TURIN CASTLE

Last week I nipped to Scotland for a night. I stayed at Turin Castle – a majestic Baronial estate in the Angus Glens – and couldn’t get over it. Haggis balls, happy people, a personal piper, extraordinary whiskey, wellies, kilted yoga, beaches tartan and open fires.

It’s surrounded by rolling Scottish countryside and rabbits and much to my delight there are birds of prey. It oozes history, wilderness, whiskey and comfort. At its heart is Yvonne and her team which include butlers and chefs. Some castles are grand, imposing and austere. Not this one. It is big enough so you can feel alone and separate with your family or friends. And it’s warm (there are wood burning stoves and open fires) and cosy. You can sit in the library and read or play cards, the food is delicious and the walks around the Castle are outstanding. There is a games room with a pool table with a chic bar where of course you can enjoy a wee dram. With its terracotta alcoves the basement wine and whiskey cellars are extremely well-stocked.

Rooms are cozy sage green, chocolate brown and red with four-poster beds and cashmere tartan throws. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with contemporary and traditional elements. Breakfast was creamy porridge with prunes, poached eggs and a huge array of pastries. At afternoon tea the coffee table in the Tartan room was groaning with a hulking great spread of sandwiches and scones and some freakishly fancy Scottish tablet in silver bowls. A fantastic local chef called Mark Heirs will personally bring you fabulous Scottish dishes. For dinner we had home smoked Scottish salmon, treacle and stout bread, highland venison and raspberry cranachan heather. Closely followed by a malt whiskey … yes please, and possibly a hot toddy at midnight. Boof.

The thing that makes Turin Castle addictive is the people. Yvonne, is just the most warm, inviting, up-for-it charming host you will encounter and by the time you leave you’ll completely agree. You are designated a butler(s) depending on the size of your group. Ours was the wonderful Simeon.

At some point you might fancy a tartan yoga session (I’m not making that up) a hike, a visit to a distillery or Glamis Castle? There’s wild swimming. Championship golf courses are nearby. Archery. Falconry. Fishing.

For fresh air, countryside, beaches and Scottish hospitality, nothing beats it.

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Clare xx