Unlock Editor’s Digest for free
FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
The Scottish Highlands have always had a magical appeal, not just because of the lochs, but also because of the ancient rock formations, waterfalls, sunsets and tempting fishing sceneGleneagles, or the “Riviera of the Highlands” as it is known, is part of this appeal. The palatial estate first opened its doors in 1924 as a hotel and golfing destination for the upper classes, and has welcomed royalty, sportsmen and designers ever since. In 1955, Christian Dior staged a fashion show at the estate, which featured 172 dresses from France; last month, the house welcomed guests from its Cruise 2025 show.
This summer, as the hotel celebrates its centenary, its seasonal pop-up returns – an annual celebration of the sights and sounds of Scotland. The Seafood Bar & Grill reopens on the hotel’s expansive lawn, serving Scottish coastal catches to guests on striped loungers overlooking the Ochil Hills (home to James Braid’s 18-hole King’s Course, where local star Sean Connery played). “Summer really is one of the best times of year to discover our stunning landscape,” says managing director Conor O’Leary. This year’s menu includes North Atlantic spiced prawn cocktail and West Coast scallops, served alongside frozen margaritas with a splash of Casamigos.
Meanwhile, inside Glendevon, one of the hotel’s six restaurants, the hotel is bringing back special dishes from its rich culinary history, including highlights from the Roaring ’20s and the infamous 1989. A taste of Gleneagles Cookbook including treacle tart, buttermilk scones and terrine and caviar, a personal favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. In early autumn Sir Chris Hoy will also lead a cycling weekend from the hotel.
“The combination of social and sporting has been key to Gleneagles being regarded as the glorious resort of choice,” writes James Collard, co-author of the estate’s centenary book. “Timeless elegance and great outdoor spaces.”