Highland Hotel – stay in the Scottish Highlands
A perfect highland hotel retreat, nestled amidst the rugged splendour of the Scottish Highlands, the Pierhouse Hotel and Restaurant stands as a beacon of gastronomic delight on the tranquil banks of Loch Linnhe. Recently awarded the accolade of Scottish Restaurant of the Year, this charming eatery showcases the culinary expertise of head chef Michael Leathley. Using the finest locally sourced seafood and produce he has created a must visit venue in a setting of stunning natural beauty.
This was my first visit to the Highlands and after a long drive from Newcastle in the North of England, we arrrived at the charming blue and white Pierhouse Hotel which was originally the old Ferryman’s station.
This is a small boutique hotel with just twelve rooms. What it lacks in capacity it makes up for in ambition, and the fantastic view which goes on forever out over the loch. The ferry just across from the hotel goes back and forth to the island of Lismore. Many of the hotel’s staff rely on it for transport to and from work! Wild swimmers enjoy jumping in the loch, weather permitting.
There are views across to the island of Mull, the mountains of Morven and the Ardnamurchan peninsula. You can even see out to the small island of Shuna, home of the hotel’s venison. The weather was wild when we arrived so we couldn’t see the mountains to begin with. After storm Kathleen blew over they emerged in spectacular fashion from the mist.
A short walk away from the Pierhouse is the stunning Stalker Castle – worthy of any scene in Game of Thrones.
The Pierhouse Restuarant
The restaurant itself is the beating heart of the hotel with its dreamy view out over the everchanging loch and fresh quirky interior. The decor is very New England and is stuffed with charming paintings, photographs, and ornaments.
The food is locally sourced where possible and the langoustines are fished right out of the loch in front of you! The menu features all things seafood. Between us (over the weekend) we sampled oysters, scallops, lobster, langoustines, cullen skink and plaice. It was a real seafood spectacular. The red deer from the nearby Shuna island was pretty good too!
My favourite was the Abroath smokey cheese soufflé which was pretty perfect. The menu is a love letter to Scotland’s larder with the freshest seafood and meats complemented by seasonal vegetables and herbs from local farms and artisanal producers.
The Pierhouse Hotel is a part of the Wee Hotel Company founded by renowned hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray in 2019. After an international career in hospitality Gordon has returned to his roots to pursue the winning combination of fantastic food and some of Scotland’s most beautiful destinations. The sister of the Pierhouse Hotel is the fabulous Three Chimneys hotel on Skye, also part of Gordon’s portfolio.
Award winning chef at this Highland Hotel
A sense of connection to the land and sea permeates every aspect of the Pierhouse experience. In this haven of tranquility and culinary excellence, time seems to stand still, leaving wonderful highland memories long after you have demolished the cheese board.
The Pierhouse chef for the last four years is one Michael Leathley. I met him in the snug of the Pierhouse and interviewed him over a coffee. Michael explains how he started his career. To start with he wants to be an artist, and even went to art school in London. However, he says ‘I was a much better than chef than an artist.’
Highland Hotel Chef
He started his culinary career at 21 Queen Street in Newcastle, a well known high end bistro, and he has never looked back. Michael recalls that when he came for his interview it happens outside in the sunshine with some oysters and a glass of white wine. “ I thought, this is alright!.” he explains. Michael has really embraced his new Scottish life and has created something special here. The restaurant is super popular and gets regular walk ins even though it is at the end of a two mile single track road! “It’s a real honour to have picked up this year’s top ‘National Restaurant of the Year’ award and help put our wee corner of Argyll on the UK’s foodie map.
“We work really closely with a network of the region’s best local producers and suppliers, including the freshest langoustines, mussels harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine handpicked oysters from the oyster beds of Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel.”
Growing up on the north east coast around North Shields and Newcastle, Michael was never far from a fish dish and his love for seafood, which he still carries today, began in his earliest years.
Michael says:
“The thing that reminds me most of my childhood is smoked kippers. When I was very young, my mum worked as a graphic designer and there was a festival she would be involved in with all kinds of artists and musicians taking part. One of the snacks you would get there would be a whole kipper in a soft white roll.
“The smell of that – the smoke, butter and mustard – brings it all back. It’s memories of smoky fish and kippers that opened that entire door for me.”
The Whispering Cow Walk.
One day two of our Pierhouse trip we joined a special new attraction here – a whispering cow walk. Jane Isaacson has created a new outdoor experience on Achinreir Farm up in Barcaldine in Argyll. The whispering cow walk gives visitors an opportunity to take part in something totally unique. We follow Jane, walking around the farm among her fold of beautiful Highland Cattle.
The cows dotted around the fields, gaze at us with mild curiosity. We say hello to Flossy who is about to calve and meet a new calf already nestling in the grass. We then say hello to the other main milking cows. Milking these cows by hand gives an artisanal touch and the milk turns into creamy Highland Fold Ice Cream. The ice cream is available to buy in the coffee shop in the barn. The milk of these cows has a high fat content so no additional cream is required for the process.
The flavours of the ice cream are from plants foraged or berries grown on the farm. Unusual flavours like meadowsweet and honeyberry and even acorn are on offer here! On the guided walk we were able to appreciate some stunning views and learn more about the bio diversity of the farm. The name of the game is sustainability and Jane is passionate about using flavours from the local environment and teaching people about them. This special ice cream also appears on the Pierhouse menu, naturally.
Highland Hotel – the Bridge of Orchy
Storm Kathleen finally blows over and we are able to test out the ferry across to Lismore. We chat to the skipper about how the people who live there manage when the ferry is unable to sail.
On our return we stay at another charming hotel – the Bridge of Orchy . This hotel is right next to the aforementioned bridge, a well known Scottish landmark. The Bridge of Orchy has a warm and friendly ambiance and is very popular with walkers. It has recently been refurbished and added new accommodation created in modern chalet style modules in the hotel grounds. The hotel has a bright restaurant with a great view out over the bridge and surrounding countryside. I enjoyed a traditional haggis neeps and tatties dinner here, which was quite delicious.
It is a great place to stay if you are walking the West Higland Way. The West Highland Way is a linear long-distance walking route. It runs from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. The highest point – a very steep section – is the Devil’s staircase. The West Highland Way is about 156km or 96 miles long. Apparently you can walk it in five days, if you are a super fit fast walking machine!
We return home with our bellies full of delicious Scottish cuisine. Memories of stunning lochs and mountains and friendly highlanders who are very proud of their heritage and homeland linger.
Pierhouse fact box
For more information on The Pierhouse or to make a booking, call 01631 730302, email reservations@
Whispering Highland Cow Walks costs £15 per person and are timed for when the cattle are relaxed and resting. Advance booking is essential. Contact info@highland-fold.co.
For more information on Highland Fold Ice Cream, visit https://highland-fold.
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