Mingary Castle

‘Staying in the inner courtyard of a 13th-century castle was always going to be unforgettable,’ writes an inspector, on a visit to Colin Nicolson and Jessica Thompson’s restaurant-with-rooms. Approached by a winding single-track road, the ‘massive fortification’ stands on a rocky sill washed by the Sound of Mull on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. ‘It has the appearance of an austere fortress but cross the drawbridge and it is a different story,’ writes a reader. ‘It is a wonderful place, which feels like a Scottish parador.’ The interior is full of ‘interesting art, antique furnishings and taxidermy’, with an oak-panelled dining room and carved staircase. Dog-friendly MacDonald suite is set over two floors, with lounge and kitchenette. MacIain has ‘a huge, very comfortable four-poster, a large shower and roll-top copper bath’. Colin’s ‘wonderfully cooked and served dishes include unusual offerings such as oyster ice cream’; ‘delicious celeriac purée and rolled orange with carrot mousse filling’. Home-baked sourdough is ‘a highlight’. ‘The breakfast sourdough smoked trout crumpet had a wow factor.’ Staff are ‘attentive and professional, warm and friendly.’ (Carol Bulloch, and others)