Anyone planning a visit to Fortingall should get hold of ‘Fortingall’ by SPB Mais – a prolific journalist, BBC broadcaster and author in the 1930s. Stuart Mais visited Fortingall some 80 years ago – it was he who said Fortingall was a delightful discovery. He was in raptures about the hotel, its food and service. He was enchanted by the village and Glen Lyon. Nothing much has changed at the hotel – well there are en-suites, TVs and Wi-Fi – and that’s about it. This is truly a place where time stands still. There is usually a copy of the Mais book in the hotel library. It is an excellent guide to Glen Lyon – one of the most under-rated Wonders of Scotland.
We enjoyed a lovely meal in the restaurant. Our waitress was helpful and quite funny. I recommend the Cullen Skink as a starter.
I loved the live music on Friday evening with a variety of local songs such as ‘Fortingall’ and old favourites like ‘16 Tons’. The musicians played in the hotel garden over looking the beautiful glen which made the whole evening really memorable.
Great quality food, warm friendly people and fantastic surroundings. We ate in the restaurant rather than the bar so not sure what the difference in the menus would be but it was a perfect end to our holiday. Just a shame it's only open weekends. Will definitely be back next time we are here.
We first stayed at this hotel several years ago. This year, on a journey south from the Outer Hebrides, it was the obvious choice to break our journey. Cumulative delays had meant that we were running late for dinner; however, when we called the Hotel they reassured us that we would still be served dinner when we arrived (even though this was later than a normal service)
The welcome was warm and friendly, despite the fact that the Hotel was short of staff. That didn't impact on the service, which was personable and we were looked after well. The food was excellent, our room comfortable and the ambience very pleasant. Following a comfortable night and an excellent breakfast, we continued our journey, glad that we had opted to return. This hotel has character, the staff care about their guests and the food is consistently excellent. We'll be back.
'Spent one night in this understated, luxurious but cosy hotel with welcoming staff. Our room was clean and comfortable with wonderful views of Glen Lyon. The setting is idyllic: not only Glen Lyon but thatched Fortingall village with its famous yew. No charge for dogs in this dog-friendly hotel.
Although we enjoyed our vegetarian meal, we would have appreciated more choice for starters and mains.'
'My husband and I have just spent two very relaxing days at this hotel. The location is just idyllic, we so enjoyed waking up each morning to the sight and sound of the new lambs. James, Roxy and Mags were so welcoming and helpful with any request during our stay. The hotel was very clean, food was delicious and very well presented, little touches made our stay just perfect.
Thank you'
Please see Peter Irvine’s book ‘Best in Scotland’.
