Scotland’s best B&B is in a converted Victorian church – see list of all winners

The best bed and breakfasts and inns in Scotland have been crowned at the AA Bed and Breakfast Awards.

On Tuesday, the 2024 victors of the annual AA B&B Awards were unveiled. Now in its 28th year, the awards are judged by team of expert inspectors who assess the best-of-the-best across the bed and breakfast scene in Scotland, England, and Wales.

The winner of the coveted Bed and Breakfast of the Year title is The Auld Kirk in Ballater. Situated within an early Victorian Scottish Free Church building, the unique bed and breakfast is home to seven comfortable guest rooms and a stylish café that is popular amongst visitors and locals alike.

Judges commented: “This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway.

“Excellent home-cooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room.”

Elsewhere, the Scottish Inn of the Year title went to the Kildrummy Inn in . This luxurious and traditional family-run inn features opulent bedrooms and award-winning cuisine.

The Kildrummy Inn is also home to a club-style whisky snug showcasing its extensive malt collection. The cosy and intimate venue features comfortable seating and walls with illuminated individual homes for drams.

Commenting on the Kildrummy Inn, AA inspectors said: “Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway.

“The inn provides four charming bedrooms. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time. No visit would be complete without sampling the food on of er, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape.”

Finally, the third Scottish victor at this year’s AA Bed and Breakfast Awards is Mingary Castle in Kilchoan. The one-of-a-kind restored castle took home the Restaurant with Rooms of the Year prize for Scotland.

Judges praised Mingary Castle’s “high levels of quality, charm and character”, as well as its “luxurious feature bedrooms and en-suites”. They also applauded its restaurant for “showcasing great technical skill”.

More information about the full list of winners across the UK can be found on the AA website.

AA Bed and Breakfast Awards Scottish winners

• Bed and Breakfast of the Year — The Auld Kirk, Ballater
• Inn of the Year — Kildrummy Inn, Aberdeenshire
• Restaurant with Rooms of the Year — Mingary Castle, Kilchoan

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