To some, the name of Argyll in Scotland conjours up a misty mountainous terrain, fringed with mysterious islands. To others, it's the Auld Country where generations ago crofting farmers were exiled by wicked landlords and sent across dangerous oceans to unknown worlds to settle.

Argyll is all of these and more, its adventure its romance its fine dining its exploring its history and natural wonder all in a compact area.

This wonderful country has been long settled by humanity and the marks are all around, strange mysterious stone alignments, circles, and standing stones are never far away.

One of the most important and famous areas for prehistoric remains Kilmartin Glen, lies midway between the pretty port of Oban and Inverarry, if you have the opportunity to explore this remarkable place be sure to visit the comprehensive museum and next door to the museum is a collection of carved grave markings from the 13th Century.

Layer upon layer of history, woven like a clan tartan wherever you walk or climb or sail or drive you follow in the footsteps of  myth and legend and the characters of history. Stand where the Young Pretender, bonnie prince Charlie first landed and raised his standard at Glen Finnan, sail across to the Island of Mull walk the lonely beautiful beaches of the island of Iona, the spiritual Isle burial place of the kings of Scotland, the place where Saint Columba brought Christianity first to these shores.

There are many castles, fine houses and beautiful gardens  in Argyll and  driving through the countryside of the Highlands with the Rhododendron bushes in bloom is something never to be forgotten. Every turn of the road ( and as the Romans never made it this far North the roads have very many turns) reveals another scene that delights and every turn of the road brings its own micro climate. The weather can change from sun to rain to hail to sun in a matter of minutes so you wont get bored, dress in layers and be prepared for anything at any time of the year.

Also be ready to spot Red Dear, Eagles, Seals, Sea Otters and lots of other wildlife , even Whales and Dolphins! The drive from Oban to Fort William is one of the best drives in Europe and if you turn off the main road and drive through Glen Orchy to Ranoch Moor and then to Glen Coe famous for its clan massacre, then you combine some of the most dramatic scenery with an area that has seen dramatic events.

Its not all history and sightseeing Argyll  has some of the finest restaurants in the UK, Argyll is justly famous for its food and of course for its Whisky, mainland distilleries vie with the the islands and especially with Islay in their claim that they produce the finest dram, the only way to find out is to come and try some. Argyll is ideally situated being midway between Inverness and Glasgow modern cities with  vibrant culture and night-life.

As Sir Walter Scott wrote: "From Kintyre to Killin and Tobermory to Tillicoultry, an open invitation awaits you in these heartlands of Scotland."

I am sure you can tell I am passionate about this land of passion, I am equally passionate about making our guests welcome here at Braeside Guesthouse. We offer superb four star comfort, relaxation, and a fine dining experience. We are located just three miles south of Oban so perfectly situated for exploring, and nice and quiet with stunning views over Loch Feochan  but only five minutes away from the busy little harbour town. We think food and drink  are an important part of the business of total relaxation, so we use the finest  fresh local produce wherever possible. Our famous Scottish breakfast has award winning Duke of Argyll bacon, Black Pudding , Gold medal haggis, all beef Steak sausage, or we offer a delicious vegetarian cooked breakfast, maybe you would rather try some of the local smoked haddock served with smoked ham in a cream sauce, or smoked salmon  or freshly baked continental pastries. One thing is for sure: you won't leave the table feeling hungry.

After a long day exploring what better way to finish the day than to come home to a home cooked evening meal made with the same attention to detail as our breakfasts using local produce, fresh seafood, venison, game, and meat all are regularly on the menu. And our whisky bar offers over 100 aged and rare single malts  as well as fine wines and liqueurs. Stay overnight or come for an extended vacation like many of our guests you will treasure the memory and want to come back. I hope you have enjoyed this description of Argyll and just a few of its many treasures my words cant hope to describe all its rugged and gentle scenery its a land of contrasts of mystery where history is everywhere yet time seems to stand still.

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