Highland Cottage, Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Tucked up in the ‘Upper Town’ of Tobermory, the only real town on the Isle of Mull, one of the largest of the Inner Hebrides. It sits on a lovely old street just up the hill from the wide expanse of Tobermory Bay. Part of the fun of a visit here is the gorgeous ferry trip over with the hotel around 20 miles from the main ferry port at Craignure.

Cosy Tobermory Retreat

Highland Cottage is a cosy island retreat imbued with a sense of warmth and comfort that only that personal touch can provide. In this case that comes in the form of professionally trained David and Jo Currie, who are on hand to help make you feel like it is not their ‘hotel’ but your Highland home. All you have to do is just settle in and enjoy it.

Rooms Named After Scottish Islands

Originally the Curries were to have refurbished the building when they bought it, but in the end they had to pretty much knock it down and start from scratch. They only found this out while on holiday in Nantucket so hence one room is called Nantucket, while the rest are named after Scottish islands. Make sure to book one with a four-poster bed. We liked Nantucket itself, with its airy New England-style bathroom. A nice touch, as well as a tea tray, is another tray with some complimentary crisps and sugary delights. The décor is cosy and quite traditional, but definitely on the right side of tartan twee.

Superb Dining at Highland Cottage

Jo herself is the star in the kitchen with David looking after front-of-house. On our visit we tucked into local Croig crab cakes and Aberdeen Angus fillet steaks, with lashings of other local produce on the menu. On the cheeseboard, of course, was the first class Mull Cheddar, while instead you can also enjoy some decadent desserts.

The Honesty Bar is a Nice Touch

There is not much in the way of facilities at Highland Cottage. Forget swimming pools and spas and instead take a book from their library, pour yourself a drink from their honesty bar and settle into the residents’ lounge for a while. Or take one of the complimentary DVDs and while away a rainy day with a classic film.

Tobermory Overflows with Attractions

Tobermory overflows with things to see and do these days. You can enjoy a tour and a dram at Tobermory Distillery and buy first rate Tobermory Handmade Chocolate, locally made soaps and bath products from the Isle of Mull Soap Company, as well as some excellent jewellery at Isle of Mull Silver, at the quaint shops on the famous multi-coloured waterfront main street. Then there are the boat tours, on all manner of vessels, including old sailing yachts, that eke out into the Inner Hebrides with the chance to head as far north as the island of Rum. A nigh compulsory day trip if you are staying more than a night is out to the famous isle of Iona.

Highland Cottage, Breadalbane Street, Isle of Mull, PA75 6PD. Tel: +44(0)1688-302030. www.highlandcottage.co.uk

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 6/10

For a Romantic Break 8/10

For Food 8/10

For Business People 7/10

InsiderScotland Rating 8/10