The Scottish islands tend not to get many visitors in winter or early spring because of their frisky weather and tendency to batten down the hatches. And that’s what makes Auchrannie Country House and Spa Resort, a mile from the ferry terminus on the Isle of Arran, so intriguing. You don’t really feel as if you should be there — which is, strangely, part of its appeal.

Auchrannie’s owners have turned what was once just a Victorian stone country house — former home of the Dowager Duchess of Hamilton — into a modest “resort” that incorporates a modern spa-and-sports building and self-catering lodges.

Though small, the spa offers the same menu of E’spa treatments found in the swanky Sheraton in Edinburgh, plus two swimming pools and sauna and steam rooms. Adjacent is a gigantic sports hall embracing tennis, table tennis, badminton or an entire game of football if you like, and a teen zone with arcade-style games and internet access.

I went with a friend, but families, walkers, golfers and weekending couples from Glasgow were all part of the buzz — the latter lingering, as we did, over deftly executed Scottish venison in the conservatory Garden Restaurant. Good food definitely counts; and the service was prompt and friendly too.

Self-catering lodges are spacious enough for families or parties, although it is bizarre that only their bedrooms appeared to have been done up recently, leaving the bathrooms and living areas looking tired and floral. Period character is found in the Victorian house, which has rooms that suit quiet couples; it also has a swimming pool just for guests staying in the house, a snooker room and an old, log-fire bar.

Auchrannie is an efficient operation, if not somewhere you’d go for a quintessentially Scottish experience. Many staff do not even hail from Britain, let alone Scotland. On the other hand, it gives people the opportunity to experience Arran on a cold, clear day — an island of charm with fells, beaches, golf courses, a brewery and a distillery.

Bottom line: Doubles from £99.

Sampling the fare: Dinner from about £30pp with wine.

Access all areas: Yes, to the lodges, one room in country house, eight in the spa resort.

Need to know: Auchrannie Country House Hotel (01770 302234, www.auchrannie.co.uk), Brodick, Isle of Arran

Room (in lodge): 7 out of 10.
Food: 8 out of 10.
Service: 7 out of 10.

Kilmichael Country House Hotel, Isle of Arran

This hotel encapsulates the boutique ethos - characterful, small, stylish, superior food, and genteel service, says Ginny McGrath

BACKGROUND

• Duisdale House Hotel, Isle of Skye

• Kinloch Lodge, Sleat, Isle of Skye

• Auchrannie Country House Hotel, Isle of Arran

• Balfour Castle, Orkney

• Baltasound Hotel, Unst, Shetland Islands

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