Dog Friendly Inverness

[Lime]

Well a rather splendid weekend was had and we managed to miss the storms. I thought I would report back on Dog Friendly Inverness in case anyone else heads north with a Hound.

The Castle definitely hasn't gone downhill (unless it was heavenly before and now simply earthbound) but, as a rule it doesn't allow dogs inside (although this rule was kindly relaxed for us due to particular circumstances - small well behaved dog, cold and wet weather, empty bar, and some pleading). Excellent real ales on tap, excellent food (we had: a home made burger, scampi, homemade beetroot and goats cheese tart and (apparently - I wasn't allowed any) the best ever chicken supreme) served all day and excellent whisky served just right (a large slug, in a decent sized tasting glass and a jug of water). Even if you are not allowed in with the pooch there is heated and covered outside seating with extra (tartan) rugs for those that feel the cold. It is in the town centre.

The Clachnaharry does allow dogs inside as a rule (they even wanted to photograph ours) and is a brilliant little bar, friendly and open in that typical Highland way: you feel instantly at ease as though it has been your local for 20 years, excellent real ales and very good food. We had: steak pie, roast beef and haggis, roast pork loin and scampi all very tasty. Excellent real ales from Fyne ales and Stewart Brewing amongst others. It is a short taxi ride from the town centre (£6) no doubt you could walk but we had someone who could not go a great distance under their own steam in our little party.

The Dores. Does allow dogs in the small bar area; we didn't have a problem claiming a seat. The food really was amazing with langoustines, mussels, drunk prawns, scallops and a variety of highland steaks all on the menu. We had: fresh scallops and beetroot, chicken and mushroom terrine, home made burger and two minute steaks (queue jokes from the regulars on how long it would take!). Excellent ales from Fyne Ales and the Orkney Brewery. It is a decent taxi ride from Inverness city centre - £20 each way but I don't think it would be a problem on the bus (as mentioned before we had a member of the party who found any distance very difficult so we were happy to splash out).

Shops - generally allowed us in with the dog (we have a small dog that we pick up if it doesn't seem clear that dogs are allowed).

Accommodation: we stayed here http://www.acornguesthouseinverness.co.uk/ and you really could not ask for better. Guest lounge, decent rooms, excellent breakfasts and very dog friendly - they have two of their own although you wouldn't have know it as they were quiet and kept out of the guests way. Any minor reservations you might harbour (e.g. if decor etc isn't quite to your taste) are instantly dispelled by the absolute genuine Highland Hospitality; interest and kindness of the hosts: nothing is too much to ask. I have never given ten out of ten for anything in my life (one can always do better) but I would happily give eleven in this case!

Kilts - just an interesting side note: the only kilts I saw "in the wild" (e.g. not in kilt shops) were modern kilt suits - one plain fawn coloured and one black.