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One for the Trainspotters

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:50:56 GMT

Guess why we're called The Station Hotel?

Because we sit right across the road from the main Aberdeen to Inverness train line station in Insch! How handy is that for travelling without leaving a massive carbon footprint behind?

And for trainspotters, the level crossing runs right beside our car park, so you have numerous locations for indulging your passion for trains. We occasionally have weedkiller trains running through the night or The Flying Scotsman passing through on its journey.

There's plenty to see and do here, including the Transport Museum in nearby Alford and Insch Connection Museum across the road which was previously part of the station.

Open All Day, Every Day

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:04:22 GMT

Replying to customer demand

From Monday 30th March, 2026 , The Station Hotel restaurant will be open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, to meet with customer demand.

Breakfast will be served from 9.00am till 11.30am and will offer a range of delicious, freshly cooked choices including The Station Hotel Big Breakfast as well as a veggie version, or lighter dishes like a toasted teacake and butter with a hot drink of your choice.

For lunch, choices include homemade soup of the day, a range of sandwiches and baked potatoes, beer battered haddock and chips, lasagne and baked camembert, amongst other tasty choices.

We're still finalising our range of desserts, so don't forget to check back here soon for some more tantalising tasty treats.

Bikers and cyclists welcome

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:47:22 GMT

We can also offer you some beautiful sunsets

Photo courtesy of Marcus Halkett, 12-year-old mountain biker of The Station Hotel Insch

Aberdeenshire is an area that is popular with cyclists and bikers alike. With its stunning coastline and beautiful landscapes, cyclists are attracted not only to the scenery, but also to the character of the region’s road network, which is particularly well suited to recreational and long‑distance cycling. Much of Aberdeenshire is rural and many of its roads are wide, well‑maintained and relatively quiet compared with those in more urban parts of Scotland, allowing cyclists to travel long distances with fewer interruptions from heavy traffic.

The variety of road types adds to the appeal. Coastal routes offer open views of the North Sea, passing fishing villages such as Banff, Cullen and Stonehaven, while inland roads wind through farmland, forests and river valleys. In areas such as Royal Deeside and Donside, cyclists benefit from a network of minor roads that follow natural contours, creating challenging but rewarding rides with sustained climbs and descents rather than short, sharp gradients. These undulating routes attract experienced road cyclists looking to test their endurance, while still remaining accessible to less confident riders who can choose gentler sections.

Aberdeenshire is also well served by established cycle routes that make use of both roads and traffic‑free paths. Parts of the National Cycle Network run through the region, linking towns and villages via quiet roads, former railway lines and shared‑use paths, such as the Deeside Way and the Formartine and Buchan Way. This mix of on‑road and off‑road cycling allows riders to tailor journeys to their ability and preference, whether seeking scenic leisure rides or more demanding road‑based challenges.

Overall, the combination of scenic landscapes, lightly trafficked rural roads and well‑signposted cycling routes makes Aberdeenshire a highly attractive destination for cyclists, encouraging both tourism and regular local use throughout the year.

And when you arrive back at The Station Hotel in Insch, we have a safe space for your bike in a lock-up attached to the hotel, with an external tap if your cycle needs a wash-down.

Sunday lunch - March 8th, 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:54:31 GMT

Some suggestions for this Sunday

You'll find a wonderfully tasty Sunday lunch menu at The Station Hotel Insch every week.

Even customers who don't normally like blue cheese have been raving about our Blue Murder Cheese Parfait. Blue Murder is a soft and creamy blue cow's milk cheese made by Highland Fine Cheeses in Tain, in the far north of Scotland. Originally created by Blur bassist Alex James and Juliet Harbutt as "Blue Monday," it is now known for its savoury, salty and slightly sweet, "meaty" flavour profile.

Incorporated into our Cheese Parfait, it's the "parfait" starter to your Sunday lunch.

Slow-roasted Scottish beef brisket has become a firm favourite on a Sunday at The Station Hotel. Cooked to perfection, very tender and exceptionally tasty, you must try it at least once in your life. Then it will become a favourite of yours too.

For dessert this week, we would recommend the baked white chocolate cheesecake with its accompaniment of blueberry compote. Who can resist white chocolate?!

Call to book on 07919 255557 .

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:59:20 GMT

Enjoy a stay at The Station Hotel Insch

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival launches its 2026 event on April 29 with over 600 events spread across six days for whisky enthusiasts.

The festival draws visitors from more than 40 countries, eager to learn about whisky in a region known for its high concentration of famous distilleries. Speyside alone is home to 51 working distilleries, representing more than a third of all those in Scotland.

Experience immersive tours, tastings, coopering workshops, chef-led dinners and meet Master Blenders as well as sampling whisky straight from the cask.

The Dram Tram will offer scenic rides through the area and there will be a Friday night ceilidh at Craigellachie Distillery which is co-hosting an industry dinner, marking their 135th anniversary.

We'd love to welcome you to stay at The Station Hotel Insch if you're attending the Whisky Festival. Just call 07919 255557 or click here to book direct for our best prices.

The Grampian Transport Museum

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:54:27 GMT

Where North East Scotland’s transport heritage comes to life

NB: Sample images

Just seven miles from The Station Hotel Insch and set on Alford’s former railway terminus, the Grampian Transport Museum celebrates the people, engineering and stories that shaped travel and industry in the region.

Explore beautifully preserved vehicles and objects - from 19th‑century travelling chariots to landmark cars and motorcycles - alongside changing displays refreshed each year.

Founded through local passion in the 1970s and opened in 1983, the museum continues to grow, with expanded galleries and dedicated collections.

Complete your visit with the Travellers Rest Tea Room, seasonal outdoor events and the on‑site Visitor Information Centre, a welcoming starting point for discovering the area.

The Grampian Transport Museum is a seasonal attraction and is open 10am to 5pm every day from 27th March to 25th October (closing at 4pm during October).

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:27:50 GMT

January 2026

It's just as well that we had decided to close the hotel and restaurant for one week after the Christmas and New Year festivities were over. The snow fell...and fell.... Roads into Insch were blocked to such an extent that delivery vans could not get in with fresh supplies for local shops. There was no fresh bread, no milk, nothing coming through.

Having said that, it was very difficult for locals to shop anyway. Many couldn't leave their homes as their cars were blocked in under snow while others found it too dangerous and difficult underfoot to make their way to the shops. But community spirit came to the fore when local farmers and building contractors came out in force with their tractors and diggers to clear roads and pavements alike, help to dig out cars, clear the paths to folks' houses and so on. It was hugely appreciated by local residents who took to social media to compliment them.

Local schools were closed too, much to the pleasure of numerouss children who were out enjoying themselves, sledging, building snowmen and returning home with rosy red cheeks and freezing cold hands.

It's fair to say that January has been somewhat wild in Aberdeenshire and there's even more bad weather predicted for February. Still, it's lovely to sit inside The Station Hotel nice and cosy and watch the fun and games from a window.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:44:39 GMT

Time to book your table for Valentine's Day 2026

There's nothing nicer than being taken out for a meal by your loved one on Valentine's Day .

And this year, even more so as it falls on a Saturday, so you have plenty time to prepare for it and Sunday to relax. No food to prepare, no dishes to wash, just enjoy the good food and wine on offer at The Station Hotel Insch and the great service from our friendly staff.

Our Spiced Spinach Croquette would make a great choice of starter if you're vegetarian or Gin-cured Salmon with its fennel and beetroot salad if you're looking for something different.

Our Mains include steak, chicken, sea bass and cauliflower steak while you will surely let yourself be tempted by our luscious desserts including Chocolate Tart and Steamed Lemon Sponge , an old-fashioned favourite with a modern twist.

We are pleased to offer you a glass of Prosecco on arrival and all this comes at the modest price of £39.95 per person for your special night out.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Aberdeenshire: Destination Delicious

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:54:50 GMT

Visitors to Aberdeenshire seek out local produce

According to Visit Aberdeenshire consumer research in 2025*, 81% of visitors to the region actively seek out local food and drink when eating out. Indeed, "enjoying local food and drink " ranked number 1 in the category of visitors' top activities when in the region while " short walks (up to 2 miles/1 hour)" ranked number 5. This is another great reason to visit Insch, but we'll cover that in another post.

Now, the North-East is well-known to be a destination for outstanding food and drink experiences. With its long coastal stretches providing fresh fish and seafood being landed daily, to its green pastures providing fodder for dairy and beef cattle, sheep and pigs alike, the land and sea provide Aberdeenshire's chefs with some wonderful produce to work with.

It's also comforting to know, from a sustainability point of view, that the bulk of the produce chef Alan Halkett works with has only covered very few miles on its journey to The Station Hotel.

Our venison comes from Tullynessle Farm , only 10 miles away, while G McWilliam of Aberdeen provide us with other butcher meat and fish direct from the Granite City, 27 miles distant. Mackie's Ice Cream is produced only 12 miles away on the family farm in Westertown while we source honey from Fernlea Apiary in Kennethmont, only 10 minutes away.

Although we do have to buy in fruit and vegetables from other Scottish suppliers, we are lucky to have had an offer from a very kind local farmer situated within spitting distance of the hotel. He has invited us just to "nip ower the fence" and help ourselves to whatever produce we like from his fields. What could be more local than that?!

Visit Aberdeenshire's research also highlighted that our guests like to visit local farm shops and, here again, The Station Hotel Insch is well placed:

Kellockbank is only 2.5 miles from the hotel with a food hall and restaurant and also sells a wide range of quality homeware, clothing and gifts.
Morgan McVeighs is another 2.5 miles further away with a gift shop, food hall, restaurant and fashion boutique.

The Station Hotel Insch, the place to be!

@Visitabdn

#VisitAbdn

#BeautifulAbdn

* View more here

A new Sunday lunch menu for 2026

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:48:14 GMT

Braised Lamb Shoulder, Anyone?

New Year brings some new additions to our ever popular Sunday Lunch menu at The Station Hotel.

Who can resist Smoked Salmon and Prawn Cocktail , especially when you know that the salmon is local produce? And for vegetarians, we have a delicious Clava Brie Bruschetta or Leek and Tattie Soup , always a great favourite. Clava Brie is produced on a family farm in Ardersier by the shores of the Moray Firth and is described by the Connage Dairy as a "smooth, pasturised, creamy, quite strong earthy Brie" that is quite delicious.

Our Slow Roasted Scottish Beef Brisket has proved to be immensely popular, so we have now added Braised Lamb Shoulder with a Rosemary Gravy which has gone down a storm.

In the Desserts section, we've added Eton Mess which is vying with the Sticky Toffee Pudding as a customer favourite.

Cast off your apron and leave the worries of the kitchen at home! Come and join us on a Sunday afternoon at The Station Hotel Insch and let your tastebuds be tickled.

New Year, New Menu

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:55:31 GMT

Well - some new and some old favourites!

Following on from the Christmas and New Year festivities, we are happy to re-open our restaurant doors as from today, January 15th, 2026, at 5pm.

Come and join us for some old favourites which include, on the Starters menu, our home-made soup with home-made bread and our prawn cocktail with smoked salmon .

New additions to the Starters include panko chicken tenders with a home-made sweet chilli sauce while our vegetarian diners will not be disappointed by the goat's cheese and caramelised onion tart which is accompanied by a rocket salad and balsamic syrup.

Always popular amongst our Mains are breast of chicken filled with haggis , Scottish sirloin steak and haunch of venison while vegetarians have praised our leek and Blue Murder cheese risotto .

Last, but decidedly not least, our Desserts menu includes the perennially popular home-made sticky toffee pudding with its tasty butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream, or our selection of Scottish cheeses accompanied by home-made chutney, biscuits and oatcakes.

The Station Hotel Insch is happy to offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Just let your waitress know.

The team look forward to welcoming you to our restaurant very soon.

It's Boxing Day

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:45:13 GMT

Oh the weather outside is frightful

Christmas Day is over for another year and we’re now being allowed to watch Die Hard on TV on Boxing Day. Some members of the family have decreed that it is NOT a Christmas film...but let’s not get into that argument.

Five-sixths of the family plus the dog managed to climb Dunnideer in the hope of wearing off some of yesterday's calories. One of them decided he’d never do it again and promptly collapsed into bed on coming home. His even older companion, the one-sixth who knew better than to even attempt the climb, snickered gently.

One of the youngest managed to ride his new, already beloved mountain bike almost to the top and managed to ride it all the way down, terrifying the rest of the family with his speed. He, though, enjoyed every minute and will no doubt be doing it again soon.

The very youngest complained the whole way up and back, but her wee legs still managed to carry her the full distance.

The dog collapsed into his bed and barely moved for the rest of the day.

Goodbye, Boxing Day. Normal service will (probably) be resumed tomorrow.

Merry Christmas from The Station Hotel Insch

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:54:06 GMT

What a busy first Christmas for the Halkett family

We have loved every minute of preparing menus, listening to customer suggestions, cooking our Christmas meals and serving them to our customers. Reviews and comments have been great and make all the effort worthwhile.

Thank you if you have been a part of our journey through these first four months of our tenure at The Station Hotel in Insch. If you haven't, we'll look forward to hopefully meeting you in 2026.

As January is usually a very quiet month in the hospitality industry, we will be closing until possibly Sunday 11th January. The exact date will be confirmed on our Facebook page . Please follow us for all up-to-date information.

And finally, we wish you one and all a very merry Christmas and let's hope for happiness and good health in 2026. See you on the other side!

Don't fancy cooking on January 1st?

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:36:38 GMT

Then come to The Station Hotel for Ne'erday Brunch!

We all know what it's like waking up late on New Year's Day (Ne'erday in Scotland). We stay up late to bring in the New Year and go to bed much later than usual. We maybe even have a wee tipple or three too many! And do we feel the slightest like cooking on January 1st? Or facing any more left-over turkey or rissoles?

Well, The Station Hotel Insch is offering you the perfect antidote this year - its jam-packed-full-of-surprises Ne'erday Brunch , available from 11 o'clock right through till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in case you're that wee bit fragile earlier on.

There's an all-day breakfast to coat your stomach, lighter choices including Eggs Benedict or Smashed Avocado on Toast and staples such as steak or fish and chips.

With a lush selection of desserts like Salted Caramel Profiteroles and Biscoff Chocolate Brownie, you'll be spoiled for choice - what a great way to start New Year 2026.

Want to book a table right now? Then just call 07919 255557 and we'll be happy to welcome you.

Hogmanay Dinner at the Station Hotel Insch

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:35:31 GMT

Spend Hogmanay with family and friends at The Station Hotel Insch

On December 31st this year, The Station Hotel will be offering its first Hogmanay dinner and it's a cracker. With four choices each of starters, main courses and desserts, guests have plenty to choose from and there are, of course, vegetarian options. There's a range of Scottish fare on offer, appropriate for an occasion like Hogmanay, including St Andrew's cheese, Scottish salmon, Scotch beef fillet and Cranachan.

The full three courses costs £39.95 and guests are invited to book their table between 5pm and 8pm by phoning 07919 255557 or emailing here .

What a great way to finish off the old year and - wait for it! - the hotel is also going to open on Ne'erday to offer a delicious brunch to those not feeling up to cooking. See our next News item coming soon for further details!

Festive Season 2025 Menu at The Station Hotel Insch

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:39:22 GMT

Share in our first festive season at The Station Hotel

There's nothing like having a Christmas meal out in December every year with family, friends or work colleagues to get you into the festive spirit. And as this year will be the very first Christmas the Halkett family will be spending in Insch, we are very keen to make it an occasion not to be missed.

We will be serving the above Christmas-themed dinner menu from Wednesday 3rd December until Tuesday 23rd December and we'd love to share it with you. £26.95 for two courses and £30.95 for three.

Just call us on 07919 255557 to book - we look forward to welcoming you!

The First Snow of 2025 in Insch, Aberdeenshire

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:12:34 GMT

Children overjoyed, drivers not so much!

The first snow of the winter season 2025 fell on Tuesday 18th November to the great joy of local children and even some adults. This maybe wasn't the case so much for drivers or for those who had to go out on foot!

The snow lasted for more than a week, although local farmers and others with tractors were kind enough to come out and clear not only the roads, but the pavements too. This did result, though, in some amusing drifts at the edge of pavements!

Train services on the Aberdeen to Inverness line were not disrupted, but school buses - double-deckers! - taking local secondary pupils to Huntly were off the road for two days. No complaints were heard from the pupils in question...

This is, of course, just the start of the winter, so there will no doubt be many more snowfalls to come and pretty scenes to capture on camera.

When you venture out, don't forget that The Station Hotel offers not only lunch and dinner, but also tea, coffee, cakes and scones throughout the day. Come in and warm up!

The Cairngorms National Park

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:15:53 GMT

The Largest National Park in The UK

The Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms is a mountain range at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK. Located in the Scottish Highlands, it is known for its spectacular landscapes and unique arctic-alpine environment. It is a hub for outdoor activities and a critical habitat for a quarter of the UK's rare and endangered species.

Overview

The park covers an area of almost 1,750 square miles and contains five of the UK's six highest mountains, including Ben Macdui, the second highest in Scotland. The landscape features wild high mountains, heather moorlands, ancient forests, lochs, and rivers, making it a diverse natural environment. The area is home to iconic wildlife such as red squirrels, pine martens and the UK's only semi-domesticated reindeer herd.

Things to Do and See

The Cairngorms National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors all year round.

Outdoor Activities : The park is a premier location for hiking and climbing, with numerous Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet) to summit. It is also a top destination for mountain biking, with dedicated centres like Laggan Wolftrax. In winter, the area is popular for snow sports, featuring three alpine ski resorts: Cairngorm Mountain, The Lecht and Glenshee. Water sports like canoeing and kayaking are available on the lochs and rivers.

Attractions : Beyond the natural landscape, visitors can explore attractions such as the Highland Wildlife Park to see native and endangered species, historic Balmoral Castle and the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Culture and Heritage : The region has a rich history, with museums, castles and distilleries offering insights into Highland life and local produce. The local towns such as Aviemore and Braemar provide a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Planning Your Visit

The park is accessible by car via major routes like the A9 and lies just under 2 hours’ drive (74 miles) from The Station Hotel Insch by car.

Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Inverurie Christmas Events 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:37:26 GMT

Stay at The Station Hotel Insch to visit Inverurie

Inverurie Events , in partnership with We Are Inverurie BID, have organised a spectacular line-up for their 2025 Christmas Festival, starting on Sunday, November 30th, with The BIG Christmas Light Switch On featuring the St Andrews Day Parade, live music, a children's funfair, a range of market stalls, street food vans and a fireworks display.

On Saturday, December 6th, there’s The Big Sing at St. Andrews Church, a community carol singalong.
On Sunday, December 7th, children can enjoy a cooked breakfast and time with Santa Claus.
The celebrations continue on Friday, December 12th, with the Inverurie Christmas Tractor Run with a large convoy of tractors appropriately decorated for the season.
The magnificent Reindeer Parade takes place on Saturday, December 13th, with the renowned Cairngorm Reindeer parading through the Town Centre to Inverurie Town Hall. Santa’s Grotto will also be open for the children.
Last, but by no means least, will be the Santa Run on Sunday, December 14th, for participants of all ages and abilities to don their Santa suits.

If you would like to visit any of the Inverurie events, please give The Station Hotel a call on 07919 255557 to book one of our comfy rooms for the duration of your stay. You will be made most welcome.

Old Postcard of Insch High Street

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:57:15 GMT

Still recognisable today

This postcard was gifted to us by Mr Ian Crick of Leonards-on-Sea after he found it amongst the belongings of his ancestors who were from Insch (see "When the Station Hotel was Premnay Hotel).

It shows the High Street in Insch and many of the buildings are still recognisable today, in particular the old bank building with its Grecian columns. The building which juts out further along on the right-hand side has been demolished and today, social housing sits in its place.

Judging from the two vehicles and the clothing, could this date back to the early 1960s? One of the ladies on the left-hand pavement appears to be wearing a "peeny" (apron), long out of fashion nowadays.

The street is much busier today, of course, like everywhere else, as there is a good selection of shops here including a Morrison's Daily and Wilson the Chemist on the opposite corner while opposite on Commerce Street, there is an antique shop called Louis' Little Haven.

Scots Trad Music Awards Aberdeen 2025

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:25:39 GMT

Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 to be held in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has the honour of hosting this year's Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday, December 6th. If you love traditional Scottish music, make it a weekend to remember by combining your visit with a stay at The Station Hotel Insch. En-suite rooms are available at our special winter price of £120 per room per night, including a full cooked Scottish breakfast.

On Sunday 7th December, from 11am-3pm, you could visit nearby Alford for Best of Christmas, the winter edition of the Grampian Transport Museum's new outdoor event celebrating the finest food, drink and produce on offer in our region.

Entry is free and Santa himself will be visiting with tickets available online or at reception on arrival.

Then it's back to The Station Hotel Insch for a delicious Sunday Roast Dinner in our restaurant, if you're able to pull yourself away from Best of Christmas, available 12pm to 3pm.

When The Station Hotel was Premnay Hotel

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:05:31 GMT

Why "Premnay Hotel"?

Premnay was a parish in the district of Garioch (pronounced Geery) in Aberdeenshire. It encompassed parts of Insch including the railway station and The Station Hotel. The railway line at the time was known as the Great North of Scotland Railway.

As described in Frances Groome's Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland, 1882-84 (1), Premnay also included the villages of Rothney and Auchleven.

The village of Auchleven tends to still be known locally as Premnay. The postcards here were kindly gifted by Mr Ian Crick of St Leonards-on-Sea whose step-grandfather was one Willie Reid whose mother, in turn, was a Mrs Brown who lived in Premnay. Unusually, The Station Hotel had a different name in these postcards and appears to have been known at one time as The Premnay Hotel.

The driver has climbed up into the cart and sits in front of the hotel. There are also a few children on the side staircase which no longer exists. Nor does the annexe on the left-hand side of the hotel on these cards.

(1) Taken from GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Premnay in Aberdeenshire | Map and description, A Vision of Britain through Time. URL: https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/16383. Date accessed: 4th November 2025.

Christmas 2025 at The Station Hotel in Insch, Aberdeenshire

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:54:29 GMT

Do you have family who want to visit over the festive period?

Do you know that feeling where you have family that you'd love to invite to stay during the festive period, but you just don't have the room at home to host them? Well, look no further than The Station Hotel Insch where we have five contemporary cosy rooms just waiting for them.

Now, we must point out here that, having a young family ourselves, we'll be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and have no definite plans as yet for Hogmanay and New Year's Day, especially as it's very hard to find staff who're willing to work over the holidays.

But if your friends and family want to visit outwith those dates, just give us a call on 07919 255557 and we can discuss where we can book them in.

Expect to see some Christmas trees in the hotel to add to the festive atmosphere and please feel free to dress to the nines - it's that time of year, after all!

One of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Glen Garioch

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:49:49 GMT

The Glen Garioch Distillery

Glen Garioch (pronounced Glen Geery in the Aberdeenshire Doric accent) is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, founded in 1797 in Oldmeldrum , Aberdeenshire (22 minutes / 13 miles' drive from The Station Hotel Insch).

The name comes from the "Valley of the Garioch," a region known for growing high-quality barley and it is the most easterly distillery in Scotland.

The distillery is known for its hearty single malt Scotch whisky, a member of the Beam Suntory family and has recently returned to floor malting and direct-fired copper stills.

Founded in 1797, it is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in Scotland and its whiskies are celebrated for their Highland style, with a malty, honeyed sweetness and a creamy texture. The 12YO was nominated for the 2024 Online Scotch Whisky Awards.

The distillery offers various tours and tasting experiences, such as the Founder's Tour and advance booking is recommended.

Walking and Hiking Opportunities Around Insch

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:36:41 GMT

Walking and hiking options for all abilities

Located in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Insch is surrounded by a variety of hills and forests, offering a range of walking and hiking options for all abilities. The region is especially known for Bennachie, a hill range with several peaks and popular trails.

• Dunnideer Hill

This prominent hill just south of Insch offers a short but rewarding climb to the remains of Dunnideer Castle. A circular path leads from the village, with benches near the top to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Insch Forest

Head to the Insch Forest for peaceful, low-level walking. There are numerous tracks through the woodland, suitable for a relaxed stroll or a longer dog walk.

• Bennachie

Bennachie is a range of hills and a popular walking destination just a short drive from Insch. The area offers a variety of routes, with most starting from either the Bennachie Centre or the Back o’ Bennachie car park.

• Mither Tap

The most prominent peak on Bennachie, Mither Tap offers one of the best views in Aberdeenshire. The well-maintained paths to the top make for a rewarding and relatively easy climb for many hikers.

• Bennachie Visitor Centre

A good starting point for your trip, the visitor centre provides information on the various trails and the history of the area.

Further afield, you will find:

• Kirkhill Forest

Located near Aberdeen, this forest offers long, wide walking paths through tranquil woodland. It also features trails for cycling and horse riding.

• Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Further west, this reserve is an excellent choice for a day trip. It features a mosaic of woodlands and lochs with several walking trails, including a scramble into the unique Burn o 'Vat. The full circular walk around Loch Kinord and Burn O'Vat is approximately 10km.

Tips for walkers

Check the weather: Conditions in Aberdeenshire can change quickly, so it's always wise to check the forecast before setting out, especially when planning a longer hike.
Wear appropriate footwear: For hillier and rougher paths, such as those on Bennachie, sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
Trail information: Resources from the Bailies of Bennachie (the group that manages the Bennachie hill range) offer detailed route maps and information. https://bailiesofbennachie.co.uk/

And when your walking or hiking trip is over, come back to The Station Hotel Insch for a wee dram or a hot drink and a delicious dinner to satisfy that sharpened appetite.

AutoFest Aberdeen 2026

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:06:08 GMT

Scotland’s only fully indoor car show, to take place at P&J Live

Tickets have now gone on sale for AutoFest Aberdeen which will take place at P&J Live on Sunday, March 22, 2026 , where visitors will be able to see not only classic cars, but also brand new supercars and rare Japanese models. Owners and collectors will be bringing their cherished vehicles from all corners of the country.

Car enthusiasts will also be able to visit displays from the Crimond Stockcar Raceway, Bon Accord Motorcycle Club, Grampian Rally and many more and there will be a large trade village open to the public, along with activities for younger children visiting with their families.

For thrills and, hopefully, no spills, don’t miss the displays throughout the day from London’s Savage Skills Stunt Team and try out the off-road remote control cars on offer from the North East Remote Control Club.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see some rare and amazing motor cars – bring the family, bring your dog! And you would be very welcome to stay at The Station Hotel and Restaurant in Insch during your visit to Aberdeen, just over 20 miles away, but in a calm country atmosphere.

Glenlivet Jamaican rum cask whisky

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:02:44 GMT

Latest releases from the Glenlivet Jamaican rum cask whisky range

The Glenlivet Jamaican rum cask whisky is a line of single malt Scotch whiskies, with recent releases including the 12-Year-Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach and a more general Caribbean Reserve expression.

These are created by finishing The Glenlivet's traditional Scotch in casks that previously held Jamaica rum, adding tropical notes like pineapple, coconut and banana to the signature smooth, fruity Scotch.

Key characteristics

Ages and expressions : The specific release is The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach, which is part of the new "Beyond Speyside" series. The broader "Caribbean Reserve" is also a rum cask finished expression.
Production : A 12-year-old Glenlivet Scotch is finished in casks that previously held Jamaican rum.
Flavour profile : The rum cask finishing adds tropical flavours. Expect notes of coconut, juicy pineapple and velvety caramel, with a fruity and smooth finish. The nose may have hints of pear, red apple and bananas in syrup.
ABV : The alcohol by volume is 40%.
Availability : The 12-Year-Old Jamaica Edition is available in select US retailers.
Serving suggestions : It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, such as a Banana Old Fashioned. Some suggest pairing it with a splash of coconut water for a unique experience.

Unfortunately, this range is not yet available at The Station Hotel Insch, but we have plenty more on offer as well as a range of cocktails to suit every palate. Come on in!

Birmingham to Aberdeen by sleeper

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:12:08 GMT

Arrive relaxed at your hotel by sleeper train

People living in the West Midlands will soon be able to spend a relaxing short break in rural Aberdeenshire staying at The Station Hotel in Insch without worrying about the long drive thanks to the introduction of a new Caledonian Sleeper service announced this week.

The new sleeper service to Aberdeen from Birmingham International Rail Station which begins on January 15th, 2026 will allow for the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long weekend break in beautiful rural Aberdeenshire in Scotland's North East and enjoy all that this area has to offer visitors.

The Station Hotel offers contemporary en-suite rooms furnished to a high standard and an excellent restaurant to enjoy good food freshly made using locally sourced Scottish produce and prepared by chef Alan Halkett who prior to taking over the hotel with wife Eloise, worked in some of Scotland's best Hotels.

The Station Hotel is situated within a stone's throw of Insch station with regular services to and from Aberdeen and Inverness allowing guests the opportunity not only to explore Insch and surrounding areas such as visiting the Dunnideer Hill Fort which overlooks the village, visiting the Insch Connection Museum, playing a round of golf at Insch Golf Club or enjoying a day's fishing at Loch Insch fishery or enjoying some of the circular walks.

Aberdeen is just 37 minutes by train from Aberdeen, so visitors to The Station Hotel can enjoy a trip into the city for a day's exploration. We recommend the Aberdeen Harbour tour to see the dolphins, stunning! Trains from Insch also go to Inverness, Capital of the Highlands, so day trips there are also possible and all without a car! What's more the train also stops at Inverurie, Hunty, Keith, Elgin, Forres and Nairn with opportunities to visit distilleries and other local attractions.

For heritage railway enthusiasts, this includes the Keith and Dufftown Railway, an 11-mile line linking the world's malt whisky capital, Dufftown, with the historic town of Keith.

Arrive in Aberdeen refreshed after a good night's sleep on The Caledonian Sleeper train and enjoy your stay at The Station Hotel, Insch where you can enjoy so much in and around the North East of Scotland all without a car!

For details of The Caledonian Sleeper Service, visit their website www.sleeper.scot and to book your stay at The Station Hotel, Insch, call us on 07919 255557. We look forward to welcoming you for a first class break in bonnie Scotland!