Scotland’s top 5 weekend getaways

St Andrews

It might be best known for Royal romances and being the home of golf but the coastal town of St Andrews offers plenty of opportunities for weekend getaways. Whether it’s a girls’ spa break at the luxury Fairmont Hotel, or a golfing holiday with the boys, there is plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Known for hosting the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and The Open, St Andrews is home to 11 golf courses, of varying difficulties to suit every player. The size of the town means that a number of courses are within walking distance of each other, with good transport available to allow easy access to those further afield.

The five star Fairmont Hotel (which has two golf courses of its own, Torrance and Devlin), is situated on a 520-acre estate just outside the centre of St Andrew provides a variety of spa treatments, along with a generous swimming pool. With excellent dining and bar facilities, the Fairmont Hotel caters for all needs.

The Old Course Hotel offers similar packages, complemented by a wonderful view over the Old Course itself. Situated on the edge of town, the many bars and restaurants in the main streets of St Andrews are within walking distance, as is the West Sands beach, with views over to Dundee and Leuchars.

Visit st.andrews.co.uk for more info

Oban

Famously the place where Prince Philip asked a driving instructor ‘How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them to pass the test,’ Oban is a superb location for those looking for an activity-based getaway.

Both land and sea activities are covered, with opportunities including sea-kayaking, hillwalking and diving. Those interested in a more sedate weekend are also catered for, with the Argyll Gardens a short drive away, and the possibility of catching sight of seals, whales and eagles.

For those who scorn regular hill-walking, there are more than 20 Munros within 45 minutes of Oban, with Ben Cruachan being a popular choice with first time Munro-baggers. Additionally, Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Mamores are just outside the Oban area.

The surroundings do mean that it is a veritable haven for those after an active weekend, but the less-active are catered for too, with the Oban Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland, providing tours and tasting sessions of their 11-year-old Cask Strength and 14-year-old Single Malt whiskies.

More information on all the above can be found on oban.org.uk

Pitlochry

Situated in rural Perthshire, Pitlochry has it all: beautiful scenery, a range of activities and is far from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s main cities, providing a welcome getaway from the rat race for those who want to try their hand at something different, or just enjoy an energetic weekend break.

There are several types of weekend breaks available, with numerous walks of varying difficulties, and many extreme sports to try - if you’ve got the nerve, of course. Bungee-jumping, off-road cycling and watersports are all available for visitors to the area.

As Pitlochry is primarily a holiday destination, all needs are catered for. Whisky connoisseurs may well be tempted by the close proximity of the Edradour distillery - the smallest distillery in Scotland, producing just 12 casks a week of its 10-year-old Single Malt, handmade by just three men, maintaining a 150-year tradition.

Blair Atholl distillery, whose Single Malt provides the main ingredient of one of Scotland’s most popular blended whiskies, Bell’s, is situated nearby. Both distilleries offer tours, and the chance to see one of Scotland’s finest products being made.

For more information on all Pitlochry has to offer, visit pitlochry.org and Day Out With the Kids

Edinburgh

For those outwith Scotland’s capital, there are a number of places around the city suitable for weekend breaks. Prestonfield House Hotel provides a relaxing getaway, even for natives. From the kilted bellboys to the plush interior, Prestonfield House Hotel has the ability to make you feel distant from the city centre, thanks to its discreet nature.

Originally built as the luxury home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, the 23 rooms now make up one of the city’s most luxurious boutique hotels.

It was the backdrop to Alex Salmond’s speech after the SNP’s majority victory in the 2011 Scottish Election, and has played host to a wide variety of events including the Spirit of Scotland Awards and the Politician of the Year awards.

Although Prestonfield House Hotel may not feel like enough of a getaway for city-dwellers, it’s ideal for those from further afield - and even for those who don’t want to leave the city too far behind.

Visit the hotel’s website for more info at prestonfield.com