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A 20-year dream has come true for Colin and Christine Macpherson, who are mine hosts at the Abbot’s Brae Hotel in Dunoon. Their dream began when they stayed at a small family run hotel in Newtonmore in Inverness-shire and were so impressed by the warm and caring hospitality that they formed plans to buy a small hotel when their children were grown up.
During the next 20 years they holidayed in many parts of Scotland in small family run hotels and experienced first hand just what it is that guests need from a restful Scottish holiday.
Two years ago they began they began their search for their perfect hotel. For them, Abbot’s Brae was the obvious answer when they saw its beautiful location in two acres of its own woodland overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Each of the front bedrooms overlooks the Clyde, and the bedrooms at the rear of the house overlook the secluded woodland gardens.
Prior to coming to Cowal, the Macphersons lived in the Midlands, where Colin worked in finance management and Christine ran a small catering company. Their marriage of skills works well in the hotel environment, and with their chef Stephen Boswell they certainly make a winning team. Their desire is to create an award-winning restaurant within the hotel, open to non-residents and with an emphasis on modern Scottish cookery.
Field Facts
Abbot’s Brae, West Bay, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 7QJ. Tel: 01369 705021.
www.abbotsbrae.co.uk
Stephen Boswell, chef at Abbot’s Brae, trained in Glasgow at the Albany Hotel. From the Albany he started his culinary journey on the west coast working in the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Tobermory Hotel and Cairnbaan Hotel near Lochgilphead. More recently he has worked in Balnakill Hotel, Tarbert, the Isle Oronsay in Skye and Rodel Hotel in South Harris. He has gained two AA Rosettes and three medallions from Taste of Scotland.
