong citrus tang.
Lorna agrees with me that, despite her off-putting topping, the pea soup was the tastier of the two soups on two days. However, life is all about variety, and we appreciated different aspects of our visits to both Dunkeld House Hotel and the Dalmore Inn. We often comment on how marvellous it is that so many eateries exist within a short distance of where we live, and that we’re able to support their noble endeavours.
On returning home, after tucking me into bed for an afternoon nap, Lorna popped out for a walk and enjoyed some autumn leaves still on trees, and carpeting the ground.
Some years ago it was announced that Perth Museum would be moving into an old building that had been lying empty for a long time, but was in the process of being refurbished. In March 2024, it opened its doors in the city centre, and Lorna and I had been wanting to go and see what it was like. Yesterday, we decided it was time for a bit of museum fun.
Standing outside the south side of Perth Museum.
There is no parking at the museum, even for disabled badge holders. There are parking areas nearby, but the closest parking was closed off because of roadworks. This meant a longer than usual walk for me, which I found quite an effort, but I was glad I was still able to do it.
We were ready for lunch by the time we arrived, and the Stone Cafe was just inside the doorway, with a welcoming sign.
Sign welcoming visitors to the Stone Cafe.
Inside, the cafe was bright and airy, with very high ceilings and magnificent tall windows.
Stone Cafe, Perth Museum.
We did as the sign had instructed, chose a table and put in our order at the counter,
Sitting in Stone Cafe with a cloudy apple juice.
I chose their quiche of the day, which was presented as two small tartlets, containing a Cajun vegetable mixture. It came with coleslaw and chutney.
Cajun vegetable quiche at Stone Cafe, Perth.
Lorna was intrigued to try a ‘sausage’ roll containing vegetarian haggis and sweet potato.
Vegetarian haggis sausage roll with chutney, salad and coleslaw.
She also ordered tea, and was delighted by the size of the pot, which contained three full cups of flavoursome breakfast tea.
Breakfast tea at Stone Cafe, Perth.
Neither of us wanted anything else to eat, and we were keen to see the museum. I was feeling quite tired and wasn’t sure if I had the energy for walking around, but we decided to have a quick look and see what the space was like. At the entrance, Lorna spotted a couple of wheelchairs, and asked if we could borrow one. A helpful member of staff assisted us in unfolding it, and I sat myself down. My rollator was stored safely behind the reception counter while Lorna wheeled me off to look at the exhibits.
Sitting comfortably in a wheelchair in Perth Museum.
It was the first time we had borrowed a wheelchair like this, and it was quite a revelation. Lorna found it quite easy to push, and there was a lift to take us to the upper floor. I enjoyed being able to see everything without getting tired.
Admiring some stuffed animals in Perth Museum.On the upper floor of Perth Museum.
As always with such places, there was far more to read and take in than we had brain space for, but we enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere and appreciating how nicely the building had been modernised.
When we’d seen enough, we went back down in the lift, collected my rollator, and trudged back to the car. I found the walk back more tiring than the walk in, but I managed it, and was very glad to settle into the car. By this time we felt we had room for a hot drink and a snack, and decided to drive the short distance to the Macmillan cafe at Quarrymill, on the outskirts of Perth.
The Macmillan cafe is a place we’ve been visiting for many years, and it would soon be closing for the season. It was good to be able to call in again and enjoy the excellent service provided by the volunteers who run it so cheerfully.
I was tempted by a meringue with fruit and cream, which proved quite challenging (but well worth the effort) to consume.
Meringue with fruit and cream at the Macmillan Cafe, Quarrymill.
Lorna was delighted to find that there was one scone left, and that it was a variety she’d never had before: prune and honey.
Prune and honey scone at the Macmillan Cafe, Quarrymill.
We both greatly enjoyed our treats, washed down with large decaf Americanos. We wrote a couple of postcards we’d bought in the museum shop, and felt as if we were on our holidays.
A few days ago, Lorna and I set off in beautiful, sunny autumn weather to meet my other daughter, Flora, for lunch at the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry. Lorna was able to park in a handy disabled bay, and Flora and I paused for a photo outside the grand entrance.
Flora and Bennet outside the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry.
There are two dining options in the hotel: the Verandah restaurant, and the Stag’s Head Bar. We chose the bar, which has a lovely outlook onto the tree-filled grounds and the hills beyond.
View from the Stag’s Head Bar, Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry.
The bar serves both light meals and larger options. Flora went for fish and chips, Lorna had a vegetable curry, and I chose pea and mint soup.
Fish and chips with a little salad for Flora.Vegetable curry with rice, naan bread and mango chutney for Lorna.
Pea and mint soup with soda bread for me.
To pad out my meal, I ordered a basket of French fries. The difference in size between my chips and Flora’s was very noticeable.
Small, thin French chip with large British chip.
Fat chip, thin chip.
Not having any chips of her own (and being very willing to help), Lorna assisted both me and Flora in consuming our potato elements. As a result, she was too full for pudding, but Flora and I felt we could manage a little something.
I plumped for a coconut and Biscoff cheesecake, and Flora opted for a fruit scone.
Coconut Biscoff cheesecake.
Fruit scone with butter and jam.
Breakfast tea was ordered for Flora, Earl Grey for Lorna, and a decaf Americano for me.
Puddings and hot drinks in the Stag’s Head Bar at the Atholl Palace Hotel.
When we’d finished and settled up, we made our way through the thickly carpeted corridors of the hotel.
Ambling through Atholl Palace Hotel.
The building was opened in 1874 as the ‘Athole Hydropathic’, a kind of spa, containing accommodation, Turkish baths, and treatment rooms for those wishing to take the health-giving waters of Pitlochry. New owners took it over in 1913, upgraded the building, installed electric lighting and re-named it the Atholl Palace Hotel.
One of the attractive features of the hotel is the variety of seating options throughout the ground floor. There are many armchairs and sofas, nicely positioned to allow observation of the comings and goings, and engage in a bit of people-watching.
Armchairs for people-watching in the Atholl Palace Hotel.Sofas around a fireplace in the Atholl Palace Hotel.
It had been a very relaxing and enjoyable visit to the Atholl Palace, and as we left we enjoyed the floral displays outside the front of the building.
Floral abundance outside the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry.
Lorna and I recently had our first visit to The Inn on the Tay, a restaurant with rooms in Grandtully, near Aberfeldy. We enjoyed it so much that we thought it would be a good place for a family meal in early August, when my son Donald and his family would be in Perthshire on holiday.
View from the Inn on the Tay’s restaurant. The Inn sits on the south bank of the River Tay.
On Friday 8 August, Lorna and I drove to Grandtully and met Donald and his partner Gail, my two grandsons, James and Sam, and my other daughter, Flora, for lunch.
Left to right: grandsons James (18) and Sam (17), Flora, Lorna, me, Donald, Gail.
Three of us had fish and chips, with Flora and myself having small portions and Sam having a large one. Lorna and James had pizzas, Donald had a pork dish, and Gail had cod. I think we all enjoyed our meals, I certainly enjoyed my small fish and chips, although it didn’t seem very small to me.
Lunch at The Inn on the Tay.
Neither Lorna nor I had room for pudding, but some of the party opted for white chocolate and raspberry parfait with chocolate ganache. It was attractively presented and seemed to go down well.
White chocolate and raspberry parfait with chocolate ganache.
After we’d said our goodbyes, Lorna and I decided to take a circuitous route home, driving a bit further north to Pitlochry and then home via the village of Kirkmichael. We stopped in Kirkmichael at the village shop, which also houses a small cafe.
Out and about in Kirkmichael.
I had a large cup of coffee and Lorna had an Earl Grey tea. We felt as if we were on our holidays.
Coffee on holiday at Kirkmichael Village Shop.
After our drinks, I was very ready for a snooze, while Lorna fancied a leg stretch. She left me in the car and walked along the nearby Cateran Trail. The sky was threatening, but it stayed dry, warm and breezy, and each of us felt content with our chosen pursuit.
One of our favourite spots for an interesting luncheon is The Rookery restaurant in the seaside town of Carnoustie. The restaurant is housed upstairs in Links House, the clubhouse of Carnoustie Golf Links.
Downstairs in Links House, Carnoustie.
Neither Lorna nor I have ever been golfers, but we both enjoy watching the game, and frequenting golf clubhouses. The Rookery has very good views of the golf course, as well as other points of interest.
Carnoustie Golf Links.
In addition to golf, there are trains to watch from the Rookery’s windows. The main east coast railway line runs through Carnoustie, just behind the houses seen in the picture below, beyond the 18th green. Unfortunately we don’t have any pictorial evidence, but we did see 8 trains during our recent luncheon, and once saw 13 on another visit.
The 18th green at Carnoustie Golf Links. The railway line runs just behind the houses shown.
We had a table next to a window, giving a good view of the 1st tee and the 18th green.
Happily settled in The Rookery, ready to enjoy food, golf and trains.
It was a dreich, grey, damp day and we both opted for hearty fish and chips.
Fish and chips at The Rookery.Tucking in to my lunch in The Rookery.
We very much enjoyed eating our meals with the interesting views from the window. As we sat there, what had begun as drizzle turned into heavy rain, and we were amazed by the number of golfers continuing to stream out onto the course. In fact, this was the wettest visit we’d ever had to Carnoustie and we saw far more golfers than usual.
There were a lot of Americans in the clubhouse, and I suspect many of those getting drenched outside were also from distant shores This may have been their one chance to play at Carnoustie, one of the courses that hosts the Open Championship, and I suppose they weren’t going to let a bit of rain put them off.
Our main courses had filled us up nicely but we felt we had room for something small and sweet, and both ordered one scoop of strawberry ice cream, which came all alone in a brown bowl.
Strawberry ice cream at The Rookery.
Lorna had been hoping for a wafer biscuit in her ice cream, but was pleased that the cappuccino she ordered afterwards arrived with a delicious shortbread biscuit.
I ordered an Americano, and organised it as I often like to, with the saucer turned upside down to raise the cup higher off the table.
My reason for doing this is that I find it very difficult to get my fingers in and around the cup handle if the cup is sitting inside a saucer. Turning the saucer upside down gives freedom of movement for the fingers, and is, for me, a much more comfortable experience.
When we’d finished our meal and left the building, I got into the car for a nap while Lorna took a walk to look at the sea. She had a large umbrella with her, made from clear plastic decorated with leaves, which gives the impression of standing under a tree. She didn’t stay out for long as the rain was very heavy and soaked her trousers in a few brief minutes.
View of the sea at Carnoustie from under a leafy umbrella.
In September 2024, I acquired my first rollator, or walking frame, as mentioned in this post.
My first rollator, in Ferrari red, September 2024.
Having become increasingly unsteady on my pins using walking sticks, this piece of equipment made a positive difference to my life.
For the past few months of using it I’ve been walking more confidently, but its design has meant that I was often pushing it away from my body as I walked. On one occasion this resulted in a fall, which led Lorna to wonder if there was something else on the market that would better suit my needs.
She discovered a different design with curiously backward-facing handles, that seemed to address the issue I’d been having. We had a look at these rollators, tried a couple of them out, and ended up purchasing what claims to be the lightest rollator in the world. My first rollator weighs 8kg, whereas the new one is only 4.8kg, so there’s quite a noticeable difference. There were 8 colour options, and I plumped for red again.
My original rollator on the left and my new one on the right.
I’ve been joyfully using it for the past couple of weeks, and finding it to be an improvement on the previous one. It’s also more compact when folded, and easier for Lorna to lift in and out of the car.
Yesterday, we took it for a spin to one of our favourite lunch spots, Ballathie House Hotel, a few miles from where we live.
Me with new rollator outside Ballathie House Hotel.
After a short walk in front of the hotel, we settled ourselves into the otherwise empty, and extremely quiet, drawing room for a relaxing luncheon.
Relaxed and ready for lunch in Ballathie’s very quiet drawing room.
As usual, the food, drinks, ambience and service were top notch. I selected tuna mayonnaise sandwiches, which came with excellent chips, and a freshly dressed salad.
Tuna mayonnaise sandwiches with chips and salad at Ballathie House Hotel.
Lorna went for the grilled vegetables sandwich, which was also served with chips and salad. She gave her sandwich 10/10, and we both agreed that the meal was perfect.
Grilled vegetables sandwich with chips and salad at Ballathie House Hotel.
The new rollator has been out to a few places, including The Causerie, a recently opened wine bar in Blairgowrie about half a mile from our house. The premises had previously been occupied by a succession of cafes and we were keen to see what the new incarnation was like. An attractive stained glass window panel had been inserted above the front door.
Inside, we found a peaceful haven of wood and wine, and exceptionally courteous and helpful staff. Seated comfortably, we perused an interesting menu, which offered virtually every savoury dish as either a starter or main course size.
Happily seated in The Causerie wine bar, Blairgowrire.
We both opted for vegetarian starters. I had hummus with roasted chickpeas, tomatoes, pickles and focaccia.
Hummus with roasted chickpeas, tomatoes, pickles and focaccia.
Lorna chose a dish of roast beetroot, scorched aubergine, feta cheese, walnuts and seasonal greens.
Roast beetroot, scorched aubergine, feta, walnuts and greens.
Both dishes were tasty, and small enough for us to have room for puddings. I went for their version of a pavlova, which contained yoghurt rather than the usual cream. The berries were huge and succulent, and the whole dish was light and refreshing.
The Causerie’s pavlova.
Lorna couldn’t resist trying the hot Cape brandy pudding, which she described as a cross between sticky toffee pudding and Christmas pudding. It was served with creme fraiche ice cream, and doused in brandy.
Cape brandy pudding.
Our first visit to this new neighbourhood eatery was a great success, and we’re looking forward to returning before too long.
One bright and sunny Sunday morning in May, when Lorna and I both felt unusually alert and ready for adventure, we decided on a last minute trip to Edinburgh to fulfil an ambition.
Our destination was Alexandra Dock in Leith, permanent home to Fingal, a ship that once serviced lighthouses but now sits quietly awaiting visitors to its 5-star hotel rooms and restaurant.
An old chap standing in front of a considerably younger lady.
Fingal, looking resplendent at just over 60 years of age.
Earlier that morning, while wondering how we might fill our day, Lorna had the bright idea of going to Fingal for lunch. She had recently found out about the ship/hotel and we had both developed an interest in visiting it. We had been imagining an overnight stay, but perhaps lunch was an alternative way to experience its atmosphere.
When she looked on the website, Lorna discovered that they didn’t serve lunches, but they did offer afternoon teas. She phoned up to ask if there was any chance of a vegetarian afternoon tea for two that day, despite the website stating that they required 48 hours’ notice for special dietary requirements. The helpful lady she spoke to popped off to chat with the chefs, and then rang back to say that they had enough ingredients to prepare two such afternoon teas, and would be delighted to reserve a table for us.
The ship was accessible by wheelchair, or rollator, although with quite a steep gangway to get into it.
Toiling up the gangway.
The doors into the ship, at the top of the red-carpeted gangway.
Having successfully made it onboard, we were shown to a circular glass lift that took us up to the top deck housing the Lighthouse Restaurant.
The lift on Fingal, with me outside it.
The Lighthouse Restaurant, onboard Fingal.
A courteous receptionist in the restaurant showed us to our table. It was a little tricky for me to negotiate, but she pulled it out so that I could shuffle into a padded bench seat. Throughout our time on Fingal, the service from all staff was exemplary. We were brought glasses of tap water and an extensive menu of teas and a few coffees.
Seated on a comfortable padded bench seat.
The tea menu listed more than 20 different teas, and we were invited to try as many as we wished throughout the meal. Not being much of a tea drinker these days, I opted for a decaffeinated Americano, while Lorna started off with a Japanese Kukicha tea.
The vegetarian afternoon tea consisted of 5 hot savouries, 4 sandwiches, 2 scones and 4 cakes for each of us. It seemed to be rather a lot when we read the menu, but the portions were small and delicate, and surprisingly easy to consume. We started off with one of the tastiest dishes of the day, the amuse-bouche, a smoky tomato and red pepper soup.
Delicious mugs of smoky tomato and red pepper soup.
When our soups were finished a waitress took the dishes away and soon brought the next course, a three-tiered stand filled with hot savouries on the top two levels and sandwiches ‘downstairs’.
A stand of savouries onboard Fingal.
In Lorna’s opinion, the hot savouries were the star of the show. They consisted of an asparagus and ricotta tart, vegetable pakora in a spicy chilli dressing, feta cheese cube with tomato chutney, and pumpkin arancini.
Hot savouries.
Beneath the hot savouries sat the sandwiches, which I enjoyed but Lorna wasn’t so keen on, although she did appreciate the Coronation celeriac option.
Coronation celeriac sandwich.
When we had first arrived in the restaurant, at about 13:15, it was a little less than half full, but during our time there it filled up considerably. The staff were kept busy with so many afternoon teas, but were very good at appearing at our table at the right moments. After draining her pot of Kukicha, Lorna ordered a Black Forest Gateau tea, which was a blend of black teas with fruit pieces and chocolate. She thought it might be a good pairing for the dessert course. I stuck to my decaf Americanos.
The dessert course came on another three-tiered stand, with the top two levels containing our cakes, and the bottom level the scones with their accompaniments.
The dessert course of afternoon tea onboard Fingal.
There was one plain scone and one fruit scone each, and we both opted to start our sweets with the fruit scones. We used up all the cream on these two scones, but I’m sure the staff would have brought us more if we’d asked for it. We decided to take the plain scones home with us, so we were pretty generous in creaming up our fruit scones.
Fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
The cakes consisted of a lemon mousse dome, raspberry mouse covered in dark chocolate, banana and toasted coconut cake, and an apple mousse dome.
Sweet treats in Fingal’s afternoon tea.
To finish off our meal, Lorna ordered a peppermint tea, which came rather strangely in a cafetiere rather than a teapot. We were told we could take away any of the food items we didn’t want to eat during the meal, and we opted to take home the two plain scones, and two apple domes. They were put into a branded box tied with a black ribbon.
Takeaway box from Fingal.
It had been sunny and windy on our arrival, and remained so on our departure some three hours later. We walked back to the car (which had conveniently been parked in Fingal’s own private car park) across a stretch of cobbled stones that were an interesting challenge for me and my wheels. We looked up at the ship’s flags as we passed, and felt pleased with ourselves for having spent an afternoon onboard such a splendid vessel.
At the end of my last post I mentioned that we were soon to be visiting the Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry for Lorna’s birthday. This post has been somewhat delayed by a spell in hospital for me, and subsequent recovery at home. I’m certainly on the mend, but not yet quite up to full speed. My trusty ghost writer is assisting me as usual, by posting this on my behalf.
On 31 January, Lorna and I drove the 45 minutes or so north to Pitlochry, to meet my other daughter, Flora, for lunch at the Pine Trees Hotel. It was my first visit to the hotel, which was reached by a lengthy private driveway flanked by pine trees. Although it was a dull, cold day, the building had a welcoming appearance from the outside.
Exterior of the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry.
We were warmly welcomed and led to a table set for three, which had a green velvet sofa on one side and a chair on the other. I sat on the chair while my two daughters took up their places on the low sofa (Lorna was behind the camera in the picture below).
Sitting with Flora in the dining room at the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry,
After perusing the interesting menu, both Flora and I opted for battered haddock with chips, minted peas and caper mayonnaise. The batter was light and crisp, and the fish fresh and perfectly cooked.
Fish and chips at the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry.
Lorna went for a vegetarian dish of pumpkin and sage ravioli with harissa, kale, candy beetroot and amaretti crumbs. She was impressed by the range of flavours and textures incorporated into the dish, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Pumpkin and sage ravioli at the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry.
Following our very satisfactory savouries, we all three chose the same dessert: warm pear frangipane with caramelised apple, and bramble sorbet.
Triple frangipane puddings.Warm pear frangipane with caramelised apple, and bramble sorbet at the Pine Trees Hotel.
It was a nice pudding, but we didn’t detect the pear, and the tart was slightly dry. It seemed to be crying out for a small jug of pouring cream. The bramble sorbet and blobs of caramelised apple, however, were excellent, and perhaps a more generous serving of those accompaniments would have made up for the missing cream.
We spent all our time in the restaurant itself, but were interested to note some soft seating areas that looked as if they’d be pleasant places to sit with a drink.
Soft seating in the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry.Soft seating in the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry.
When we came to pay for the meal we noticed that one of the desserts and two of the drinks had been missed off the bill. When we brought this to the attention of the waiter, he explained that they had deliberately reduced the bill since we were celebrating a birthday. We were surprised and delighted by this, and it rounded off a happy occasion very nicely. We departed with the happy thought of a return visit some time in the future.
In July we revisited two old favourites, Dunkeld House Hotel and Gleneagles, both of which were excellent, as usual.
We also made our very first visit to a hotel that’s only 3 miles from our house. We’ve driven past it countless times, since it’s just off one of the main roads out of Blairgowrie. From the road, and even on their website, there’s no indication that non-residents are welcome, and we’d got the idea that it was rather an exclusive sort of place.
We had increasingly been thinking that one day we should bite the bullet and drive in to see what was what, and it took our fancy to do so on a warm, sunny Monday in mid-July when we were on our way to Pitlochry for lunch.
On the road below the hotel there’s a brown tourist road sign mentioning the name of the impressive building up the hill: Kinloch House Hotel. There are no other signs or boards indicating that it’s a hotel, which adds to the mystery of the place.
Kinloch House Hotel, near Blairgowrie.
Leaving me in the car, Lorna entered the building to find a very quiet, deserted interior. She had a look around, finding several soft seating areas and interesting wall decorations, and was eventually greeted by a courteous gentleman with a South African accent who asked if he could assist her. She asked him if the hotel served lunch, and he replied regretfully that they only did lunches on Sundays. Did they provide morning or afternoon teas, she enquired? Yes, he said, they could provide tea and coffee at any time, but again rather regretfully stated that the only edible accompaniments available were fruit loaf, lemon drizzle cake and shortbread. Lorna didn’t think that was anything to be sorry about, and she skipped back to the car to tell me the good news.
We continued on our way to Pitlochry, agreeing that one day we would settle ourselves in Kinloch House Hotel for hot drinks and cake. During lunch, at Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre, we decided to stop at savoury courses and go back to Kinloch House Hotel that same day to sample their cakes by way of pudding. We were met by the same South African gentleman, who welcomed us warmly and invited us to have a good look round the hotel’s communal areas until we found the area we’d like to sit in. We did that, and opted for the conservatory, which was bright and airy, and very warm indeed.
Happily settled in the conservatory at Kinloch House Hotel.
We put in an order for tea and coffee, lemon drizzle cake and fruit loaf, and enjoyed the magnificently peaceful surroundings. While we were waiting, Lorna popped out of the open door and took pictures of the views. The main road lay just below the hotel, but we couldn’t hear any traffic as the hillside between the two seemed to absorb any noise.
The door out of the conservatory at Kinloch House Hotel.The front of Kinloch House Hotel from outside the conservatory.Beautiful views from Kinloch House Hotel.
Our South African server appeared with a large tray containing all we’d asked for, nicely presented with thick, white linen napkins. It was getting very hot sitting in the conservatory and we appreciated the large glasses of iced water he brought.
Enjoying a thick white napkin at Kinloch House Hotel.
It was extremely peaceful sitting there, and during the couple of hours or so we spent in the hotel, the South African chap was the only other person we saw. After we’d finished and paid for our repast, he invited us to sit in the conservatory or lounge for as long as we wanted. It was a tempting offer and we appreciated the kind hospitality, but sleep was calling me and my bed was only a few minutes’ drive away. Before we left, however, we enjoyed use of the facilities and had another little look around the hotel.
Exploring Kinloch House Hotel.One of the sitting rooms in Kinloch House Hotel.
A beautiful bathroom at Kinloch House Hotel.
In August we were tempted back to Dunkeld House Hotel and Ballathie House Hotel for familiar pleasures, but we also had lunch at Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa in Pitlochry.
It being the height of summer, the hanging baskets outside the hotel were in full bloom and looking very colourful.
Burgeoning baskets at Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry.
One of Fonab Castle’s greatest assets is its setting, with dining room views out over Loch Faskally.
Loch Faskally, viewed from the dining room at Fonab Castle Hotel.
We were presented with the full menu, but chose to order from the lighter afternoon options.
I chose the veloute of the day, the details of which neither Lorna nor I can now remember, but I’m sure it tasted good.
Veloute of the day at Fonab Castle Hotel.
Lorna had the garden salad, and was particularly pleased by the inclusion of olives. Since both of our choices were light options we ordered a side of chips to share.
Garden salad at Fonab.
Small, warm and delicious wholemeal rolls were brought to the table, with a little pat of butter.
Delicious mini loaves at Fonab.
After our savouries, I chose a chocolate tart for pudding.
Chocolate tart at Fonab.
Lorna settled for a decaf latte, which was topped with a thick layer of foam and served in a handle-less insulated plastic cup.
Latte at Fonab.
September saw us back at Ballathie House Hotel again, where we enjoyed the sight of an old tree stump planted with nasturtiums and other plants. It looked rather like a volcano.
An interestingly planted tree stump at Ballathie House Hotel.
Later the same month we visited a hotel in the village of Meikleour, less than 5 miles from our house. We’d been there earlier in the year for hot drinks, and decided to call in for lunch on a beautiful sunny September day.
Meikleour Arms Hotel.
It was busy, as I believe it often is, being a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Lorna and I both opted for the goat’s cheese, pear and walnut quiche, and were very glad we’d done so. It was delicious, and served with a tasty parsnip crisp and a bountiful bowl of salad.
Goat’s cheese, pear and walnut quiche at Meikleour Arms Hotel.
For pudding Lorna settled for a scoop of lemon sorbet and a scoop of raspberry ripple ice cream. She was delighted with the fluffy little madeleine that accompanied it.
Sorbet and ice cream with bonus madeleine.
I plumped for Victoria plum crumble, which came with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream atop the well-filled crumble dish. It was surprisingly large and very tasty.
A well-filled dish of plum crumble with ice cream.
After partaking of coffee, I was glad my bed was in such close proximity to our luncheon spot.
The first day of October saw us visiting a hotel in the nearby village of Alyth that quite astounded us on our initial visit the year before. We had often seen signs for the Lands of Loyal Hotel while driving through Alyth, and for some reason always assumed it was a scruffy and neglected sort of place. The building isn’t visible from the main road, and I don’t know why we both had the impression we did, but for many years we’d avoided even going to investigate what might be there. After our first visit, which as I say astounded us, we felt inclined to go back and remind ourselves of its magnificence.
It was originally built as a private residence, but later took on the persona of a sort of country house hotel. It has a very unique atmosphere, and although we’ve been there a few times now, it continues to surprise us with its colouful and flamboyant decor.
Sitting comfortably by the fire in the lounge at Lands of Loyal Hotel.
There are, I think, four separate dining rooms in the hotel, and we were put in one we hadn’t been to before. It was cosy and lavishly decorated.
One of the lavishly decorated dining rooms at Lands of Loyal Hotel.
The ceiling in this room was particularly striking.
Striking ceiling in a dining room at Lands of Loyal Hotel.
Exotic birds were displayed on a frieze just beneath the intricate gold-painted cornice.
Exotic birds at Lands of Loyal Hotel.
There was plenty to look at, and we enjoyed the peaceful ambience of the room as we waited for our food to arrive (we had perused the menus and made our order from the lounge area, where we were served drinks prior to the meal).
Neither Lorna nor I can now remember exactly what our dishes were, but they were well presented, and highly acceptable. I selected a starter and a dessert, while Lorna had a main course and no dessert. My starter consisted of a pastry tube stuffed with something that may have included mushrooms, served with a rich, creamy sauce.
Lorna’s main course was a vegetarian offering involving courgettes. She recalls the tomato sauce being particularly delicious.
One of the things I particularly like in a restaurant is when they produce a bread roll and butter as part of proceedings. Lorna likes to see a carafe of water provided on the table. Lands of Loyal pleased both of us on these points, as well as ticking the boxes for thick linen tablecloths and napkins
My chosen pudding was a raspberry creme brulee. It was served in a large teacup, sitting on a piece of slate and accompanied by chantilly cream decorated with berries. It took me quite a while to get through it, but I persevered and polished it off.
At the end of October we revisited Ballathie House Hotel, where we had a bit of exercise in their beautiful grounds, to work up an appetite for our lunch. My rollator, as well as being a very useful walking aid, provides a seat when I need a little rest.
Resting in front of the River Tay at Ballathie House Hotel, after a walk in the grounds.
Settled into the very quiet drawing room, we opted for sandwiches (egg mayonnaise for Lorna; tuna mayonnaise for me) and tea to drink. I usually prefer a cold drink with lunch, but it was a chilly day and the hot tea was very welcome.
Tea and sandwiches at Ballathie House Hotel.
The dessert of the day was choux au craquelin with banana jam and salted caramel ice cream. Not being a big fan of bananas, I opted for a cream tea, but Lorna was quite excited to try the craquelin, and was delighted by the look of it.
Choux au craquelin with banana.
The cream tea came, as usual at Ballathie, with shortbread as well as a scone. It was up to the usual excellent standards.
Cream tea at Ballathie.
Delving into a cream tea at Ballathie.
In November, we revisited both Gleneagles and Ballathie.
One of my favourite dishes in The Dormy restaurant at Gleneagles has been their vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties in a whisky cream sauce. They used to have it on their menu as a starter and a main course, but these days only advertise it as a main course. However, if you ask for a small portion they serve you the starter size, which is quite big enough a meal for me.
Haggis starter at The Dormy, Gleneagles.
Lorna had a dish she’s had a number of times, a curry consisting of paneer cheese and spinach. Sometimes it’s extremely spicy, other times very mild. This time it was rather over-salted, but I’m told the rice was excellent, as always.
Palak paneer at The Dormy, Gleneagles.
One of the Dormy’s best desserts is usually their creme brulee. Since it’s rather large and we both only had a little space left, we ordered one to share. It wasn’t up to the usual standards, and I wonder if there had been a change of chef. We managed to polish it off all right, mind you.
Creme brulee at The Dormy, Gleneagles.
On our visit to Ballathie later that month, again we started with a little exercise in the grounds…
Walking at Ballathie House Hotel.
…before settling ourselves into the drawing room, which I like to think of as my second home.
Settled into the drawing room at Ballathie.
We both had carrot soup, followed by cream teas, all of which was exactly as expected and highly satisfactory.
Carrot soup at Ballathie, with their excellent homemade bread.Cream tea perfection at Ballathie.
We had several good meals out in December, but the only hotel we visited was the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, where we met my other daughter, Flora, for lunch one day.
The hotel had been decked out for Christmas, and had a cosy, festive feel.
Huge Christmas tree at the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry.
Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry.
There are two dining options at the Atholl Palace, their main restaurant and the Stag Bar. We chose the bar, which was festively decorated and had a welcoming log fire.
Stag Bar at Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry.
Lorna forgot to take photographs of the food we had, but I’m told we had soups and sandwiches. We enjoyed our time there, and the pleasure of an extra dining companion.
Flora and me in the Stag Bar, next to a warming fire.
It’s approaching the end of January 2025 as this is being written. The only hotel we’ve visited so far this year is Dunkeld House Hotel, but we’re planning to visit a new one to us at the end of this month, the Pine Trees in Pitlochry. We’ll be celebrating Lorna’s birthday, so I hope it will be a very pleasant and memorable occasion. If it turns out to be both, it might well appear on this blog in due course.
Bennet McInnes 