To be honest, I don’t really want to tell you about Mingary Castle – because this might be one of the most special places I have ever found.
Many years ago on a CalMac boat I sailed from the Tobermory Highland Games to Kilchoan Highland Games, and in the distance I could see a castle.
It looked golden as it basked in the sunshine, and it enchanted me and I wanted to come back to visit.
Little did I know that some years later I’d be here, for the experience of – and I’m not one for hyperbole – the trip you will talk about for a lifetime.
Perfection
Mingary Castle is perfect.
From the kind, but relaxed, staff that you’ll get to know by name, to the battlements outside your four-poster bed room. To baths, big enough for two, and dressing gowns fit for king and queen-sized princes.
If you can afford one holiday this year, or next, make your way to Mingary. If you can take as many holidays as you like – you will not be disappointed. This is not Scotland-class, this is world class.
Mingary was built in the curtain style in the 13th Century and is now set on the ever peaceful Ardnamurchan Estate.
A multi-million refurbishment has taken the castle from the drafty place it had become, to the most tastefully restored luxury accommodation. Its restoration was completed in 2016, and in 2021 it opened as a hotel, and restaurant.
It has a few overnight guests in its four rooms and one beautiful self-contained flat. Each person is made to feel as though they are coming home, as though they belong.
A special stay
General manager Jessica Thompson is the co-owner with partner Colin Nicholson, the chef patron.
The couple are not only focused on putting the castle on Scotland’s culinary map, but as Jessica said “making sure people have a very special stay with us”. And she is genuine.
Both Jessica and Colin hail from the islands – and have spent time getting to know the hospitality industry – so they know how to make your stay memorable.
The castle boasts majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean from its original battlements with 360 degree views of the peninsula. Ships sail by as you are sleeping.
And not only is the holiday to Mingary Castle something to cherish in its own right -there is also so much to explore in Ardnamurchan, on your moat-step.
Ardnamurchan is the most westerly point on the UK mainland – it has a community-owned lighthouse and rural living to prove it.
To get here – you will likely need to take a boat – although you can “drive round” increasing your journey by more than an hour.
The day before we arrived, the local beach at Sanna Bay had been named one of the best in the UK.
Afternoon sunshine
We reckon it was undersold. We basked in the afternoon sunshine, and picnicked on local produce.
The lighthouse, the lighthouse-keeping sheep dogs and the cafe still fitted out as a kitchen are so interesting to view.
We enjoyed local cafes, walks in wilderness, into the almost endless day of a Hebridean summer.
A trip to the post office passed a beautiful hour watching people come and go with local gossip, and tourist chat in the sunshine.
Nearby at the Puffin Coffee there is a delicious toastie to be roasted for you, and outstanding coffee.
We started both days soaked in rain – but as our waitress said at breakfast – “it will be sunshine by lunchtime”, and it was.
But at the end of what can only be described as the most beautiful, thoughtful, local and fulfilling meal, I tasted the limited-edition champagne cask whisky they’ve just released.
This was not a meal – this was indeed an experience never to be forgotten.
Nothing can top the dinner – from oyster ice cream, to a langoustine fish course with a bisque that we found ourselves trying to discreetly lick from the plate (not that anyone would have criticised).
A sourdough bread course with homemade to-die-for butters, and a main course of flat iron steak.
There was a beetroot course An Darma, paniss and an outstanding cheese fondue.
A chocolate ganache, macron, nougat and a fruit jelly were the offering on the tripartite desert.
Every single taste was distinct.
From the micro petals, to the seaweed powder, it wasn’t just the food, its presentation and gorgeous sumptuous taste, it was the reverence in which each course was received.
Colin Nicolson is not simply a chef, he is a master craftsman.
We were for two days, but it has satisfied us for a lifetime. It was perfect.
Factbox
Mingary Castle, by Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Estate, room prices vary on the season. With a full breakfast – have the porridge with Glayva.
Evening meal tasting menu in the two AA rosette-starred restaurant £80, and £125 with a delightful wine pairing.
Until December 18, Wednesday-Sunday, you can book a two-night stay including dinner, bed and breakfast. Dinner on the first evening is a seasonal three-course set menu and on the second, a six-course tasting menu. Breakfast is included each morning.
Prices: MacDougall £700 DBB for two; MacIain £800 DBB for two; MacDonald £800 DBB for two; McCain £1,240 DBB for four.
Visit mingarycastle.co.uk or call 01972 614380.
Sanna Bay – four miles from Kilchoan
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse – entry fee. Stables Cafe £12 for coffee and cake for two.
Kilchoan Post Office – an outstanding range of products for locals and tourists.
Puffin Coffee – lunch for two with coffee and cakes £22.
Ardnamurchan Distillery – Kilchoan, entry fee for distillery tour.
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