Pitlochry, Perthshire, 9th October 2018: Knockendarroch Hotel in Pitlochry has been awarded Scottish Hotel of the Year by The Good Hotel Guide at a celebratory dinner held at The Arch in London.

Owned by Struan and Louise Lothian since 2014, Knockendarroch Hotel offers a contemporary country house style in a quiet elevated position in central Pitlochry.

Most of the 14 bedrooms benefit from panoramic views of Pitlochry and the surrounding hills of Highland Perthshire. The hotel has a Visit Scotland 4 Star Gold Award and this year has been awarded several Travellers' Choice Awards for Scotland by Tripadvisor. These include Best Small Hotel, Best Service, Most Romantic Hotel and a Hall of Fame award.

The property which dates back to 1880 has a relaxed, cosy style combining traditional tweeds with contemporary touches. There are roaring log fires in the welcoming lounges and guests can relax with one of the many books on the bookshelves throughout the hotel. There is a range of Scottish small batch gins to sip over canapés and guests can indulge in the cabinet of over 50 malt whiskies after dinner. The two AA rosette restaurant has a modern, Scottish menu which changes daily.

Struan commented, “For us, this is the ultimate award from the definitive independent hotel guide. We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be recognised alongside such legends of the industry. We would never suggest that Knockendarroch is the best or most luxurious hotel in Scotland. Rather, we like to think that this award recognises the overall experience that we offer our guests, from the comfortable bedrooms, the inviting lounges with log fires and the amazing views, to our friendly service style. The phenomenal team is key to delivering our vision and heartfelt thanks must go to them for their skill and tireless hard work. We look forward to the future and continuing to improve on every aspect of what we do here at Knockendarroch.” 

The Good Hotel Guide is seen as the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain and Ireland. The Guide is written for those seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their entry and the editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels.

Rooms starts from £250, for dinner bed and breakfast for two guests sharing a twin or double room, inclusive of VAT.

To make a booking contact the team on: 01796 473473 www.knockendarroch.co.uk

For images, interviews or to discuss a travel review contact:

Cath Couzens I Perception I T: 07843 382 386 I E: cath@weareperception.com

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Knockendarroch was built for an Aberdonian lawyer in 1880. It was one of Pitlochry's finest houses with over four acres of gardens, an inner courtyard, a gate house and coach house. Many of the original features still exist including the house's grand entrance porch with stained glass windows and stone columns, and a grand staircase with another enormous stained glass window. Other important features of the design are the intricate cornice work and ceiling roses in the public rooms.

The house remained in the ownership of the lawyer until 1928 when it was sold to James Robb for £105. James Robb was the son of William Robb, a jeweller with links to Balmoral Castle and Queen Victoria. James Robb sold Knockendarroch in 1945 to the newly formed Pitlochry Theatre Company. By 1951, the 'Theatre in The Hills' was born in a huge tent in the garden at Knockendarroch. The house became the theatre headquarters and the home of Kenneth Ireland, the Artistic Director.

The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain and Ireland. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. The Good Hotel Guide is published each autumn.