The Dunstane girls go to the Scottish Hotel Awards!

The Dunstane Does The Scottish Hotel Awards!




The Dunstane team were out in force on Sunday night at the 2014 Scottish Hotel Awards which took place at The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. This was our first year at the awards and what a great start we had! Shirley Mowat, Director, Samantha Wright, Sales & Revenue Manager and Laura Taylor, Head Housekeeper went along to join in the celebrations - not at all expecting any awards in our first year attending!

What a great evening put on by the Sheraton with good food, champagne flowing and great entertainment - including the vocal talent of Scotland's own Jai McDowall, Britain's Got Talent winner 2011.

Partnered up with another hotel from up north we sat patiently to congratulate others on their awards and wait to see who had won hotel of the year. Little did we expect to be congratulating our very own team!





Skerries Restaurant and Head Chef Martin Collins picked up a Gold Medal and a Highly commended award and Samantha Wright, Sales & Revenue Manager was a awarded a Gold Medal for Business Management. Jamie Trousdale, our newest member of Management, was also awarded a Rising Star award.






Well done to all involved! Looking forward to more of the same next year!!

The Dunstane - New Website

The Dunstane - New Website

The Dunstane - New Website

We at The Dunstane are excited to announce that we’re launching our new website today! With our excellent customer service and array of attractions all important features of the hotel, we have re-honed our website to ensure these values, our ethos and style are all reflected. As such, we’ve worked to best include the sheer luxury and exclusivity which The Dunstane offers, showing this to the customer through some beautiful images and fantastic website content.

When navigating the new website, customers will be able to discover a range of excellent features allowing them to explore all that The Dunstane offers. New sections of the website will allow you to easily look at our array of boutique Rooms which cater to all manner of tastes, as well as our excellent Dining where you’ll be able to explore the Skerries Restaurant, Restaurant Offers and Stane Bar. Additionally, with the Venue Hire section you can now see how The Dunstane can cater for a range of events and celebrations, as well as the Hotel Offers section which gives you a number of ideas for how to enjoy an exciting escape to Edinburgh.

There’s also now a fantastic Explore Edinburgh section where you can discover some of the best attractions to enjoy, as well as a Festive section which will ensure you’re treated to an excellent Christmas and New Year in Edinburgh.

Certainly, this new layout aims to ensure that customers are able to easily navigate across all areas of the hotel, letting you discover us in a new and exciting way as the hotel’s beauty is brought to light. We’ve spent a lot of time working to focus the website into reflecting The Dunstane’s unique setting and are now excited for you to immerse yourselves in the new features on offer!

With that being said, don’t hesitate to explore our fantastic new website and indulge yourself at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. The Dunstane will ensure you enjoy a stay in truly unforgettable style! 

The Dunstane - our new wine list launches next week!

At The Dunstane and in Skerries we have always been passionate about our wines, selecting only the finest and most diverse from around the globe. With the help of Wine Importers, a local company who fully support small independent businesses, the owners and managers of Dunstane personally taste and select each wine based on its individuality and quality.

The bi-annual event at Gleneagles Hotel where Wine Importers showcase their latest acquisitions and long standing favourites is the starting point in our search for the perfect wine list. The Directors, Derek and Shirley, along with Managers Samantha and Jamie went along to Gleneagles to begin the process of designing the new list in March this year.


Our new list has some surprising new entries - one to mention is the Stobi Vineyard in Macedonia which bowled us over at the tasting and now has two spots on the list! Other old favourites are back and still going strong - our friends Torres from Catalonia still have pride of place with their rose and they wonderful Muscat white - Vina Esmerelda.



To help our staff better explain our offering to your when you visit Skerries our Wine Importers friend - Neil Renton stopped by to train the staff on the new wines and refresh our memories of some of our favourites - although we cannot forget stories like the story of The Aberdeen Wine Company who make Capercaillie - one of our top sellers and highest quality Shiraz'. We all had a blast at the tasting and learned loads! Cant wait to pass it all on!!

Book your table now at www.thedunstane.co.uk or give us a call on 01313376169

The Dunstane - Imaginate Festival

The Dunstane - Imaginate Festival

The Dunstane - Imagninate Festival

From the 5^th of May to the 12^th of May 2014 the Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s world renowned festival for performing arts for children and young people. Featuring at venues across Edinburgh, the Imaginate Festival aims to ensure that children and young people in Scotland enjoy performing arts with a number of exciting shows.

A fantastic programme of performance and theatre will treat children and young people, their teachers, families and carers to excellent shows from Scotland and around the word. There’s a fantastic range of shows to discover including Too Many Penguins? for 1-4 year olds and Tiger Tale which tells the story of when a tiger visits a family with some excellent dance! There’s an array of attractions to cater for all manner of tastes, perfect for schools and groups to enjoy unique and beautiful shows. The Imaginate Festival is also fantastic for artists to see and discuss each other’s work and immerse themselves in an array of activities. The Imaginate Festival also works with schools, local authorities and Education Scotland to support pupils, teachers and other educators’ creative learning. It’s a fantastic event which guests of all ages will enjoy!

Some of the Imaginate Festival’s shows will also tour Scotland, ensuring that people the nation over are treated to the event’s best attractions. Perfect for all the family, you’ll love discovering Imaginate Festival’s array of exciting shows.

Choose to immerse yourself in the Imaginate Festival and stay at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Indeed, The Dunstane will ensure you’re treated to an exclusive escape where you can enjoy scrumptious food and drink at our Skerries Restaurant before retreating to our luxury rooms. Indulge yourself at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and enjoy an excellent visit to the Imaginate Festival. The Dunstane will ensure you enjoy a stay in truly unforgettable style! 

The Dunstane - SKC Dog Show

The Dunstane - SKC Dog Show

The Dunstane -SKC Dog Show

From the 16^th of May to the 18^th of May 2014 The Scottish Kennel Club’s SKC Dog Show will see a range of beautiful breeds treat excited crowds to a fantastic attraction. With the sun’s golden rays dazzling it’s the perfect time to visit and discover some excellent dogs which guests of all ages will enjoy. The Scottish Kennel Club aims to promote the interests and health of dogs in Scotland as well as offering information on dogs!

Enjoy a family escape to the SKC Dog Show where you will be able to talk with specialist people in the breeds and see the very best dogs. You’ll love seeing a beautiful range of categories and breeds together in this exciting show. Featuring hounds, terriers and toy dogs as well as working, pastoral, obedience and gundog, utility and agility categories, there’s a fantastic programme of dogs on show!  If you’re a dog lover, the SKC Dog Show is the perfect attraction for you to enjoy!

Additionally, The Scottish Kennel Club also offers a range of classes for you and your dog to immerse yourselves in. There are classes to teach obedience where you can learn to teach your dog kindly to become truly fantastic! There are also agility classes to keep your dog healthy as they jump and weave through tunnels and you do the running. You’ll enjoy treating your dog to an exciting day which they’ll love. The Scottish Kennel Club also has working classes where dogs must jump, scent and track in a truly exciting attraction!

Choose to immerse yourself in the SKC Dog Show and stay at one the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Indeed, The Dunstane will ensure you’re treated to an exclusive escape where you can enjoy scrumptious food and drink at our Skerries Restaurant before retreating to our luxury rooms. Indulge yourself at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and enjoy an excellent visit to the SKC Dog Show. The Dunstane will ensure you enjoy a stay in truly unforgettable style! 

The Dunstane - Father's Day

The Dunstane - Father's Day

The Dunstane - Father's Day

On June the 15^th it will be Father’s Day and a time to show Dad how much you really care. He’s always been there for you and with an exciting visit to Edinburgh, a range of immersing attractions will be there for him! Choose to give Dad more than a card this year and treat him to a family holiday to Edinburgh. We’ve got a number of attractions which he’ll love.

If he loves history a visit to the dramatic Edinburgh Castle will fulfil his every desire. He’ll enjoy breathtaking views across the city as well as a range of military and historical attractions. It’s one of the most iconic Edinburgh attractions and one that all the family will enjoy.

Additionally, if he’s after an adventure Edinburgh Zoo will do just the trick. With such an array of beautiful animals he’ll enjoy exploring all that Edinburgh Zoo has to offer. There’s also an exciting programme of educational workshops and events as well as a fantastic gift shop!

The Royal Yacht Britannia will also treat Dad to one of Britain’s best visitor attractions. He’ll love exploring this royal sight with an immersing tour!

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is perfect for a more unique and exciting Father’s Day treat. Dad will love fantastic panoramic views across Edinburgh from the camera obscura as well as five floors of exciting illusions, tricks and activities.

The National Museum of Scotland will treat Dad to a thrilling display of attractions where he can learn aboaut a number of features including the natural world, cultures, science, as well as art and design and Scottish history. There’s an array of exciting sights which will cater for all manner of tastes and will ensure Dad has a fantastic visit!

Choose to escape to Edinburgh this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a stay at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh at The Dunstane. Indulge Dad with scrumptious food and drink in our excellent Skerries Restaurant and a stay in one of our relaxing rooms. You’ll love a Father’s Day in Edinburgh and we’ll ensure you enjoy a stay in truly unforgettable style! 

The Dunstane - Gardening Scotland 2014

The Dunstane - Gardening Scotland 2014

The Dunstane - Gardening Scotland 2014

From the 30^th of May until the 1^st of June 2014 Gardening Scotland 2014 will treat visitors to the best national gardening and outdoor living show in Scotland. You will be able to find the best plants, learn about gardening and talk with a number of designers about how to ensure your garden is truly beautiful.

There will be a number of exciting features at this year’s show to immerse yourself in. The Floral Art exhibit will treat you to some excellent flower displays as well as the Floral Hall where which will feature thousands of beautiful flowers for you to explore. There will also be fantastic Music Entertainment with an exciting programme of live entertainment from a number of guests. Additionally, the Plant Village will treat you to some beautiful plants and flowers for you to enjoy. The RHS Gardening Theatre will allow you to immerse yourself in educational talks and enjoy demonstrations from some of the country’s best gardeners. 

Gardening Scotland 2014 will also have a range of fantastic Show Gardens where you can enjoy some beautiful gardens from the best designers. You’ll discover an array of fantastic ideas for your own garden which will ensure an exciting visit.

Perfect for gardeners and flower lovers, Gardening Scotland 2014 is a truly fantastic event and will ensure a fantastic escape to Edinburgh.

Choose to immerse yourself in Gardening Scotland 2014 and stay at one the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Indeed, The Dunstane will ensure you’re treated to an excellent escape with scrumptious food and drink at our Skerries Restaurant as well as stay in our luxury rooms. Indulge yourself at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and enjoy an excellent visit to Gardening Scotland 2014. The Dunstane will ensure you enjoy a stay in truly unforgettable style! 

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Marathon

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Marathon

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Marathon

On the 25^th of May 2014 the Edinburgh Marathon will fill the city’s streets with excited runners in what will be a fantastic day for all to enjoy! The Edinburgh Marathon is Scotland’s most renowned marathon and has people from around the world coming to take part. You’ll love immersing yourself in excited crowds as they cheer runners in one of the UK’s best marathon events.

Thousands of runners will pass some of Edinburgh most iconic sights including Edinburgh Castle which will ensure a unique and beautiful setting for a marathon. If you want to enjoy an excellent Spring escape the Edinburgh Marathon will ensure you’re treated to an exciting attraction which guests of all ages will love. Edinburgh is known as one of the best cities in the UK for running and with its range of unique sights, the Edinburgh Marathon will immerse you in an exciting escape this Spring.

Choose to enjoy a Spring family retreat to Edinburgh and enjoy the Edinburgh Marathon as well as a number of other attractions! You’ll love Edinburgh Zoo where you can discover an array of beautiful animals as well as educational workshops and events. Additionally, the Royal Yacht Britannia will treat you to an immersing tour of one of Britain’s best visitor attractions.

Edinburgh’s range of museums will also treat all the family to a fantastic array of displays which will feature the natural world, cultures, science as well as art and design, technology and Scottish history. If you want to enjoy more fantastic sport with the Edinburgh Marathon a trip to Murrayfield will also treat you to a thrilling rugby spectacle!

With that being said, don’t hesitate to enjoy the Edinburgh Marathon with a stay at one the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Indeed, The Dunstane will ensure you’re treated to an exclusive escape where you can enjoy scrumptious food and drink at our Skerries Restaurant before retreating to our luxury rooms. You’ll love a visit to Edinburgh with the Edinburgh Marathon and we’ll ensure you enjoy a fantastic escape in truly unforgettable style! 

The Dunstane - Meet the Senior Receptionist!

MEET THE…..SENIOR RECEPTIONIST - Dayne Hart

So Dayne…..you have been at The Dunstane over a year now…..time for an up close and personal look at you and your role!


1. What part of your new role as senior receptionist do you enjoy the most?

The added responsibility! Each and every day I am faced with a new challenge and I feel working so in-depth within both Reservations and Reception enables me to really go the extra mile for our guests on all fronts of their visit. Right from their booking, throughout their stay, until (sadly) they eventually have to check-out. Being so involved on all fronts allows me to really get to know guests which is the most enjoyable part of my role.

2. What part of the City Supervisor role do you really miss?

The Dunstane City, now our luxury townhouse, felt like my own little project. I felt almost entirely responsible for all guests who arrived and I quite enjoyed that. I knew the building inside-out and it was my first real taste of real responsibility within a work environment so it will always hold a special significance for me. Although the bar area was a lot smaller than our new Stroma Lounge, so it has definitely improved a lot since our refurb!

3. What’s the most challenging part of your role?

I think balancing my time.  On any given day I could be taking bookings, processing reservations, checking reservations, answering phone calls, making orders, serving breakfast, replying to e-mails, checking guests in, checking guests out, serving drinks and often helping with dinner service, so it can be quite a challenge to find a good balance between departments, although I always find time for our wonderful guests!

4. If you could change one thing at The Dunstane what would it be?

Some would suggest swimming pools and spas etc. but personally the thing that would really complete The Dunstane for me would be a comfortable Library with an open fire where guests could relax with a drink, sit back and loose themselves in classic novel. We used to have a Library before our refurb a number of years ago, who knows, maybe one day we could see it return?

5. What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you at Dunstane?

Well one night at around midnight I was closing up the bar and reception. The hotel was eerily quiet as we only had a few guests staying on this particular night. I locked up the front door and as I walked through reception I noticed that the door to the corridor at the top of the landing was wide open. I quickly looked to check if anyone was staying in that corridor on this night, when suddenly the door slammed closed with a loud bang which echoed throughout the hotel. Now I’m not a big believer in the Paranormal, but that made every hair on my body stand on end… 

6. What event are you looking forward to the most this year at The Dunstane?

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival! I have lived in Edinburgh for most of my life, now I am excited to experience a different dimension of it in a working capacity. Last year I was unable to work much during the month of august after sustaining a nasty injury playing football, which was such a let-down as I was really looking forward to the atmosphere within the hotel. All the guests are so excited during the festival and there is a real energy around Edinburgh which makes it an incredible place to be.

7. What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

The Haggis Bon-Bons with Home-made Chilli Jam is to die for, however I must say the Traditional Fish and Chips is my very favourite dish. The fish is cooked in a very light Tempura Batter which just melts in the mouth and the Home-made, Hand-cut Chips are like no other I have ever tasted! That question has really made me hungry!

8. Which is your favourite room at The Dunstane?

 It is very difficult to choose a favourite room. For a long time I would have answered room 205 at our Luxury Townhouse, largely because of the Super-king size bed and Jacuzzi bath! However I think the Blue Room, room 120 just wins it for me. The décor is so unique, and the bathroom is large and matches the blue of the bedroom. I had the pleasure of spending a night in the Blue Room one time and I was devastated to be leaving the room in the morning.

9. What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh in your spare time?

Golf! Scotland is just perfect for anyone who, like me, loves Golf. There are so many beautiful, picturesque courses in and around Edinburgh. If you are a keen golfer, I strongly urge you to bring your clubs with you the next time you visit Edinburgh… You will not regret it!

Thanks Dayne! Enjoy the rest of your shift!

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Vacation

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Vacation

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Vacation

Scotland has fast become one of the best vacation attractions for Americans who love the nation’s culture, history and tradition. We’ve got a close heritage with the United States and offer a range of exciting sights which you’ll love. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in whisky, tartan and a range of iconic Scottish delights! An Edinburgh vacation is the perfect way to enjoy Scotland’s best attractions and we’ll ensure you’re treated in true Scottish style!

Choose to visit Edinburgh and explore the dramatic Edinburgh Castle where you can enjoy breathtaking views across the city as well as an array of military and historical attractions. Dominating the city’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle is a truly iconic sight which Americans love! Of course, there’s an array of other attractions for our American friends to enjoy as well. Visit Edinburgh Zoo and discover an array of beautiful animals as well as educational workshops and events which all the family will enjoy or explore the Royal Yacht Britannia with an immersing tour of one Britain’s best visitor attractions.

An Edinburgh Vacation will also treat you to a range of museums where you can explore a thrilling array of displays which feature the natural world, cultures, science as well as art and design, technology and of course Scottish history. Additionally, we know that Americans love sport and with a visit to Murrayfield you can enjoy a thrilling rugby spectacle!

With that being said, don’t hesitate to enjoy an Edinburgh vacation with a stay at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Indeed, The Dunstane will ensure you’re treated to an exclusive vacation where you will be able to enjoy scrumptious food at our Skerries Restaurant before retreating to our luxury rooms. Americans will love a visit to Edinburgh and we will ensure you enjoy a fantastic vacation in truly unforgettable style.