Scotland

It's a big year for Scotland, so head north of the border for a lively McMini break
All eyes are on bonnie Scotland as the Commonwealth Games kick o at the end of this month (23 July). What better time to reacquaint yourself with the country’s glorious natural landscapes and elegant cities than on a McMini break?

In Glasgow, home of the Commonwealth Games, Z Hotels has launched its ƒ rst Scottish hotel, Z Glasgow, in North Frederick Street, near George Square. It is well placed for shopaholics, as Buchanan Street is close by.

The 104 rooms have en-suite wetrooms equipped with power showers and high definition TVs with Sky Sports and Sky Movies at no extra cost, while Z Café o ers a selection of mezze platters from £7.50. Rooms cost from £50 per night.

020-3551 3700, www.thezhotels.com

Meanwhile, The Torridon in the Scottish Highlands has It’s a big year for Scotland, so head north of the border for a lively McMini break been named Hotel of the Year 2014 by Pride of Britain Hotels, a consortium of 49 privatelyowned independent British hotels and spas.

Set at the end of a sea loch, this 18-bedroom luxury hotel has grounds of 58 acres complete with grazing Highland cattle. Look out for red deer, golden eagles, otters and seals, too.

Complimentary activities include rock-climbing, archery, kayaking, mountain biking and guided walks.

The Torridon is also known for its well-stocked whisky bar with more than 350 malts. Rooms have great views and come with Wi-Fi, Roberts radios and Victorian-style bathrooms, some with freestanding claw-foot baths. A two-night stay costs from £235 per person including full Scottish breakfast.

Pride of Britain Hotels: 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com

Travel-July04-02-590Left: The Torridon is set in 58 acres. Right: Glasgow has so much to offer

If you prefer self-catering, how about the Servants’ Quarters at Torrisdale Castle, Carradale, on Scotland’s southwest coast? The recently converted threebedroom apartment includes a private hot tub and woodburning sauna and access to the vast grounds for walks and cycle rides. A three-night weekend stay costs from £480.

01583-431233, www.torrisdalecastle.com

Finally, if you’re celebrating, splash out on McKinlay Kidd’s Aston Martin 007 Weekend. This is a classic Aston Martin road trip through Scotland, passing some of the most stunning Bond ƒ lm locations en route. Drive by Faslane Naval Base, featured in The Spy Who Loved Me, then the loch by Crinan, scene of a boat chase through the Bosphorus in From Russia With Love, and power back through Glencoe, the setting for the dramatic ƒ nale of Skyfall.

Accommodation is at the ƒfive-star Isle of Eriska Hotel. The two-night trip costs from £1,250 per person, including dinner, bed and breakfast, three days’ hire of an Aston Martin DB9, cocktail masterclass, private speedboat ride and entrance to Duart Castle.

0844-873 6110, www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk

Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk

Prices correct at time of going to press.