3 REASONS TO EMBRACE YOUR SCOTTISH SPIRIT

3rd January 2019

Maxine McCreadie shines a light Scotland’s hotspots you need to visit this AW18.

More than a decade since whispers of establishing a V&A in Scotland began the time has finally come for Dundee to take centre stage in the world of art and design. Scotland’s fourth city is hoping to recreate its very own Guggenheim effect – the V&A Dundee is the first design museum in the country and the striking centrepiece of the £1 billion regeneration of Dundee’s waterfront. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma the museum officially opened its doors on September 15, with thousands of visitors making the journey to catch a glimpse of the new institution. Celebrating the influence of Scotland’s design at home and abroad is at the heart of the V&A Dundee, from the Beano to Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Oak Room which has been painstakingly reconstructed for the first time in 50 years, the opening has been heralded as a monumental moment not just for the art and design scene but also life in Dundee.
Visit www.vam.ac.uk/dundee

Heralded as one of the hottest 18 hotel openings in 2018 by Condé Nast Traveller the Fife Arms in Braemar is a celebration of Scottish hospitality at its very best. Owned by art-world power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth the boutique hotel is proud to extend a warm Scottish welcome to weary travellers. With interiors by Russell Sage, the maestro behind the Zetter Townhouse and The Goring, the Fife Arms honours its highland heritage whilst continually looking to the future. The hotel has been sensitively restored to offer guests 46 individually designed bedrooms alongside a pub, restaurant, cocktail bar and spa breathing a fresh lease of life to the former 17th century hunting lodge. Attention to detail is key with the hotel proud to ensure the landscape and culture of Upper Deeside remain at the philosophy of the project.
Visit www.thefifearms.com

Recently named as one of Scotland’s best boutique hotels by the Telegraph Killiehuntly has secured itself a reputation as the ultimate Highland get away. Dating back to 1850 the farmhouse is the perfect blend of Scottish craftsmanship and Scandinavian style. Taken over by Anne Storm Pedersen and her husband Anders in 2011 the duo have painstakingly and lovingly restored the farmhouse and its surrounding properties to create an exclusive hideaway from the realities of everyday life. Step inside the sturdy stone walls and discover a palette of soft greys, white drapes and a roaring fire. Guests are offered the chance to experience the spirit of a simpler time whilst having the freedom to make full use of the 4,000 acre countryside surrounding the house. From walking through the heather clad hills to tucking into the best of Scottish fare Killiehuntly is a place that recognises that time is precious.
Visit www.killiehuntly.scot