Ardanaiseig is one of those dreamlike Scottish baronial castles that were built in remote parts of a thinly populated country by design, but this one is in a class of its own, with a sheaf of awards to make the point. The setting is West Coast Scotland at its very best. Rooms sumptuously furnished with antiques are the norm, and the dining room, with its fine paintings and spaciousness makes a stimulating place for gourmet food.

Chef de Cuisine, Gary Goldie works hard at maintaining the carefully created standards of this leading hotel, with much of his ingredients from local sources, not least the seafood. A typical menu might consist of Stornoway black pudding with foie gras, caramelised apple and beetroot salad, followed by pan-roasted halibut with seared scallops, wilted spinach, chantrelle mushrooms, confit garlic and Sauternes sauce. A hot chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream makes an auspicious ending to a meal of this quality and an international selection of wines pays due homage to the fine food.