The Glenmorangie Tour

Nairn and Royal Dornoch, Scotland

May 2007

Aer Arann now fly direct from Dublin to Inverness where you can play 2 of the world's best links courses, and stay in one of the finest country houses I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. The Glenmorangie House at Cadboll is a small 12 room country house owned by LVM, who also own the glenmorangie distillery as well as world renowned brands such as Moet & Chandon, Chanel, etc. You will be greeted with a warm welcome and invited for pre-dinner drink and canapés in the drawing room. From there you will be shown to the formal dining area where all the guests enjoy a magnificent 7 course menu. The variety over the 3 nights was superb with scallops, pidgeon and pork amongst the fabulous dishes on offer. Post dinner, suitably nourished (but not stuffed mind you) guests are invited to retire to a roaring fire for a wee dram. I heartily recommend the uigedal from the Isle of Arran.

Stories of the day's golf are recounted and if you’re in the right company, maybe even a song. I was lucky to be treated to a rousing version of Raglan Road by one of my golfing partners. An ovation from our English friends with whom we shared dinner followed, and with that it was off to the individually named rooms for a nights rest. Sleep came easy (combination of the Scottish air and single malt I would think) and after a full Scottish breakfast it was time to tackle the might of Nairn.

A majestic links, Nairn hosted the 1999 Walker Cup and will stage the Curtis cup in 2012. The course offers different types of holes, different types of challenges and is certainly worthy of its championship status. On then to Royal Dornoch the following day, which was everything I had hoped it would be since I first read about it many years ago. With the gorse in full bloom and the course in its prime, it was a treat to play; knoweledgeable caddies made it all the more enjoyable.

So, if you have done the Troon/Turnberry run and have sampled the delights of the links east of Edinburgh, maybe its time to head for the highlands! Enjoy!

Highs: Just a very special place with great food/accommodation/golf all in one

Lows: If you are not a golfer, there may be a shortage of activities or excursions to keep you entertained

See www.theglenmorangiehouse.com for more details