My Scotland: Top spots for eating, staying and doing with Rachel Fox

This is the perfect time of year for planning a few little day trips and staycations to look forward to in the coming months.

Rachel Fox has made it her mission to find the best eats, stays and activities across Scotland so you can make an informed decision when planning your own adventures.

We asked her to share her top spots with us this January.

The Kirkmichael Arms

© Supplied by Rachel Fox

Tucked away on Scotland’s South West coast is the Kirkmichael Arms. This small and unassuming gastropub in the heart of Kirkmichael, whose kitchen is run by the talented chef Justin Galea, is worth travelling the extra mile for. Bringing classic dishes such as their signature pot pies to the plate alongside some Thai-inspired plates, the food from here is simply magic.

Tahuna Bothies

© Supplied by Rachel Fox

The Tahuna Bothies in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, quickly became one of my favourite staycation spots last year. These meticulously designed bothies, surrounded by colourful wildflowers, offer views over the local golf course and Seal Beach (yes, you can walk down to see the seals!) that will have your jaw on the floor.

Red Deer Range

© Supplied by Rachel Fox

I’ve been making an effort to explore more of South West Scotland, a beautiful part of the country where I grew up. Not long ago, my lovely mum introduced me to the Red Deer Range near Newton Stewart. Here, you can get up close to feed red deer for free, either through a gate or from a sheltered viewing area. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family—just don’t forget the snacks!

For more travel tips, follow Rachel at @topscottishscran on Instagram.