The Fife Arms, Braemar and Turner prize winner Martin Creed's new artwork

The Highland hotel reopens with a neon message

The Fife Arms, Braemar is celebrating its re-opening with a new neon artwork by Martin Creed. The Victorian coaching inn was transformed with a multimillion revamp before re-launching in December 2018.

The Fife Arms, Braemar'

'Everything is going to be alright'. That’s the message from artist Martin Creed whose new multicoloured neon is shining out in the grounds of Braemar Castle to celebrate the re-opening of The Fife Arms hotel. A message for our times, it’s a reprise of the installation that’s been comforting Edinburgh since it was installed on the facade of the National Gallery of Scotland in 2012, and was commissioned by Hauser & Wirth who own the hotel.

A work of art is the best way to describe this boutique five star Highland hotel which has been welcoming guests to the village of Braemar since 1856 and has now reopened to continue the tradition. The Victorian coaching inn was transformed with a multimillion revamp before re-opening in 2018, by Swiss art dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth of internationally-acclaimed art gallery Hauser & Wirth. Filled with more than 16,000 antiques, artwork and artefacts, if you’re an art lover this is the place for you.

Each of the 46 individually decorated rooms is dedicated to a place, person, event or theme which have all been researched and dressed to tell local stories.

Spectacular views are to be had outside too, with the Cairngorms National Park on the doorstep.

Budget or boutique?

Boutique.

Room service

Turner Prize winner Martin Creed's neon artwork at Braemar Castle. The artist was commissioned by was commissioned by Hauser & Wirthwho own The Fife Arms hotel in the village. Picture: Sim Canetty-Clarke, courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth Martin Creed. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2020

Each of the 46 individually decorated rooms is dedicated to a local place, person, event or theme which have all been researched and dressed to tell local stories. Celebrated figures include Robert Louis Stevenson, who began writing Treasure Island in Braemar whilst on holiday; Lord Byron, who recuperated from scarlet fever in the village in 1796 and was inspired to write the song Dark Lochnagar; Mrs Frances Farquharson, (1903-1991), stylish editor of American Vogue, who married Captain Alwyn Farquharson of the neighbouring Invercauld estate, and who had a penchant for haute couture, especially those by designer Elsa Schiaparelli; as well as homages to local characters such as The Highlander, The Stalker, The Crofter and The Mountaineer.

Wining and dining

Artistry is to be found in the kitchens too at The Fife Arms which celebrates Scottish produce, from fresh seafood and game to local whiskies. Traditionally the heart of the village, The Flying Stag is the hotel’s public bar and offers classic Scottish dishes, real ales, live entertainment and a selection of over 180 whiskies.

With menus created by executive chef Tim Kensett, the Clunie Dining Room overlooking the Clunie River below showcases the art of seasonal cooking in an interior transformed by Argentine artist, Guillermo Kuitca. His Clunie River Mural has been painted in his distinctive cubistoid style, created over several weeks in residence at The Fife Arms, and is his response to the hotel and the Cairngorms.

Elsa’s art deco cocktail bar honours iconic fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, who was a regular visitor to Braemar and with an interior inspired by her love of shocking pink, it’s the place for a pre-dinner aperitif or post-dinner nightcap.

Tradition meets contemporary in the drawing room, with walls covered in The Fife Arms tartan and the ceiling featuring Chinese artist Zhang Enli’s work inspired by the colours found in agate and crystal. A place to enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea – and the room itself.

Worth getting out of bed for

The extraordinary Cairngorms National Park. Within five minutes visitors can be walking through historic forests of heather and Scots Pine on the many self-led trails. Alternatively, the hotel’s Ghillie Team can arrange a guide.

Art tours for guests allow you to experience the hotel’s works, from Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud, Gerhard Richter and Bruegel to site specific commissions from contemporary art stars and watercolours by Queen Victoria and Prince Charles.

In-house forager Natasha Lloyd shares her expert knowledge of the local plants and vegetation on tours of the surroundings, identifying and sharing the taste of plants that can be transformed into teas, tinctures, condiments or cosmetics.

Little extras

The hotel is very dog friendly and for damp weather, wellies are provided.

Guestbook comments

At The Fife Arms Everything Will Be Alright.

Rooms start from £250 including VAT including breakfast. The Fife Arms, Mar Road, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YN (01339 720200, thefifearms.com)

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