Ask Dougal
Got a Scottish travel query? Need a quick recom-
mendation? Ask Dougal - independent answers to your Scottish questions
We are bringing our 2 year old dog to the Highlands and need to know places we can take him to have a meal and/or drink in the Cairngorms, Would be grateful for any help! thank you.
Asked by Jacqui Morrison on 17 August 2008
The first place that comes to mind in the Cairngorms area is the excellent Rowan Tree Country Hotel www.rowantreehotel.com overlooking Loch Alvie and within easy reach of Aviemore. Dougal and dogs have stayed there and had a very nice time. The food is excellent. This would be Dougal's first choice. Best check in advance though, if intending to go for a meal.
Lighthouse accommodation in Scotland max 3 to 4 hours from
Aberdeen. Thanks.
Asked by Colin Angus on 04 August 2008
Maybe a bit too close to home, but Dougal would suggest the newly converted Buchan Ness Lighthouse at Boddam www.buchannesslighthouseholidays.co.uk
A bit further away The National Trust for Scotland rent the cottages at Covesea Lighthouse as self catering accommodation. www.nts.org.uk This is a few minutes from Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth and just under 2 hours drive from Aberdeen. The location is great with a superb sandy beach. Plus The Harbour Tearoom in Lossie has been extra-miled recently too. More pics on the gilblog entry "Ten things I'll miss about Moray".
Where can I catch a boat to St Kilda? How much does it cost? Can I stay on the Island?What is the best time to visit?
Asked by Jamie Sharp Hunter on 23 July 2008
St Kilda is actually not one but a group of five islands. Their names are Hirta, Soay, Boreray, Dun and Levenish (there are also two large rocks – or sea stacks – close to Boreray called Stac an Armin and Stac Lee.) It lies 66 kilometres (or 41 miles) west of Benbecula in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.
Summer is the best time to visit - winter weather means St Kilda is very difficult to reach!
The National Trust for Scotland own St Kilda. The operate conservation work parties and you get to stay in the village. You don't need any special skills. Details on www.kilda.org.uk
There is lots of fun info on St kilda on this website too
www.kilda.org.uk/weekildaguide/
What is the highest mountain from this list:Ben Shean, Ben Ledi,Ben Vorlich or Ben Lawyers?
Asked by kim sharp hunter on 23 July 2008
Ben Lawers is the highest at 1214 metres (3984ft). In Scottish terms that’s pretty big. It’s famous for its alpine plants and is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. All the hills you mention are in the Callander / Lochearnhead / Killin area.
How many aircraft museums are there in Scotland and where are they?
Asked by Steuart Campbell on 02 July 2008
There are a surprising number of aircraft-themed museums or museums with some aeronautical connection in Scotland. Obviously, the big one is the Museum of Flight at East Fortune, east of Edinburgh, part of the National Museums of Scotland. It has plenty of atmosphere, on its historic airfield setting. There’s also plenty of authentic ambience at the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre. (This collection is on the site of Britain’s first operational airfield. Some say the place has a ghost or two – certainly some creepy stories are associated with the place.) Then there is the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum at Dumfries in the south and the Highland Aviation Museum at Dalcross, Inverness Airport, in the north. Also on the list is Oban War and Peace Museum, recalling Oban Bay’s wartime role as a base for flying boats. Finally, the collections at the former air museum at Kirriemuir are going to Montrose. Oh, and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum has a spitfire from 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron prominently displayed.