I am often asked how I select hotels to feature in our holidays. The key fact is that I personally visit and select all the hotels and guesthouses we use regularly. I am looking for a variety of factors, including high standards of customer service, the right location, value for money etc  – the things you would expect.

I also look out for individuality – places with character, though this needs to be appropriate for the location…..I always prefer owner managed places, but if not, I want to see a manager who has the authority to act like the proprietor ( and not wait for approval of the tiniest investment)……I am particularly keen to assess the establishment’s relationship and reputation locally. …..While it is always difficult for a seasonal business to employ many local residents, its always good to see a core of local people working there……Even if locals don’t frequent the restaurant, I prefer it when they are welcome in at least a public bar ( if it exists)..and if not hope they would recommend it to their friends and visiting relations….I now expect there to be bottled or even better drinking tap-water in a bedroom… and so on…

Then there’s the porridge……I do like my porridge in the morning and to me this simple dish can tell a great deal about a hotel or guesthouse….the worst porridge I have had in eight years of research was in a hotel which boasted a Michelin Star (we don’t use it currently) but I have enjoyed many excellent and varied examples of this perfect start to the day all across Scotland and indeed Ireland too.

The most recent was this morning in Perthshire – a bit of  fancy number, well cooked, and served with creme fraiche, honey and pistachios….(ok, so I am not a purist). The chef here had also once held a Michelin Star at another hotel, but he still cared about his porridge…..”guid man yersel”

Heather and I achieved a long-standing ambition – on the third attempt – viewing the Corryvreckan Whirlpool from close quarters. This natural phenomenon, to the north of the island of Jura, is officially a “maelstrom”, and is the result of the meeting of two opposite and strong tides, and the distinctive underwater geography, which includes a pinnacle of rock surrounded by deep water.

The result is larger than I expected – an area of sea which seems alive with areas of seeming flat calm, incredibly strong tides, a series of whirlpools, and standing waves. It required great seamanship and experience to bring us so close. The experience was made all the more fascinating by the clear and calm autumn weather we enjoyed on the day.

A perfect Scottish autumn day…

The recent Lonely Planet Travel Awards for 2010 features Walking Scotland’s wild beaches as the winner of “Most under-rated British day out”, I read this morning.

Four of us took a 3 hour stroll along the coast of Kintyre on Saturday -  a route we know as the “Seven beach walk” .  No other people, warm and sunny with no rain, indeed no fewer than seven different coves and beaches, lots of birdlife  – though only otter footprints in the sand rather than any live sightings this time – and good company. Perfect and not under-rated in my book.

The walk ended in Southend village where I enjoyed battered king prawn and chips, followed by the best butterscotch sponge – thanks Frances!

A few pictures of our trip to Sutherland..one of our favourite parts of Scotland

The E-type was perfect transport for our short break

The locals were curious, but friendly..

Discovered some new beaches too

I am always delighted to find new gems on my travels round Scotland. For some reason I had not been on the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry on my past visits to Skye, so when organising our latest Classic Car Club weekend on the island I decided to give it a try…and wow!

Here is the oldest crossing to the island, where the drovers would swim their cattle on the way to the markets, the route used by Johnson & Boswell in the 1770s and the boat used is the last of the hand operated “turntable ferries” once common on many highland routes – the Glenachulish is over 40 years old in fact!

Its a unique and great fun experience, now community owned, so even more deserving of support. The route has the added advantage of bringing you on superb, if fairly challenging roads on either side. Ok, the bridge is quicker and the Mallaig ferry can take more cars, but in this case the original is indeed the best. I will be back!

Visit Scotland could not buy better advertising than the latest series from Monty Hall, the marine biologist and rather rugged-looking ( according to my female colleagues in the office) adventurer, who spent most of a year in North and South Uist. Catch it on BBC i-player (if you live in the UK). I am sure it will soon be seen round the world too. And of course we can help you discover these islands for yourselves.

This weekend always marks the change from winter to summer timetables for the Calmac ferries serving the islands, with summer only connections re-starting and extra sailings on all the main routes. Just a wee milestone, like the arrival of the first swallow, to remind us that the spring and summer are on their way. Mind you I hear that more snow is forecast for the mountains this week – hopefully just enough to refresh the stunning back drop which they are providing to many of my favourite drives, like through Glencoe and over the  the “Rest & Be Thankfull” pass.

I am delighted to announce the launch of our new See Ireland differently holidays – check out www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk

It gives me particular pleasure to be offering holidays in the land of my birth, including quite a few options in Northern Ireland, where I am from – a true hidden gem.

It has been a lot of work for everyone here, and I have been enjoying spending time checking out hotels and great places to visit – and big thanks especially to Ben Ellis at Hungrybrowser for once again turning our ideas into a really exciting website. We will be adding lots more holiday ideas over the next few months – including some more combinations with Scotland.

Of course there are some exciting new options for “See Scotland differently” holidays next year, including our Island photography weekends, holidays on Shetland and Family Highland Adventure.

I was recently interviewed for top Travel Website 101 holidays, and for those interested, check out  my thoughts on travel in the UK and worldwide here.