Download the Scotland Collection Guide - Vintage Inns

Beautiful Country Pubs
Scotland

The Vintage Inns of Scotland Collection
From the highlands to the lowland lochs, and in coastal retreats and green
pockets out of the cities, the 12 hostelries that make up the Vintage Inns Scotland
Collection are unique places to visit – yet all have much in common!
If you’re planning a day’s walking, exploring by car, or simply visiting a local
attraction, then you might like to visit us for a morning coffee or refreshing drink,
a light lunch, or even a hearty evening meal to round off your outing. Most have
pleasant walks from the door and many have country parks, heritage attractions
and picturesque villages nearby to wander in and wonder at. Characterful
accommodation is also on the menu at nearly half of them.
Each of our Inns is a sympathetic restoration of an existing village pub ranging
from 150 to over 400 years old. They have their own appeal and charm, but all offer
carefully restored period features, log burning fires and a select team of friendly
staff. The Vintage Inns of Scotland offer a warm welcome and respite on a cold
winter’s day and the ideal spot to enjoy sunshine, a cold drink and spectacular rural
views on balmy summer evenings.
All our Inns serve a full menu of traditional British favourites seven days a week,
plus appetizing blackboard specials, and a selection of succulent roasts on a Sunday.
At the bar, meanwhile, you’ll be tempted by a fine range of real cask conditioned
ales (including popular local brews) and a number of regularly changing guest beers,
plus a fine selection of whiskeys. Vintage Inns also pride themselves on an excellent
choice of wines with varieties of all the popular grapes on offer and a flavour and
price to suit every taste, occasion and pocket.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Contents
Tickled Trout – Milngavie
The Osprey – Newton Mearns
Balloch House – Alexandria
Red Deer – Cumbernauld
The Stables – Kirkintilloch
Fettykil Fox – Glenrothes
Glover Arms – Perth
Hawes Inn – South Queensferry
Melville Inn – Midlothian
Snow Goose – Inverness
The Commodore – Helensburgh
The Cambustay – Dundee
Information Waterside walks Heritage sites National Trust sites Visitor attractions
Museums
Countryside walks

The Vintage Inns
Scotland
Inverness
Snow Goose
A95
A96
A82
A86
Scottish Highlands
A9
A90
The Cambustay
A92
Glover Arms
A85
Perth
A82
A84
Fettykill Fox
M90
Balloch House
The Stables Hawes Inn
The Commodore
Tickled Trout Red Deer
Melville Inn
M73 A71
A737 Glasgow
Dundee
Edinburgh
A1
The Osprey
A71
M74
A702
A7

Tickled Trout
878 Boclair Road, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 6EP
Tel. 01360 621968
Situated just to the north of Glasgow, The Tickled Trout’s location, character
and history attracts visitors from across Lanarkshire. The land on which
the inn stands was originally purchased by the owner of Boclair Farm in
Milngavie – and began life as a shop selling vegetables grown there.
The River Allander that flows through the town has played an important
part in its development, with fly fishing long established and still a popular
pastime; this has obviously played a major part in The Tickled Trout’s
unusual name.
The Antoine Wall (built after Hadrian’s Wall) runs nearby and a Roman
bath house was found a mile to the east of the inn at Bearsden. Altars and
religious stones with Roman inscriptions have also been found at Chapel
Hill close by.
Indeed, much has been made through the ages of the origins of Milngavie
(pronounced ‘mill-guy’) because while the ‘Miln’ is undoubtedly the town’s
familiar mill on the Allander, does the latter part relate to the owner of
Gavins Mill, which is a relic of the town’s corn milling heritage and is
generally regarded as the beginning of Milngavie?
The West Highland Way (the first long distance footpath to be established in
Scotland) starts and finishes in Milngavie and runs for 95 miles northwards
to Fort William. It’s a magnificent walk of very varied character through
some of the finest scenery of lowland and highland, mountain and loch,
woodland and moorland that Scotland has to offer. And the Milngavie
area itself can claim scenic reservoir walks and the inspirational Mugdock
Country Park.
Get active and actively
seek us out...
• There are six quality golf courses
around Milngavie
with The Tickled Trout proving to
be a popular 19th hole.
• Lennox Park is popular with the
locals and with the Allander flowing
through it is a great place to try your
hand at fly fishing.
• Consider us for a leisurely lunch, or
catch up with family and friends for
a hearty meal and/or fine wines and
real ales.
For details on more attractions around Milngavie, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thetickledtroutbearsden
1

The Osprey
Stewarton Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 6NP
Tel. 01416 397453
Overlooking the wide expanses of Balgray Reservoir, this eye-catching
building is situated in the small East Renfrewshire town of Newton Mearns,
seven miles south west of the centre of Glasgow.
Its name derives from being a new town of Mearns village (from the Scottish
Gaelic ‘Mhaorine’). Pleasantly situated on rising ground, the parish dates
back to the 14th century - but was created a burgh of barony in 1621.
A new turnpike road from Eastwood Toll (now the main A7 Ayr Road) was
constructed in 1832 to aid progress, but until the 20th century the land
around Newton Mearns was primarily agricultural. Indeed, The Osprey was
known as Over Greenlaw Farm until at least 1901 and would only have
become an inn shortly afterwards. But it retains this pastoral character and
its spacious garden setting harks back to a slower pace of life.
Today Newton Mearns is largely residential, but its rural heritage still
prevails in the lush surrounding countryside and three expansive 18 hole
golf courses. It is also home to one of Scotland’s few synagogues. Scotland’s
National Trust has its West regional office in an elegant Georgian house in
nearby Greenbank Garden and it fittingly offers a unique walled garden and
beautiful woodland park to lose yourself in.
Take time out to recharge and
reflect...
• Tranquil reservoir walks are a
popular pastime, because apart from
Balgray, Ryat Linn and Waulkmill
Glen are even closer.
• On the top of a steep ridge, the
remarkably preserved 13th century
Mearns Castle dominates the town’s
skyline and is now part of a local
church.
• Whether walking through country
trails or down memory lane, don’t
forget The Osprey offers the best
pub fayre in the neighbourhood.
Rouken Glen Country Park is another local haunt and has many of the
features of a typical Edwardian urban park - with the boating pond and its
pedalos a real favourite – while The Burrell Collection Museum in nearby
Pollock Country Park houses impressive collections of art in a beautiful
woodland setting.
For details on more attractions around Newton Mearns, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theospreynewtonmearns
2

Balloch House
Balloch Road, Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8LQ
Tel. 01389 752579
Located at the south end of ‘the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond’,
Balloch House offers a world-renowned setting for a memorable meal, lunch
or drinks gathering, or cosy overnight stay. Locals, Glaswegians and tourists
alike all flock here, so you’ll be in great company and surroundings!
The building dates to the 1700s when it was used to run ferries across the
River Leven that has long linked the town to the famous loch. Balloch
House became a grand hotel in the 19th century and has hosted royalty and
famous visitors on many occasions, and travellers are still welcome today as
this is a pub with rooms.
The Balloch name comes from the Gaelic ‘bealach’ which literally means
mountain pass, but it’s more likely to refer to the river’s function in
providing a ‘pass’ for boats between Loch Lomond and the sea. Indeed,
Balloch was an important maritime gateway in the 1800s and the prosperity
it generated also attracted the loch side railway station that still (albeit
modernised) exists today and now links to Glasgow just 40 minutes away.
Seaplanes operate from Balloch Pier and offer you unrivalled views of the
loch and even visits to remote islands, while on the doorstep is the National
Park Gateway Centre, which houses a state-of-the-art tourist orientation
centre for Loch Lomond and the highland Trossachs. An easily accessible
woodland walk allows you to stroll for miles along the shore of what is the
largest expanse of freshwater in Great Britain – and in season you can even
hire bikes and canoes to take in this island studded panorama.
For a great day out
to remember...
• From Balloch town, stroll across the
bridge that crosses the River Leven
for unrivalled views of the small
vessels berthed for use on Loch
Lomond.
• Balloch Pier is home to the last
steamer in service (The Maid of the
Loch) and now fully restored it is a
popular static attraction.
• All that fresh air is bound to work
up a thirst and appetite, so head for
the perfect watering hole or resting
place – Balloch House!
For details on more attractions around Balloch House and Loch Lomond, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theballochhouselochlomond
3

Red Deer
Auchenkilns Roundabout, Glasgow G68 9AT
Tel. 01236 795861
This attractive inn with its village green-like approach is in Balloch, much
of which was built in the late 20th century to further accommodate those
wishing to reside in the pleasant Glasgow commuter town of Cumbernauld.
However, roaring log fires and exposed beams give The Red Deer a real
rustic feel and this is a pub with rooms. Located just off the Auchenkilns
roundabout (considerably upgraded recently to aid the free flow of traffic to
and from Glasgow) it is a popular stop off for workers and travellers seeking
honest pub food, fine wines, quaffable real ales, traditional ambience and a
cosy retreat to rest weary heads for the night.
Balloch’s name comes from a former farm on the Cumbernauld Estate and
derives from the Gaelic ‘Bealach’ meaning a pass in the hills or mountains.
Meanwhile, the original Cumbernauld Village still exists today and has a premedieval
history with a quaint parish church dating back to the 12th century.
A ruined Cumbernauld Castle was replaced by Cumbernauld House in 1731
but gave the village its present form – the classic layout of a medieval Scottish
settlement with its principal street running from castle to church.
The magnificent Cumbernauld Estate also has a rich heritage and this large
natural forest has long been a hunting ground for Scottish royalty – so
here’s your chance to walk in the footsteps of King James IV. Take time to
wander and wonder and then take in the 18th century neo-classical style of
architecture that makes Cumbernauld House such a rare treat. Palacerigg
Country Park is also a must and is 700 acres of bleak, hillside, farmland that
has been transformed into a green oasis of calm amidst all the urban progress.
Messing about on the water...
• Broadwood Loch just to the west of
Cumbernauld is a 15 minute walk
from The Red Deer and is a great
place to stretch the legs and lungs.
• This reservoir is also popular for
recreational fishing having been
stocked with bream, carp and roach,
while even pike have been landed.
• Make sure The Red Deer isn’t the
one that got away though – visit us
either before or after your experience
of Broadwood.
For details on more attractions around Balloch and Cumbernauld, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thereddeercumbernauld
4

The Stables
Glasgow Bridge, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1RH
Tel. 01417 776088
This rather grand looking building is situated on the edge of the North West
Glasgow suburb of Kirkintilloch (the city centre is eight miles away) and
overlooks the Forth & Clyde Canal.
And apart from its freshly prepared food, diverse wine menu and good
selection of real ales, it’s renowned for an inviting beer garden, which is next
to the canal and a real haven in spring/summer. You can even take boat trips
from the jetty via a small footpath.
The Stables building is the only remaining block being used on the canal
today and was erected back in 1812 when stables were built at intervals
along the canal as resting places for the horses pulling the boats. There
would have been an inn on one side for the boatman and his passengers, and
stables with a hayloft on the other side. Today, Kirkintilloch is promoted as
the ‘Canal Capital of Scotland’ - in which added pride has been taken since
the completion of the recent regeneration project.
However, the first known settlement on the site of what is Kirkintilloch was
of Roman origin - a fort established in what is now the Peel Park area of
the town in the 2nd century and one of the northernmost posts in Roman
Britannia. Through it the famous east-west barrier across Scotland (Antonine
Wall) was routed and its course continues to straddle the town to this day.
Walk this way ...
• From the beer garden at The
Stables it’s a pleasant 30 minute
walk along the canal to the centre
of Kirkintilloch, while the other
direction goes all the way to Glasgow!
• The restored Forth & Clyde Canal
Towpath also passes through
Kirkintilloch and offers interesting
routes south to Bishopriggs and
north to Twechar.
• With all that walking, you’ll
eventually need a break and
refreshment – just like the working
horses of yesteryear – so rest up at
The Stables.
Other highlights include the Grade A listed Auld Kirk at Kirkintilloch
Cross, which dates from 1644 and is one of the town’s oldest buildings and
has latterly become a museum.
For details on more attractions around Kirkintilloch, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thestableskirkintilloch
5

Fettykil Fox
Leslie Roundabout, Leslie, Glenrothes, KY6 3EP
Tel. 01592 749613
Situated at the heart of the small burgh town of Leslie, on the outskirts of
Glenrothes, this stately inn stands on the site of the stables of Leslie House –
the former home of the Earl of Rothes.
And because it is smack in the middle of Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth, The
Fettykill Fox is a well-known and popular (overnight) stop off that enjoys its
fair share of food lovers, wine buffs, ramblers, tourists and real ale enthusiasts.
Its rather unusual name derives from ‘fetekil’ meaning old village green and
you can still see signs of Leslie’s original ridge-top medieval layout and admire
fine old buildings like Maryfield House. Because of its proximity to the
River Leven, the town also flourished during the 19th century as a centre of
spinning, bleaching and papermaking – for which it is still renowned today.
Leisure pastimes, meanwhile, include fly fishing on nearby Loch Leven while
trout-filled reservoirs are located on the slopes of the Lomond Hills to the
north. Championship golf courses like historic St Andrews also abound, while
historic coastal villages like Elie and Crail are but a short drive away. Two of
the finest historical monuments in Scotland, Falkland Palace and Loch Leven
Castle, are also ripe for inspection.
For a memorable day out...
• Boblingen Way is a major cycle/
footpath linking Glenrothes and
Leslie, and follows the former branch
line on Cabbagehall Railway Viaduct.
• Lomond Hills Regional Park is a
spectacular green expanse just to the
north of Leslie for breathtaking walks
or hardier climbs.
• Walk off lunch by tackling either of
the above, and retire to The Fettykill
Fox afterwards for a well-earned rest
and refreshment.
Glenrothes was the first Scottish new town to appoint its own artist in 1968
and, as a result, has an unusual array of artworks and sculptures to inspect
(giant flowers, dinosaurs, toadstools, the Good Samaritan, a horse and
chariot, dancing children, crocodiles and marching hippos), in a variety of
materials (bronze, fibre glass, brick, sandstone, wood, concrete). See how
many you can spot!
For details on more attractions around Leslie and Glenrothes, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefettykilfoxglenrothes
6

Glover Arms
Crieff Road, Huntingtower Park, Perth, PH1 3JJ
Tel. 01738 624888
Just three miles west of Perth, The Glover Arms has a long tradition of
welcoming travellers and tourists. It’s a pub with rooms as well as the best
in quality fayre, so it’s an excellent base from which to explore the stunning
Perthshire countryside.
The surrounding area is a hotbed of historical monuments – Robert the
Bruce was crowned at nearby Scone Palace – while Huntingtower Park
is just a few hundreds yards from the inn and its medieval castle has a
colourful history. To this day the gap between the castle’s twin towers is
called ‘The Maiden’s Leap’ after Dorethea, daughter of the first Earl of
Gowrie, leapt the 9ft, 4 inches to elope with her forbidden lover.
The Park’s Visitor Centre is actually housed at Perth Agriculture Centre
and this is home to one of the world’s most famous cattle markets, while
the city itself offers excellent retail therapy for both traditional produce and
contemporary chic.
Other historical highlights include Loch Tay where you can literally
imagine yourself in an Iron Age crannog; Meigle and its ancient Pict stone
carvings, and the remains of the Ardroch Roman Camp at Auchterarder.
Game on,
so why are you waiting...
• You can actually see Huntingtower
from the inn and both the castle and
the grounds are beautifully cared for
and wonderfully atmospheric.
• Branklyn Gardens on the edge of
Perth has been described as the finest
two acres of private garden
in the country and attracts
enthusiasts worldwide.
• Suitably inspired, you’ll find an
enthusiastic welcome at The Glover
Arms and real food, wine and ales to
equally inspire the senses.
The seasons combine with some stunning scenery in Perthshire to create
changing landscapes of craggy mountains and lush pastures, which makes
for an outdoor pursuit paradise. Apart from Perth Racecourse conveniently
located in the grounds of Scone Palace, the area is also a golfing Mecca with
50 courses within an hour and with a diversity of challenge to suit amateur
or professional.
For details on more attractions around Perth, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thegloverarmsperth
7

Hawes Inn
7 Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, EH30 9TA
Tel. 01313 311990
Nestled on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, The Hawes Inn was once a
temporary hospital for the workers injured during construction of the Forth
Rail Bridge. Not surprisingly the views are pretty spectacular and large cruise
liners can be seen – even the QE2 in September.
This is a pub with rooms. In fact the pub is most famous for the inspiration
it gave to Edinburgh author Robert Louis Stevenson, who, while staying in
room 13 in 1886 came up with the idea for ‘Kidnapped’. The hero of the
book actually stays there too, while Walter Scott also describes Hawes Inn in
his novel ‘Antiquary’.
Hawes is derived from the tiny fishing village of Newhalls, which was situated
nearby, and the inn itself dates back to the 16th century and has long been
an ideal stopping place for travellers coming from and going to Edinburgh.
And South Queensferry was an important trading and fishing port in its time,
although it is now defined by the road and rail bridges either side of it.
In 1890 the Forth Rail Bridge was completed and it remains a marvellous
testament to British engineering, while in 1964 South Queensferry acquired
its second world class structure in the Forth Road Bridge. Officially opened
by the Queen, it meant the estuary’s ferry service ceased after 900 years
of operation.
Go forth and enjoy...
• Wander the twisting, narrow streets
of South Queensferry when it’s
quiet and catch glimpses of the
‘Kidnapped’ era.
• In the summer months, The Maid
of Forth sails regularly to mystical
Inchcolm Island where you can visit
a unique 12th century abbey.
• Bridge the gap during your
exploring with a refreshing drink,
leisurely lunch or warming evening
meal – and stay the night if you run
out of time.
This is both a panoramic and an interesting place to visit and atmospheric and
unspoilt South Queensferry is a historical gem too – St Mary’s Church dates
from 1441, Black Castle House on the High Street was built in 1626 and the
nearby Tolbooth tower dates back to 1720.
For details on more attractions around South Queensferry, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thehawesinnsouthqueensferry
8

Melville Inn
Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian EH18 1AR
Tel. 01316 604925
Nestled in the popular village of Lasswade - which is on the scenic River
North Esk and nine miles south of Edinburgh in the city’s green belt -The
Melville Inn is part of an historical landscape that enchants both locals and
visitors from afar.
This is also great golfing country with lots of good walks along old railway
lines, through forest tracks and by way of riverside paths – with the reward
of a roaring log fire, great British food and a revitalising drink on your
return.
Melville Castle sits just to the south of the inn and this three-storey, Gothic
styled castellated mansion has luxurious interiors and has recently been
restored. A mile to the east are ancient fortification mounds known as
Sheriff’s Hall, where an old house has long stood and in which George
Buchanan is said to have written ‘History of Scotland’.
Lasswade sits in the hollow and on the steep sides of the Esk Valley and this
gives it an exceedingly romantic and picturesque aspect. It is said to have
furnished Sir Walter Scott with some of the particulars in his description of
Gandercleugh in ‘The Tales of my Landlord’. He rented the 18th century
cottage now called Barony House between 1798-1804 and was visited by
other famous literary icons of the time like William Wordsworth.
Park and ride
from the Melville...
• Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect
World is literally next door, so stroll
through an exotic rainforest and
watch hundreds of species flying
around you.
• Lasswade Riding Centre caters for
children from two years upwards
and adults of all ages and abilities,
across rivers and through woodland.
• Rest your legs (or your rider’s seat!)
and sample further Midlothian
delights at
The Melville Inn.
Other attractions nearby include the Scottish Mining Museum at
Newtongrange, which has a winding tower powered by Scotland’s largest
steam engine. Magic helmets bring the mine and the local community to
life and enable you to go on shift and experience a virtual-reality tour of life
below ground.
For details on more attractions around Lasswade, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/themelvilleinnlasswade
9

Snow Goose
Stoneyfield, Inverness IV2 7PA
Tel. 01463 701921
This enchantingly named inn overlooks the panoramic Moray Firth, which
is a true Scottish area of outstanding beauty if ever there was one. It lies in
the Raigmore district of Inverness just a mile to the east of the city.
Situated on land once known as Stoneyfield Farm, The Snow Goose has
previously been known as The Coach Inn and was once part of the Raigmore
estate owned by the Macintosh family. They sold the land off in parts in
1918 before it became an inn, but it maintains its regal air today with
spacious gardens ideal for al fresco dining in the summer and a roaring
inglenook fire to gather around for a wee dram/chat in the winter.
Inverness is an historical place that lies at the mouth of the River Ness and
it is from this that the city derives its name: Inbhir Nis which is Scots Gaelic
for “mouth (or confluence) of the Ness”. The city boasts a host of interesting
buildings in the Old Town for you to appreciate while you shop, and don’t
forget to enjoy the views from the imposing castle, which you’ll see in all its
glory as you take in the beautiful riverside walks.
It’s also an important centre for bagpipe players and you’ll see and hear them
everywhere, whilst Inverness is also home to a famous and popular Highland
Games. The internationally significant battle site of Culloden is nearby too
and has a brand new Visitor Centre.
Take the high road
or the low...
• Fort George – now considered the
finest 18th century fort in Europe –
is just outside the city.
• The 73 mile Great Glen Way to
Fort William starts and finishes at
Inverness Castle, but many people
just walk it a wee while before
turning back.
• Walk off lunch, or work up an
appetite, before heading back to
The Snow Goose for drinks, great
craic (chat and cheer) and a hearty
evening meal.
The Moray Firth itself is a kaleidoscope of fishing boats that paints a pretty
picture, while the Beauly Firth is an island extension of it and a sheltered
sea loch. Beauly village is well worth a visit and the River Beauly is one of
Scotland’s most renowned salmon fishing waters.
For details on more attractions around Inverness, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thesnowgooseinverness
10

The Commodore
112 -117 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 8ES
Tel. 08451 126005
This new but charming inn is at the heart of Helensburgh, an elegant
Victorian seaside town with wide tree-lined avenues that is known as the
Garden of the Clyde.
It’s just off the esplanade and the banks of the majestic Gare Loch (with its
intriguing naval submarine base). It’s a pub with rooms and is popular with
day trippers, walkers, golfers, fishermen and seafarers alike, who all appreciate
consistently good food, ales, and fine wines.
Helensburgh is the Gateway to the Highlands and the most spectacular
approach is from the Loch Lomond side to the north east, because from its
highest point visitors look down a wide spreading bay flanked by the wooded
peninsulas of Ardmore and Rosneath.
Duchess Wood nearby is the only designated Local Nature Reserve in the
area and Hermitage Park in town has lawns, gardens, a woodland stream
and pleasant walks around the Glennan Burn, while the river promenade
to Kidston Park passes memorials to two of Helensburgh’s favourite sons –
television pioneer John Logie Baird and Henry Bell who operated the world’s
first commercial sea-going steamboat, The Comet. In fact, fans of yesteryear
can take the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, The Waverley, from
Helensburgh pier down the Firth of Clyde to Dunoon and the Kyles of Bute.
Don’t walk on by...
• The Helensburgh Upland Way is a
blissful two mile ramble through
woods and along forest tracks, with
breathtaking views, down to the
picturesque seaside village of Rhu.
• Just to the north, from Firkin Point
picnic area off the shore-hugging
A82, it is possible to do a return
walk of three miles either way along
the ‘bonnie’ banks of Loch Lomond.
• All roads around here lead to
Helensburgh and, of course, The
Commodore, so be sure
to wander back for great craic and
hearty pub fayre.
Championship golf is played high up in the Clyde hills overlooking Loch
Lomond and the Trossach Hills, while Helensburgh is also one of the most
blessed West Coast towns culturally too – with a full programme of musical
and dramatic events throughout the year. The architecture is very striking as
well, especially Hill House by the revered modernist designer Charles
Rennie Mackintosh.
For details on more attractions around Helensburgh, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecommodorehelensburgh
11

The Cambustay
8 Dalhousie Road, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2SQ
Tel. 01382 480286
Dating back to the 1850s, The Cambustay is located only four miles to
the east of the city centre in the seaside suburb of Broughty Ferry, which is
known as ‘the jewel in Dundee’s crown’ with its fine seafront, esplanade and
sweeping sands.
From the inn itself there is a pathway down to the beach which only takes five
minutes to walk – out of the pub turn left and left again over a wee railway
bridge, then follow the path to the right and the beach is just across the road.
Dating back to the 1850s, The Cambustay was also known as The Kittiwake
for a short period before the name was changed back to its original. The pub’s
origins reflected the wealth of the area, wealth that was based on the trade
in jute from India. The Cambustay prospered thanks to the affluent lifestyle
of the jute barons of Dundee, a lifestyle made possible by the opening of the
Dundee and Arbroath railway line in 1838.
Broughty Ferry beach has recently been awarded Blue Flag status in
recognition of the great strides made in improving the quality of the
environment and there are many pleasant walks to be made – a favourite
leads along the esplanade, past the picturesque Barnhill Rock Gardens and on
to Monifieth just up the coast.
Make a day of it
• The Cambustay’s stunning gardens
and its proximity to the beach make
it an essential stop for walkers.
Broughty Ferry has a fine esplanade
and sweeping sands and there is a
path to the beach from the inn -
very handy!
• Enjoy the sights and sounds of
an early 19th century working grain
mill, just four miles away
at Barry Mill.
• Then sample the modern variety of
grape and grain, via the extensive
wine and cask real ale list on offer at
The Cambustay.
The Cambustay also overlooks the impressive Firth Of Tay, which is abundant
in wildlife plus marine life (see if you can spot the dolphins!) and has a proud
reputation for fishing. This is ‘links’ golf country too with the world famous
Carnoustie just a short drive away, and several other top quality courses are
even nearer.
For details on more attractions around Broughty Ferry and Dundee, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecambustaydundee
12