We just returned (10/8/03) from a week long drive thru Scotland, our first. Glasgow, E'burgh, Great Glen, Highlands, Skye, etc. Great trip, and Clifton House was the highlite, with J. Gordon McIntyre the halogen bulb.

He is changing the operation from what it was. No more public restaurant, and fewer rooms in the near future. What he did was provide a four course dinner with wine, preceeded by cocktails and hor's d'ouvres. Dinner (fully prepared by Gordon and served by staff) was spectacular, both in setting, quality and taste. We had 12 at table, tie and jacket for men (Gordon in full kilt regalia), and it was like a classic English dinner party out of Hercule Poirot, Brit and Scot accents mixed with our own; dry jokes, nasty comments directed at public figures, the whole scene evocative of a cliche "shooting weekend" in the country. Fantastic. The house is an aggregation of his 71 years living in it, with antique clutter decorating the walls, furniture tops, etc. It is truly like a movie set. Rooms are quirky but comfortable. Beakfast was individually served, with marmalade made by the host. Very good, but nothing could compare with the evening meal.
This is a perfect grown-up getaway for those who enjoy 1930s Britain novels and theater, with a charming gregarious host who is also a topnotch chef. We were there, by happenstance, for his 71st birthday, so the recommendation is to try it quickly, before Gordon fully retires.