Jeremy Hawkings chief Executive of
connoisseurs Scotland talks about
his love of this beautiful country
Glen Etive
For the past 15 years I have had the privilege of managing and nurturing this group of luxury hotels. Today the group
comprises twenty-three of the very best hotels in Scotland some of which are recognised as amongst the finest in the world.
Wherever you want to stay in our remarkable country, you will find a Connoisseurs Scotland property nearby. Our
members include four of the finest golf resorts in the world, a castle recently voted to be the best hotel in Europe, six outstanding
city centre properties, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel, a magnificent castle health spa, a collection of delightful country house
hotels, the ultimate luxury train, the finest hotel afloat, two exclusive use properties and three properties in breathtaking coastal
locations.
We are fortunate to be one of the most beautiful small countries in the world. When I visit these fine hotels, I travel on
quiet or even deserted roads where traffic jams are unknown. All around me I see the flora, fauna and magnificent scenery of
one of the last great wildernesses of Europe – enhanced even further by an occasional glimpse of a wild deer, a red squirrel, a
buzzard or the famed golden eagle. Arriving at my destination I find people who are passionate about Scotland, their hotels and
particularly about the food that they offer. Our guests enjoy locally produced and sourced food, often from the garden of the
hotel in question, that has been carefully nurtured and nourished. Fresh langoustines from Crinan or the Moray Firth, free range
eggs from a nearby farmhouse, scallops from Skye, lamb from a local farm, the finest salmon in the world and of course beef from
Speyside, the historical home of the Aberdeen Angus breed, will all be found on our menus.
My journeys inevitably include a glimpse of a whisky distillery; indeed you are never far from one in Scotland. Most of
them welcome visitors with a tour followed by a chance to savour a sample of ‘uisege beatha’ which we now call Scotch whisky.
After many visits I now appreciate the difference between Lowland and Highland whisky and understand why the whiskies from
the west coast taste so peaty. Strathspey, which produces so much of the amber nectar, is very conveniently located between The
Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen and Boath House near Nairn. Maybe that is why I find myself visiting these two hotels so often.
The origins of golf will be debated for years to come, but whatever your view, Scotland is most certainly the home of golf.
To stand in the Grill Room of Old Course Hotel and look out through the floor to ceiling windows over The Old Course to the
Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, where the rules of the game of golf are decided, is one of the most awe inspiring experiences in the
world. The 9th hole on The Ailsa Course at Turnberry, looking across the sea to the lighthouse and the 13th hole of the Kings
Course at Gleneagles are equally breathtaking and both represent Scotland at its best. Loch Lomond is the largest fresh water loch
in Great Britain. It even has an inhabited island to which the postman makes regular mail deliveries by boat. Set along its historic
and beautiful banks is the Carrick- a golf course par excellence.
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