A payphone is available in the hallway.Welcome to
MUIR OF BARRAS
Guest information
We sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay with us.
You are staying 3 miles from the fishing town of Stonehaven, a short walk from the Historic Dunnottar Castle and at the gateway to Royal Deeside.
Aberdeen, Europe's oil capital is just 15 miles north.
Your Room -
Each of our rooms has been designed with your comfort in mind.
Complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate are provided. Please let us know if you run out.
Towels, soap and shampoo are provided.
Please switch off the television when not in use.
A 'Corby' trouser press is located in the hall cupboard for guest's use. Ironing facilities are available on request.
*Please not that for all of our health, safety and comfort, smoking is not permitted at Muir of Barras.
Other facilities -
'Double Bubble' can be arranged on request: Chilled Champagne with two glasses and a bath full of bubbles! (please let us know on arrival if you would like this facility)
Picnic hampers can be made up to your requirements. We do need to know the day before however.
If there's anything we can help you with, just let us know.
* A payphone is available in the hallway.
* Faxes can be sent and received for guests, please ask for details.
Breakfast -
...is served in the dining room, usually from 8-9am (but we'll try to accommodate you for an early start or a lie-in!)
From full Scottish Breakfast through a choice of cereals to Yoghurt and fruit, we aim to please any palate. If you have any special dietary requirement, please tell us on arrival.
The Lounge -
Guests are welcome to relax here, with your own thoughts by the fire, or with one of our library of books. But please take only the memory with you and leave the books for someone else to enjoy.
The Sauna -
...is available for guest use upon request. A small charge is levied for this service. Please let us know so we can warm things up for you!
Please take care when using a sauna, especially if you are not used to using them. It's a good idea to build up the time you spend in them slowly.
The Gymnasium -
---is found in the old Steading. The key is available from the office.
We would strongly urge you to only use equipment with which you are familiar.
All sensible work out plans involve stretching/warm up followed by vigorous aerobic exercise and then a period of slow-down. Do not attempt to row your way up the Rio Grande in five minutes!! Use of the Gymnasium is at guest's own risk.
Getting around -
Bicycles are available but Muir of Barras cannot be held responsible for loss or damage incurred should you choose to use them.
We will happily call taxis for guests.
We would be glad to confirm your flight/train times.
Tarriff -
£50.00 for double occupancy per night bed and breakfast.
£35.00 for single occupancy per night bed and breakfast.
Weekly rates on application.
Please settle your bill on the evening before departure or on the day of departure.
Cash, Visa, Mastercard or cheques supported by a valid guarantee card are accepted.
Please make cheques payable to the proprietor; "Ms. S. Barker".
Things to do -
There follows a selection of guides to local places of interest. Maps are available to borrow. Advice is also free!
* The Coast road runs south from Stonehaven towards Dundee. Dunnottar Castle is seen first, breathtaking and isolated on its own headland. Catterline is a village that plays host to a bay where the patient may be rewarded with puffins, seals and dolphins. The Inverbervie Chipper serves the best fish and chips in Britain (and that's official!) Further South the working fishing villages of Gourdon and Johnshaven. The Mill at Benholm lies between these villages. It is a restored Oat mill, complete with working Waterwheel, Mill pond and cafe. (Open Easter-Autumn). Then St Cyrus with its clifftop walks and nature reserve on the coastal flats. Further south still, across the North Esk River is the town of Montrose. Here a huge salt water lagoon stretches inland. There are sandy beaches and an active harbour. The Antique Auction House is great fun, but don't bid too high!
Take the A957 or B974 inland across the Mountains to Royal Deeside. The splendid River Dee winds its way through a beautiful valley. 'Watering holes' are plentiful.
The Howe of the Mearns lies southwest along the A90. Here Gladstone's home can be found as well as a distillery and rolling hills punctuated by villages well worth exploring.
Stonehaven itself is an interesting town. The old town, by the Harbour has a museum and there's always something going on. There are sweeping sandy beaches and an open air heated swimming pool. The golf course welcomes visitors and affords spectacular views over the bay.
North along the A90 will bring you to Aberdeen, the Granite city. Shopping and the arts are well catered for. Plenty to do and see. The Maritime Museum at the Harbour and the Art Gallery should not be missed. The ten screen Virgin cinema at the beach always has the latest films. Beyond this the coast road continues to the northeastern tip of Scotland. The national lighthouse museum in Fraserburgh is well worth a visit.
* There's endless country lane round and about Muir of Barras. Please take care when crossing the A90, some motorists have little respect for cyclists!
* The Mainline station at Stonehaven has local services from Glasgow/Edinburgh - Aberdeen. Some Intercity and Sleeper services also stop here. Please ask us for timetable details.
Places to eat -
...are round almost every corner. Here are some suggestions but it's fun to explore.
The Lairhillock Inn captures the feeling of an ancient hostelry. Food is excellent in Bar or Restaurant. Take the B979 from Stonehaven to Netherly. Look out for the Inn on the right as you pass through Netherly.
The Creel Inn at Catterline is closer to home and specialises in sea food as does the Toll Booth on Stonehaven Harbour, but you may need to book! The Marine Hotel on the Harbour also has a restaurant upstairs.
For Fish and chips, the Inverbervie Chipper is a must. It has won best fish and chip shop in Scotland for the last three years running, and this year it is the best in Britain! It has a large restaurant upstairs.
Up to Aberdeen and you're spoilt for choice. For somewhere fun and lively try the abundance of diners and grill bars at the Beach Boulevard. There's every kind of international cuisine in the city centre. For a really special meal try the Marcliffe at Pitfoedels or the Maryculter House Hotel.
We will do our best to update this information, however if you find anything to be incorrect or you discover something to share, please let us know and we shall amend the brochure appropriately.