Exclusive:
Mirror reporter Graeme Young experienced exceptional hospitality, delicious meals, and a stunning golf course, all while soaking in the warmth of Scottish culture
Highland hospitality, they call it, but in truth, the kindness and warmth famed in the land of Nessie is also lovingly found in the lowlands of Perthshire.
And where better to base yourself than Coupar Angus – the ultimate halfway point wedged between Perth and Dundee?
We were chuffed with our location and the brilliant Red House Hotel fits the needs of any golf-mad fan to a tee. It is a hotel for everyone and during our stay we watched it being used for coffee catch-ups, plus a base for thirsty Aberdonians heading to the races.
It’s also an optimum spot to kick back and watch a vast array of live sport on the box. It was a two-night stay for myself and a pal as we were booked in for 18 holes at Blairgowrie’s famed Rosemount course.
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The Red House is, in the best possible way, a throwback to the type of service you once took for granted. The family-run element is a game-changer, with Alan and his friendly team offering an encyclopedic knowledge of the local area and what it offers.
We stayed for two nights and the food was impeccable. Traditional dishes cooked beautifully and the finest was a homemade cullen skink, full of body with opaque, flaking fish inside the bowl.
There was also a thumbs-up for the homemade curry, and the pork fillet medallions smothered in a cheesy sauce topped with bacon – the type of opulent dish which sends you snoozing.
But there was no time to chill – as there was a round at one of the best golf resorts in Scotland to enjoy. It’s a revered venue which just so happens to be an eight-minute drive (and we counted) from hotel to course.
Blairgowrie Golf Club has three courses to choose from, with the aforementioned Rosemount sitting centre of the Lansdowne, to the left, with a revered nine-holer sitting to the right of the club’s sizeable practice putting area.
The Rosemount is a stunner, an inviting 18 holes which will challenge any golfer, but leaves plenty of room to reward good shots. The heavy stuff will have you searching for your ball and the strategically placed bunkers off the fairways can punish you.
Yet the immaculate greens and the genuine kindness shown from the starter to patrons makes this a must for any golf lover. The Rosemount was the home to the 1977 Martini International, which Australian legend Greg Norman won, and, unlike James Bond, we were both shaken and stirred by one of the most enjoyable courses in Scotland.
Seriously, we are a pair of golfers not immune to the odd duff shot and this is the course you dream of.
It stimulates rather than sickens you, with the par threes on 15 and 17 being the type of holes which can add a couple of late round pars to the scorecard.
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Then back to The Red House Hotel we retreated for a night cap and a blether in the cosy bar.
There’s pool and snooker tables, dartboards and a jukebox with every song ever recorded. It’s the dream set-up for a weekend away.
The chat briefly switched to all the birdies and pars we nearly made. We’ll get them next time, of course.
This is the type of hotel which is built for returning visits.
Book the holiday
Rooms at The Red House Hotel in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, start at £130 a night.
More info at visitscotland.com
