Reviews

Be sure to check out our reviews on Tripadvisor and also on Google

A heartfelt thank you to our guests for taking the time to leave their hugely appreciated reviews which have culminated in Highlander House being awarded the coveted Travellers' Choice Award for 2024,

...and Best of the Best Award (top one percent worldwide) 2025...recognising Highlander House as being in the Top 25 establishments (B&Bs and Inns category) in the UK!

Tripadvisor's Top 25 in the UK 2025

  Lovely Holiday  - We have just spent 3 fabulous days at Highlander House.
Gus and Sherry really go that extra mile to provide a warm welcome - with home made treats and... read more luxurious accommodation.
The location is perfect with panoramic views over the bay and a garden to sit and watch the sun going down , only a short walk away from the ferry .
If you want a relaxed holiday with an excellent choice of good quality food , beautiful accommodation , excellent value for money go no further than Highlander House
Denise & Sid

Denise B
May 22, 2025

  A high quality hotel with excellent breakfasts.  - The location of the Highlander is perfect overlooking the bay. Gus was a welcoming host and gave us lots of good advice about Bute. The rooms have been refurbished to... read more a high standard in the recent past. The breakfasts were outstanding, using local produce.

Derek C
May 20, 2025

  Fine place to stay.  - Very comfortable place to stay, good room,generous breakfast with excellent choice and very helpful host. Would recommend position also, easy to park, can walk to the town and very convenient... read more for the ferry. All in all a lovely place to stay.

Martin R
May 20, 2025

Gill Burns

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

We have just spent 2 nights at Highlander House, and it is easily one of the most charming places we have stayed - and we are pretty seasoned travellers! Our hosts were very welcoming, providing delightful treats such as chocolates, delicious home bakes and chilled rosé in our room. The bed and pillows were exceptionally comfortable, the bathroom luxurious and perfectly clean. Breakfast, like everything else was first class, with an extensive choice including lots of healthy options, all beautifully cooked and presented. Somehow Gus and Sherry have succeeded in combining the high standards of a five star hotel with the intimacy of staying with friends. Clearly all the other guests felt the same as we all lingered over breakfast chatting as if we’d known each other for ever. What a wonderful gift to make one’s guests feel so relaxed and welcome!

archibald miller

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

Wonderful hosts who were helpful , kind , and pleasant . We enjoyed our stay as if at our own home. I visited many relatives in this beautiful area. I sincerely hope to return and stay in their comfortable Resting area. Arch and Margo miller, Tulsa oklahoma

Donna Julyan

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary in Rothesay, and I'm so glad we chose Highlander House to stay at! It's a very short walk from the town centre and our beautiful room had a stunning sea view, but our hosts Gus & Sherry are what made this a truly memorable visit - lovely people and nothing was too much trouble. Their personal touches really make the difference whether it's local knowledge or a wee brownie to eat when you get back! I honestly can't rate our stay any higher...fantastic in every way ❤️

catlettjr6549

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

We've just spent two lovely days at this BnB, and were very pleased they had a room on short notice. The prior reviews set our expectations pretty high, and all were met. The hosts are very accommodating and the breakfasts are delicious and filling. Expecting a garden view room to look out onto a patio or such, we were delighted to have a full colorful garden and tree line behind the BnB. The breakfast room and front rooms face the bay. Very clean; modern fixtures. A short walk from the ferry pier and shops.

Wolfgang Untergasser

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

I came to the Isle of Bute last September, only to check it off as one of my last unexplored areas of Scotland, after 13 previous trips from Austria since 2008. But after my somewhat lukewarm expectation what a positive surprise Bute in general and Highlander House in particular turned out to be! I am sorry that 5 stars is the maximum I can give, as Highlander House would easily deserve more. From the loving attention to detail to the spotlessness in my room and all areas of the house, everything was simply perfect. Breakfast was absolutely fantastic and I felt spoiled by the choices, particularly the Smoked Salmon with Avocado and the Spanish Omelette which were a welcome change from the usual full Scottish breakfasts I had had everywhere else. To crown it all, Gus was very helpful with a repair item on my car which he went out of his way to buy and provide for free without my even asking. Many thanks to you two for a wonderful stay which I only wish would have been longer.

Michelle Mundell

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

From our arrival to our departure, our experience at Highlander House was amazing. The hosts, Angus and Sherry, clearly love what they do and their attention to detail is incredible. The breakfast, the room, the unexpected extras, the shared knowledge of the isle, the location and the all round comfort makes this a 5 star experience.

Allan Mundell

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

Such an awesome stay, everything in the Guest House is quality - rooms, lounge and breakfast. Nothing too much for Angus and Sherry, such attention to detail. Ideal location too.

George May

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

Restaurant-quality food, central location less than a 5 minute walk from the ferry, quiet surroundings with a gorgeous backdrop of trees and the front-facing view of the most incredible sea landscape. Perfect spot to come back for a drink after a day of exploring the island!

Alexander Adamson

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

A truly outstanding establishment whose hosts have a great passion to ensure that guests are made extremely welcome. This is evidenced by the cleanliness of the accommodation, the facilities in the room and the many little fine details from fresh baking and fresh fruit available in the hallway and guest rooms. The selection for breakfast is quite astounding from the smoked salmon, the omelletes and eggs cooked to order with the full Scottish a truly memorable repast. Highlander House sets a standard that far surpasses any establishment we have ever experienced in many years of travelling and will be a standard by which all others will be judged in the future. Thank you both for a very memorable stay and for your kindness and caring.

Peter Gibson

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

Excellent b&b, choice of delicious breakfast. Host, Gus friendly and informative. We would recommend stay at Highlander House.

Some kind words from our guests:

Highlander House is in a fantastic position and very conveniently located  for exploring the island of Bute. Gus made us extremely welcome and gave us many good tips as to which attractions to visit.

The allocated room had an splendid view of the bay. The room was well appointed and clean with great attention to detail. The bed was extremely comfortable and big!

Breakfasts were delightful with plenty of choice and good presentation.

Visitors are guaranteed a pleasant experience. We would not hesitate to return when visiting Scotland again."

Ann & David, April 2024

Simply the best B&B we have ever stayed in! On arrival we were warmly welcomed by host Gus, who showed us to the fantastic Glenfinnan room, with great views over the bay. Like the whole house, the room is tastefully decorated & very comfortable, with a lovely modern en suite. We really appreciated the mini fridge in the room stocked with water & fresh milk & we enjoyed Gus’s home made rose. Sherry’s home baked treats were a delight to come back to each day & the breakfasts were superb, with a good choice & perfectly cooked. We especially enjoyed the locally smoked trout and salmon. We will definitely be returning to HH!

Tips for other travellers: We enjoyed a great meal at the Colintraive Hotel & catching the short ferry crossing there & back was magical. The Kingarth Hotel & the Caledonian Bistro were also very good. Visiting Mount Stuart House is a must! It’s well worth the walk to St Blane’s Chapel & also just driving around the area to see the wonderful views & picturesque bays.

Nigel & Julie Wickham - June 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Scott & Kay - July 2023

Highlander House is perfection; immaculate comfortable rooms, stunning views, amazing hosts, beautiful breakfasts and irresistible home baking. 

 It's in the perfect location for the ferry, for long walks, for the sunsets, for spotting wildlife. Can't wait to revisit."

Moira and Vincent Quinn June 2023 (posted on Facebook)

Gus was very welcoming and offered us a tea/coffee on arrival. The full Scottish breakfast was the best we ever had. I would highly recommend this bed and breakfast room to others. Felt more like a plush hotel."

Sarah Barnes June 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Absolutely faultless. We've found a little gem here. If you're lucky enough to visit the Isle of Bute, a stay with Gus and Sherrie is a must. The little touches that are added before and during your stay make Highlander very special. They made the start of our holiday perfect. Thank you."

Paul Arnold June 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Couldn’t have been happier with accommodation. Everything was perfection - beautiful house, particularly comfortable bed, delicious, additional locally sourced items such as salmon and trout on breakfast menu and added treats from Gus and Sherry - all add up to making guests stay in Rothesay a most enjoyable experience! "

Angus and Alison June 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

We had such a happy week with Gus and Sherry – the warmest of welcomes, comfortable room with everything we could wish for in it including sea view and amazing sunsets, little treat cookies waiting for us on our return and wonderful breakfasts which set us up for the whole day! Gus and Sherry are the most delightful hosts and we couldn’t have found anywhere more perfect to stay on the island. We will be back!"

Joanna and Richard Bowman June 2023 (review posted to website)

Spent two lovely days at Highlander House and would highly recommend it. Gus and his wife Sherry are the perfect hosts and so enjoyed the little extras which they provided. They went above and beyond to make our stay perfection

Tips for other travellers

Lots of lovely walks shops restaurants bars the island is a delight

Rose & Alex Finlayson June 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

We really loved Highlander House and Gus and Sherry were the perfect hosts. The accommodation was superb as was breakfast. Every comfort was provided in our room including a mini fridge containinng fresh milk every day which was much appreciated. Treats of tray bakes appeared daily in our room, delicious. The view from our room overlooking the bay was beautiful with the most amazing sunsets. Gus was a constant provider of information to help us enjoy our holiday, recommending places to eat , we visited them all during our five night stay. Thank you Gus and Sherry for making our stay on Bute so memorable.

Tips for other travellers

Stay at Highlander House, you will not be disappointed.

Paul & Janet Kelly May 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Gus could not have been more helpful. The room was very well equipped with some unexpected extras!

Tips for other travellers

Book early to get the sea and sunset view

Kevin & Liz Cox May 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Accommodation and service by Gus above and beyond 5* status.

Tips for other travellers

Mount Stuart house and gardens are outstanding. The Discovery Centre a must for newcomers to the Island. Panoramic Rothesay golf course and picturesque Lock Fad well worth a visit.

Jenny & Simon Harris May 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Sarah & Mark May 2023

Beautiful guest house I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, thank you!

Fiona McCormick April 2023

Can't thank Gus and Sherry enough for their wonderful hospitality again, they put 110% into everything they do. Amazing wee break with amazing people. Our stay was absolutely perfect Thankyou so much, definitely see you again.

Tips for other travellers

No other place on Isle of Bute will compare to this little gem

Henry & Lynda April 2023 (review left on FreetoBook.com)

Hi Gus & Sherry, we only stopped with you for 2 nights, but we would recommend this accommodation to anyone looking for a lovely place to stay.
Very welcoming, lovely food & the room & house is very comfortable.
Very well situated just off the town with great views.

Best wishes Angela & Chris Dec 2022

Hi Gus & Sherry
I just wanted to take the time to say thanks again for a memorable
stay on Rothesay. You have a beautiful home and your inventive
breakfasts will be remembered for a long time, it's definitely unusual
to get steak & hot tomatoes with poached eggs on toast ?
All the extras in the room are also appreciated and I'll be
recommending you to anyone visiting Rothesay.

Karen Bruce Sept 2022

Thank you, Gus and Sherry. You are wonderful hosts, your hotel is beautiful, attention to detail is second to none. Nothing was too much trouble you were attentive without out being intrusive. Everyday we came in we had homemade cakes left in our room made by Sherry. We were totally spoilt. I would definitely recommend your hotel. Thank you once again for a wonderful and comfortable stay.

Joan & Mike Bush Sept 2022

My husband and I spent three nights here. This is the best B&B we have been in. Gus and Sherry were so kind. If going to Rothesay this is the place to stay. Everything you require is supplied in your room.
Thank you both for making our stay so memorable.

Susan and John July 2022

Stayed in may 2022 when over to pay our farewells and to say the warmth, service and hospitality completely exceeded everything you could ask for, the rooms were inviting and relaxing tastefully done with High quality standards being met ten fold, the breakfasts were superb and yes I loved my scrambled eggs and now is a go to for me thanks guys for being the most generous of hosts and ensuring all our needs were met and then some we loved the wee surprises in our room daily and enjoyed our time there immensley looking forward to returning again the alexander family

The Alexander Family July 2022

Very warm welcome by Gus on arrival and shown to our well appointed rooms.
We really liked the extras in our rooms the wine and milk in fridge, coffee machine with various coffees and hot chocolate, biscuits and brownies. Also the bathroom being stocked with hand wash, shower gel, shampoo and hand cream.
Nice to see small personal touches in the rooms with picture taken by our hosts.
Hearty breakfasts excellently cooked and tailored to what we required.
Gus can not be anymore friendlier or accommodating.
We were here on a bowling trip and Gus showed real interest in my girls game.
Overall we could not rate the Highlander House high enough, gold stars in all areas.

Sheila, Jim, Kirsty and Emma July 2022

We are fortunate enough to be regular visitors to Rothesay and stayed in many places , but the hospitality received from Gus during our stay blew us away . The Highlander is just beautiful inside and out. Our room was lovely and set out with lot of personal touches, each room with a different theme. Nothing was a problem , breakfast was amazing and set us up for the day.
We will be back again soon and have recommended the Highlander to our friends and family. Thank you again Gus & Sherry for your warm hospitality.
Colin & Mari Campbell July 2022

From the minute we arrive we were met by Gus the owner with a very welcoming welcome, He showed us to our room which was very clean and well laid out and the little extra like the milk in a bottle fridge. The downstairs rooms were excellent and Gus even made us a cuppa and we had a nice little chat. The Breakfast were outstanding and very filling, set us for the day. Would I book again? Defo would. Thank You for 10 out of 10 stay.

Mr Les Pigg July 2022

Un très bel endroit et des propriétaires aux petits soins pour vous et très cultivés. Merci pour la vache qui est sur ma pelouse.

Edouard de Barbentane, Chateau de Barbentane, Barbentane, France

"My wife and I were near the end of our counter clockwise coastal
driving tour of northern Scotland when we discovered the beautiful Isle of Bute, the lovely city of Rothesay and checked into our
accommodation (Highlander House B&B). Our hosts Sherry and Angus
were positively charming and made us feel very welcome.
The lodging is spectacular and commands a primo view of the sea. We particularly enjoyed strolling along the pathway toward the town
centre.
Sherry and Angus know a lot about Bute including its rich
history, beautiful flora and scenic vistas and were more than happy to help us plan our stay.
The rooms were very comfortable, the entire feel of Highlander House
was of relaxed luxury and we only wish we could have stayed longer.
We would have no hesitation in recommending this property and are
already planning to go back."

Ron and Barb Bollans (BC, Canada)

"What to say about Highlander house... just Sherry and Gus are amazing people with out of common kindness. A little welcome appetizer, very clean and comfortable rooms. A sofa in the living room with a little white wine ahead of a Rugby game with Gus, what better for a good time in Scotland. Looking forward to seeing you again. A great hello of Dordogne in France."

Olivier Mazeau, Perigueux, France

"Highlander House B&B is extremely well located. It’s only a brisk walk from both the main shopping area on the Isle of Bute and the local ferry. The views from Highlander House are spectacular, especially at sunset. The hosts being Angus and Sherry are most welcoming and go out of their way to ensure that you are both comfortable and relaxed in the newly renovated bed and breakfast. The bedroom and bathrooms are well designed and modern. The breakfast that is served is scrumptious to say the least. I would highly recommend that any traveller looking for an affordable amazing experience should book a few nights at the Highlander House B&B."

Lee Ellis, Durban, South Africa

"We truly enjoyed our stay at Highlander House B&B, a lovely restored heritage house. Angus and Sherry are wonderful hosts, so kind and caring. The meals were outstanding and our room comfortable and quiet. We felt so welcome and are looking forward to our next visit. They are across the street from the oceanfront walkway and convenient to the village centre. We highly recommend them!"

Nadine Lindstrom, Nanaimo, Canada