Went for nice family dinner out at this stunning venue- would definitely recommend. The food was excellent, with a great selection of meat (mostly game) and fresh fish. The muse bouche was a tomato based soup the day we went which was great too. After dinner we retired to the bar where we had a cocktail- the espresso martini is delicious. The staff in general were great- particularly the younger waiting staff at dinner. What makes this a 4 instead of 5 star was how we were initially greeted- instead of a warm welcome (expected when paying the prices that Douneside charge). We were told we could have a drink before our dinner reservation in the bar, 5minutes later the staff member then came over and said we had to order food immediately because we were late for our reservation, which was confusing given we had asked if we had time for a drink before. This staff member then proceeded to rock back and forth like a child on his feet whilst waiting for us to order as if to try hurry us. We continued to have poor treatment from this particular staff member throughout the night. Happy to get in touch with Douneside directly if interested, as it really put a downer on what was otherwise an excellent evening in a beautiful venue.

This is an experienced not to be missed. Former home of the MacRobert family now a 13 room hotel on the edge of Tarland. Dinner bed and breakfast available, and lunch if required. Many walks around the area direct from the hotel with sites of historical interest. Non profit making run hotel will any surplus monies made given to the MacRobert Trust for charitable works.