I’ve stumbled across another excellent choice in accommodation for Fort William Scotland recently.  Fort William Bed and Breakfast, also known as Kildonan is an immaculate property in Corpach, just on the outskirts of Fort William.  It is a 3 Star rated bed and breakfast, which means that in addition to being clean, it is also comfortable.

There are a few things that make this property special in my eyes.  First of all is the location.  Being just a three minute walk from the Corpach train station, along the popular bus routes, and yet off the main roads, is a unique combination.  There is nothing worse than having constant road noise to disturb ones relaxing holiday.  This is no worry when staying at Kildonan.

The views are lovely, and the proximity to all the popular tourist sites make this a central location, which is ideal for spending a few days exploring the West Highlands of Scotland.  It’s awesome having a view of Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor, and Loch Linnhe, all from the same spot.  One can truly appreciate the beauty of Scotland with these views!

I found the owners, Kathleen and Tom Sutherland, to be warm and friendly, which of course one expects from native Scots.  It’s refreshing to find locals owning accommodation, instead of the usual transplants from much further south who have decided to semi-retire up in beautiful Scotland.  They offered a few sightseeing tips that we hadn’t thought of, and when asked, had a wealth of information to share.

Being big fans of Harry Potter, and particularly the Hogwart’s Express, I was tickled to find that the lovely old steam train passes through the Corpach railroad station, making a trip on it to Mallaig a synch.

Check out the website for Fort William Bed and Breakfast to get even more information or book a room.  The prices are wonderfully inexpensive regardless of what time of year.

Due to the June 2006 fire which destroyed McTavish’s, West Coast Leisure, and the Gift Box, a new development has sprung to life in Fort William.

A 10 million pound redevelopment has been planned at the old site, comprised of 20,000 square feet of retail shopping on the ground floor, and a new Travelodge Hotel on the two upper floors.  Travelodge is the UK’s quickest growing hotel chain, having over 300 hotels in the UK.

The new development is a joint project between Kilmartin and Ashford Property Group, and has been submitted to the Highland Council for approval.  If everything goes according to plan, construction will begin in the summer of 2008 and be completed some time in 2009.

The site was acquired in February 2008 at a cost of 2.4 million Pounds and is said to be an important part of Travelodge expansion in Scotland.

Let’s just hope this development gets through the process better than the Waterfront Project!

It looks like the much needed improvement on the West Highland Line is set to move forward, finally.  The rail line has needed some maintenance, and the works have finally been put on the calendar by Network Rail

Works are to include refurbishing three important viaducts, laying some new track, and other assorted tasks such as clearing vegetation.  The viaducts being refurbed included Manse viaduct, Glen Falloch viaduct, and Glen Fillan viaduct.

What do all these closures mean to tourists planning a trip to the Highlands of Scotland this spring?  Think alternate bus services.  Yes, suddenly you are awoken from your lovely trip on the sleeper train, hauled off the train, and put on the bus, then an hour or so later, pulled off the bus, and put on another train.  It’s guaranteed to be a fun time!!

Admittedly the work is required, but the timing is just impeccable – right in the busy season for Highlands tourism.

Closures are expected to take place on the West Highland line as follows:

29/03/08 til 13/04/08 – between Fort William and Mallaig

19/04/08 til 27/04/08 – between Crianlarich and Oban

19/04/08 til 23/04/08 – between Craigendoran and Crianlarich

26/04/08 til 30/04/08  – between Craigendoran and Crianlarich

26/04/08 til 27/04/08 – between Crianlarich and Courrour

03/05/08 til 04/05/08 – between Glen Douglas and Crianlarich

I’m sure it will be 8 million pounds well spent, as keeping the rail lines safe are a very legitimate concern.  However, one can only wonder as to why this work is being carried out during the peak season for Fort William, and other Scottish Highlands destinations.

I recently had the good fortune of finding a Bed and Breakfast right at the foot of Ben Nevis, in Fort William.  Constantly on the lookout for great rooms at a great price, I was a bit skeptical when I saw how close this accommodation was to literally ‘everything’!

Less than 100 metres from Inverlochy Villas is the walking path for Ben Nevis, which was perfect.  The Jacobite Steam Train passes by, just a couple of hundred metres away.  Plus Inverlochy Castle (the old castle ruins, not the modern hotel of the same name) is close by as well.

Inverlochy Villas has a number of different rooms, en-suite of course, facing various directions, each with great views and a charm of their own.  I had the chance to wander about the house with the owners John and Adrian, who let me inspect the place from top to bottom.  At 25 pounds per night, the price was a steal of a deal.

Had I been so inclined, there was a large library of dvd’s which can be viewed in the room, but being more than a bit weary, I had to pass on that.  However, the offer a free dram from the local distillery was too good to pass up.  Ben Nevis 10 year old whisky hit the spot, and made a perfect nightcap.

Being a Bed and Breakfast, one expects a bed and a breakfast, of course.  What I didn’t expect was the offer to have breakfast IN bed, which was a welcome treat.  It was like staying at a luxury hotel, complete with concierge service.  Yes, before setting out for the day, I did manage to quiz John and Adrian about all the things to see and do near their property.  The list was longer than I could manage, but I must admit to giving it a good go!

If you’re ever in Fort William, looking for a good place to stay at a reasonable price, I highly recommend Inverlochy Villas.