Barcaldine Luxury House Hotel swept the board at this year’s Scottish Hotel Awards scooping three awards, with Head Chef Craig Ferguson (pictured) winning Rising Star Chef of the Year. This news comes just weeks after the hotel was honoured with the prestigious accolade of AA Rosettes, further highlighting the growing stature and reputation of this young chef.
At the awards ceremony held in Edinburgh this weekend, Barcaldine was also named Best Family Hotel of the Year, marking the hotel’s relaxed home from home feel, and won silver for the Turnaround Achievement Award. The hotel was taken over last year by Managing Director Heather Buchanan, and although a lot has already been achieved, the new owners have a full programme of continuous improvement with more upgrades and refurbishments planned.
Barcaldine’s General Manager Susan Ferguson explains: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from the industry after such a short time. We have worked very hard to breathe new life into Barcaldine and this is a fantastic reward. And now we are looking forward to making the experience at Barcaldine even more magical and to welcoming new guests into our beautiful hotel.”
Craig’s passion for locally sourced highland ingredients from local waters, lands and even from the Barcaldine Garden is the secret to his exceptional menu. With locally reared wild venison, succulent beef and tender game, as well as hand dived scallops from the Isle of Jura and hot smoked salmon sourced from top quality suppliers in Oban, Scotland’s Seafood Capital.
Strathlomond mineral water comes straight from Campsie Fells and sits on every dining table. For something a little bit stronger, there are award winning beers from Loch Fyne Ales and an extensive list of west coast whiskies.
Aromatic beauty products, made from Argyll’s home-grown botanical ingredients, complete Barcaldine’s luxury en-suite bathrooms and dedicated to supporting the local community, Barcaldine uses only local services.
The food is imaginative without being pretentious and delicious meals are served on plates made from slate which retain heat well and look fantastic. Craig runs gourmet food and wine weekends as well as experiences like Foraging for Wild Food in the beautiful forests surrounding the hotel.
Barcaldine is a hidden gem, offering high service levels without being overbearing and stuffy and a “can do” attitude to service. It’s a place to “kick back” and unwind. Take your shoes off and sit by the fire or go for a walk in the enchanting walks surrounding the hotel.
Barcaldine House also offers self-catering accommodation set around a beautiful courtyard. The hotel is near Oban, the heart of the west coast of Scotland, the idyllic country house is set in stunning Argyll countryside and offers only the finest in hospitality.
The 1709 country house hotel is surrounded by enchanting forests and secret gardens – a joy for children and adults alike. Within the gardens are six comfortable self-catering cottages. Barcaldine House makes a convenient base when exploring Argyll & Bute and the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, with easy access to spectacular mountains, beaches, lochs and glens as well as a range of superb activities in Argyll.
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