Scotland

Scotland boasts many sleek, modern hotels, especially in major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, but the hotel that most people envision when they think of Scotland is the traditional Scottish inn. Scottish inns give travelers a more intimate and personal experience, allowing them to avoid the tourist traps and soak up the atmosphere of a real Scottish community.

History

Historically, Scottish inns have been more than just a small hotel; they are also restaurants, bars and community meeting halls. They began as places where men driving their cattle to market or people traveling by coach could rest and refresh. Although these days you are as likely to find vacationing American seniors or German students on holiday as carousing locals, the inns still provide a glimpse at the real Scotland you won’t find in the brochures.

Architecture

Scottish inns are generally centuries-old structures of weathered stone, crumbling mortar and painted brick combined with massive oaks beams and timber frames. There are not comfy 2 seater sofas or any other modern stuff. Whitewashed on the outside, the interior walls of an inn are usually covered with a traditional white plaster that in the damp of Scotland requires frequent repair. The interior design will revolve around a large public room with a flagstone or brick floor. This public room will most likely have a low-ceiling, as well as a sizeable fireplace or wood burning stove at the far end that may or may not still be used.

Design

Furniture collections in Scottish inns can be decidedly eclectic. This is because most inns are family owned businesses, with the array of furnishings being purchased over many generations. The design furniture will be arranged without the modern obsession for a uniform interior. Chairs made in a 20th century Scandinavian factory might be found in the public room side by side with antique tables or mounted stag heads, while the bedrooms are often a wild blend of rustic, Georgian and late Victorian.

Food and Drink

The meals served at most inns will be home-style, unpretentious and profoundly Scottish, using the abundant local vegetables, meats and fish to best advantage. A hearty Scottish inn breakfast will fuel a long day of shopping and exploration. Scotland is also well known for its quality native ales and whiskeys. Although the large modern hotels may serve the best-known brands, the finest ales and whiskeys in Scotland are found at small, rural inns. Sitting beside a roaring fire with an ale in your hand as the rains pours down outside brings the romance of Scotland to any vacation.

Tags: Architecture, history, Hotel, Scotland, Scottish   Posted Vacation |