The Trossachs countryside with its castles and gardens may be notable pleasures in this part of Loch Lomond but The Winnock Hotel invokes a character of its own. In keeping with this ethos, plenty of thought has gone into the design of Merlin Restaurant, with original beams and exposed stonework creating an antique feel.

The menu is straightforward and satisfying with starters like smoked Rannoch Mhor venison and homemade pan-fried crab cakes that are hard to overlook. Some of the more appealing main courses include Barbary duck breast gently pan fried and finished with a damson and juniper glaze, and fillet of Aberdeen Angus steak presented on a crouton with chicken liver pâté, masked with a rich Madeira sauce. Desserts like raspberry and drambuie cranachan follow the classic route.

With off-beat events like mystery nights and spooky Scotland weekends, The Winnock Hotel is all set to expose one scary truth or another about what is believed to be one of the most haunted countries in the world.