Dundonald Links: the ultimate base for Ayrshire golf trip
It would be understandable if Dundonald Links felt just a little threatened by Ayrshire’s embarrassment of golfing riches. After all it sits within minutes of storied Open venues such as Royal Troon and Prestwick Golf Club. Another, Turnberry, is 30 minutes down the coast. Wonderful Western Gailes is within a wedge. Barassie, Glasgow Gailes… the list goes on. Dundonald Links is well and truly surrounded. There is, however, no hint of that here. Why? Well, for a start, Dundonald Links has played host to world’s best men and women. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Georgia Hall, Patrick Reed and Michelle…
The Machrie Hotel: unique links experience will capture your heart
A day or two at The Machrie Hotel is all it takes to understand why so many who visit Islay leave a piece of their heart behind. The idyllic isolation from the everyday would, on its own, be the perfect tonic to the bustle of modern life. But when you combine that with the natural wonder, beauty and kindness you find here, it adds up to something unique. It’s a place where you can both lose yourself and also find the time and space to remember what’s most important. Science will tell you it isn’t possible for 24hrs here to…
Islay: magic Machrie a place to rest and be thankful
Our adventure to the Inner Hebrides had to begin by road and involve taking to the water. Like real travellers. In my mind, it was the only way to prepare ourselves for our time on Islay. Yes, you can board a tiny flight from Glasgow and be preparing yourself to land just almost as soon as you’ve taken off (flight time is 45 minutes), you might even witness the dramatic coastline of the West of Scotland from the air (if you get a window seat). But you’ll miss breathing in the North Atlantic air, being enveloped by the mountains and…
18 Restaurant – not just a feast for the eyes
We have already waxed lyrical about the stupendous golf experience at The Machrie, but that’s only part of what makes any trip special – where you eat, and drink is important too. The good news is that once you finish up your round on the 18th green overlooking Laggan Bay at The Machrie, you’re a matter of steps away from one of the best restaurants in Islay. The aptly named, 18 overlooks the golf course and the ocean beyond. The restaurant itself is bright, modern and beautifully laid out with light flooding in thanks to the vaulted glass ceiling, sliding…