Golspie Inn. Hotel Review

Golspie Inn

This adorable building with the tall monkey puzzle in the driveway is the place to stay in Golspie for delicious food and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Golspie Inn is one of the prettiest buildings in the village. It is over 200 years old and has some quirky features. It was the first bar in Sutherland and Scotland's oldest post box is in the wall of the inn. Original features like sash and case windows and cast iron radiators add to the character of the rooms.

My room was simple and comfortable. I was a bit concerned about my window overlooking the A9 road, but I need not have worried as the road is virtually silent at night and I had a perfect sleep.​

My bedroom at Golspie Inn

Cast iron radiator in my room

Food is sourced locally, with fish caught from the family boat. I had the fish and chips for dinner and it was superb. Succulent fish with chips that were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. They have a range of beers from the Loch Ness Brewery. I particularly enjoyed the Caith Ness which is made from porridge oats and Caithness Honey.

Ceilidh music was on the sound system during my meal and this reflects the regular events that are hosted at the hotel. There is a function room where live music and ceilidh dancing takes place.​

Scotland's oldest post box on the wall of Golspie Inn

At breakfast there was perfect poached eggs on toast. The couple from Spain, sitting at the next table, were craving some croissants and the manager, Tricia, produced a freshly baked batch especially for them. I heard the woman say that they were the best she had ever tasted.

Tricia offered me one and explained that she also runs the cafe/bakery, Poppy's, on the Main Street and the croissants came from there. It was a delicious croissant, as good as any I have had in France. It is quite unusual to be able to have one for breakfast in a Highland hotel, but this was the kind of personal touch that Tricia likes to provides for her guests.

​Tricia told me about what there is to see and do in the area- she has great passion and knowledge. The hotel offers a variety of sightseeing tours, including visits to whisky distilleries and Tricia knows about the hidden gems of Sutherland. She mentioned beautiful waterfalls that few other people know about. 

The Big Burn Walk begins right next to Golspie Inn

I was glad that she recommended The Big Burn Walk, which is right next to the hotel. It became my favourite walk in Scotland and I wrote a blog about this.

I loved the collection of old photographs of the hotel in the lounge area, particularly this one of the front of the hotel which shows that little has changed, apart from the old car.​ 

Old photograph of Golspie Inn (when it was called Sutherland Arms Hotel) in the lounge of the hotel

The same view of the Golspie Inn today

I think that it is important that the history of a hotel is shared with guests as it makes it more special and authentic to the area to stay there. With modern hotels you have none of that and even some older hotels fail to tell guests their story, so it is good to see that Golspie Inn makes the history of the place a central part of the guest experience. 

I really enjoyed the conversation over breakfast. I chatted to the Spanish couple about travel plans and even a bit of current affairs. Tricia joined in and provided us with lots of tips about things to see and do in the area. It is that kind of relaxed and friendly atmosphere that makes a hotel stay enjoyable and memorable.

A double room with breakfast is around £90 and you can book online on the Golspie Inn website.


For cycling in the area try the quiet road between Golspie and Dornoch

Read more about Golspie: 10 Things to See and Do in Golspie​