News, awards and what's on
It’s 2025 and the year has started with a bang. We’ve got luxury cruise ships making waves, 400-year-old castles opening new doors, and a literary festival hosted by a national treasure.
So let’s not waste a moment. Without further ado, here are the biggest stories and most interesting goings-on in Scottish hospitality this month.
The Hebridean Princess sails into first place
Let’s start with some good news from the Cruise Critic ‘Best in Cruise’ awards at the tail-end of 2024, where Luxury Scotland Partner, The Hebridean Princess, charted a course to victory in the ‘Best for Solo Travellers (luxury category)’ award.
With all cabins individually decorated to inspire a sense of tranquillity and luxury, it’s no surprise to see Hebridean Princess making waves in the industry.
Crossbasket announces March launch
“Be assured that Crossbasket Castle is going to be the pinnacle of hotel excellence in Scotland.”
While these words from Managing Director Graeme Green might seem ambitious, the upcoming refurbishment launch – the culmination of extraordinary vision and a £20 million investment – looks set to surpass all expectations. Mark your calendars for Sunday 16th March, 2025.
New on-site accommodation will include 40 new bedrooms – two grand suites, eight deluxe rooms and twenty-six classic double/twin rooms. Drawing huge anticipation is the entertainment-led dining experience, Trocadero’s, which is set to feature live music, immersive dining and unique cocktail and drinks offerings.
To get a taste of Crossbasket Castle ahead of launch, grab a last-minute ticket to one of Chef Michel Roux Jr’s upcoming events.
Words, words, words
Hosted at Pitlochry’s Festival Theatre – ‘the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire’ – the Winter Words Festival is a celebration of Scotland's rich artistic, literary, and cultural heritage – and you’re invited!
Featuring a stellar lineup of authors, poets, broadcasters and brilliant personalities from around the country (such as Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart, to give you a taste) this literary attraction is new Artistic Director Alan Cumming’s latest eye-catching success.
And after a day of talks, performances, wining and dining, you’ll need a comfy local spot to fill the tank and recharge. The baronial haven of Fonab Castle is scarcely half a mile up the road, while retreating to the immersive country escape of Murrayshall Country Estate is like stepping into a different – more comfortable – world.
A new club launches – and you're invited!
Building on its first-class reputation as a fine dining destination in Scotland, Eòlas – the two AA Rosette restaurant at Murrayshall – is hosting a run of Supper Club Dinners in 2025.
Join head chef Craig Jackson and a lineup of world-class wine providers – including Luxury Scotland partner de Burgh Wine Merchants – for a quartet of delicious courses and paired wines at select dates throughout the year.
Read more about Supper Club Dinners and book your spot.
Mini breaks, mighty locations
The good folks at GQ have scoured the British Isles for the best hotels for your next mini break...and it’s no surprise that a pair of Luxury Scotland members ranked among the nation’s best.
Both Kinloch Lodge (on the Isle of Skye) and Isle of Eriska, Hotel, Spa and Island (on...the Isle of Eriska) are recognised for their storied histories and mesmerising locations. If you’re planning a special mini break in the UK anytime soon, keep these two at the top of your list.
And the nominees are...
Huge congratulations to James Thomson – owner of Luxury Scotland Member, Prestonfield – for making the shortlist for The Hotel Magazine’s Hotelier of the Year. We're all hoping that come April, we can share an update of James hoisting that award high.
Destination: Boston
As well as extending their New York JFK service from 9th May to 25th October, JetBlue has announced new daily flights between Boston and Edinburgh from 23rd May to 25th October 2025.
If you’re a Bostonian who hasn’t scratched that Scottish itch...you know what to do.