With the weather beginning to get warmer as summer approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to getting away to properly enjoy it.
And with the staycation boom still ongoing, there has never been a better time to get out and explore Scotland.
Inevitably, we will be looking at a wee coastal getaway to make the most of the sunshine and The Times have offered shining examples of the best seaside hotels in Scotland for you to check out.
They've picked out the best hotels by the British seaside to stay in, and unsurprisingly, there are three stunning offerings chosen from Scotland.
57 Nord, Highlands
Found on the dramatic west coast at Wester Ross, 57 Nord was praised for its "Scandi chic".
The Times team wrote: "57 Nord comprises Sky House and Hill House (which opens this summer) and is a masterclass of minimalism with views of lochs, the 13th-century Eilean Donan castle and the Kintail mountains."
Book here: Three nights’ self-catering for two from £1,185 ( 57nord.co.uk )
The Colonsay Hotel, Argyll and Bute
Known for its incredible beaches and unspoilt scenery, Colonsay, a tiny island off the west coast of Jura is home to The Colonsay Hotel.
The Times team wrote: "Your hotel is a classic Hebridean hideaway, a whitewashed inn with wood-burning stoves surrounded by sofas. Upstairs, the nine unpretentious bedrooms modestly defer to the views of the harbour or neighbouring Jura.
"Similarly, the chef doesn’t concoct fancy sauces but allows the spectacular seafood to shine. Best of all the locals treat the bar like home; stay a week and you’ll probably meet most of the 130 or so permanent inhabitants."
Book here:
B&B doubles from £140 ( colonsayholidays.co.uk )
The Ship Inn, Elie
Hugely popular, and for good reason, the Ship Inn is one of the best known hotels in Fife's beautiful East Neuk.
It was praised for its dramatic views out to the North Sea and Fife Coastal Path to Bass Rock.
The Times team wrote: "The beach at Elie is a locals’ playground. At low tide every second Sunday in summer, the townsfolk don expertly ironed white flannels for beach cricket.
"The best perch from which to spectate is the beer garden of this East Neuk institution, which sits right by Elie’s seawalls. Order the fish and chips or seafood landed in nearby Pittenweem and you’ve definitely backed a winner.
Book here: B&B doubles from £100 ( shipinn.scot )
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
