Winter Mini Breaks in Scotland. The west coast of Scotland is a magical landscape where your soul can rest while your spirits rejuvenate. A place out of time, maybe, but with on-point hospitality and an outstanding seafood restaurant at the Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin finds Suzanne Martin.
There is so much to celebrate about The Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin. Whether it’s their title as National Restaurant of the Year at the Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards, being listed in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2024, or their most recent win as Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards – these are passionate people who celebrate local food and suppliers, their staff, and us. Lucky lucky us.
But what do I feel as I leave this hidden gem on our west coast after a far too brief overnight stay? I feel joyous. Unplugged. Like I’ve been let into a secret. Ok, the car park is nearly full and the sun drenched terrace overlooking Loch Linnhe busy when we first arrive, so maybe not that secret.
Taking the High Road
The trip from Glasgow is spectacular. Longer via the Rest and Be Thankful (and the roadworks encountered) but facilitating a stop in postcard pretty Inverary, takes roughly three hours. We make the more direct journey on our return through the heart-stopping beauty of the Pass of Brander and are back in the West End two-and-a-half hours later.
I dare you not to make multiple stops on each leg though. On the journey up we took in the delights of Inverary, shook our heads in disbelief at the ruined beauty of Kilchurn Castle, and couldn’t believe we weren’t in medieval France at St Conan’s Kirk. What was a surprise was the investment into Oban since we were last there a decade ago. It was heaving in the late summer sunshine and giving off serious continental vibes!
Passed Oban, Port Appin comprises a few scattered homes, a wee shop and post office, community centre, and the ferry to Lismore right from the slipway at The Pierhouse Hotel. In a plethora of west coast name checks, this magical spot punches well above its tiny size.
The Pierhouse
At the heart of the community, the hotel is right on Loch Linnhe with views from the award-winning seafood restaurant and outdoor terrace towards Lismore. We checked into our luxurious cliff-side room with help from friendly Duty Manager Vil, before settling into the restaurant for dinner that evening. The knowledgeable waiting staff took us through the menu and we plumped for west coast scallops baked in the shell with puff pastry – delicious, with a whole lobster, and grilled cod with burnt butter hollandaise for mains.
To be able to look out onto the waters where the seafood was caught in such luxurious yet rustic surrounds, is a rare treat indeed. Lucky us indeed.
After a restful sleep, a morning swim beckoned in the placid waters off the small beach in front of the hotel. After checking where was safe I set off just after the ferry left and watched Head Chef Michael throw in his lobster pots for that evening’s service from the slipway. It’s all a far cry from our West End and all the more precious for it.
My shoulders finally dropped that last inch and as I gazed across the loch to Lismore peace descended. And that’s how I feel at this special spot on our magical west coast.
Special Offer!
For a glorious Winter Mini Breaks in Scotland, consider a midweek ‘Wee Winter Break’ at The Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin. The offer is based on a three-night stay with two people sharing a Cliff Facing Room for £345 (£115 per night) or Sea View Room for £510 (£170 per night) on a B&B basis. The offer is not valid for the Superior Sea View Rooms and is applicable on Sunday – Thursday nights from the beginning of December 2024 to the end February 2025. Lunch and dinner is available in the restaurant from the a la carte menu.
For more information on a midweek ‘Wee Winter Break’ at The Pierhouse or to make a booking –
Call – 01631 730302
Email – reservations@pierhousehotel.co.uk or
Visit – www.pierhousehotel.co.uk/wee-winter-break*.
*Ts&Cs Apply. Subject to availability.
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