The Meikleour Arms

With their own ale, over fifty malts and a bevvy of artisan gins, you’ll find a toast for every occasion at this lovely country inn where bedroom names (Flahaut, Hortense, Lansdowne) reflect the French and Scottish ancestry of the owners. Much of the food in the restaurant comes from the estate – vegetables and herbs grown in the walled garden,  scallops hand-dived on the west coast and venison from the Meikleour Forest. You can also sample some quirky finds from the less well known vineyards in Bordeaux.

Walk to the river for a morning’s salmon or trout fishing on the Tay – book a fly-fishing lesson with the head ghillie. Spot ospreys, otters, kingfishers. The Blairgowrie Golf Course is a five-mile drive, while three others are within 30 miles. Book a tour of a couple of whisky distilleries too – Blair Athol and Edradour are in Pitlochry (a 40-minute drive). Scone Palace, Glamis and Balmoral are all within reach.

You stay in the 19th-century coaching inn or the serviced cottages in the grounds – a short drive or walk from the main building. The cottages have small kitchens, but you can wander over for breakfast in the restaurant each morning.