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Cullen is a fascinating village with stunning geography, a famous soup and an awesome viaduct. It is a village of two halves with the original fishing village sits snugly huddled together on the shore, where The Royal Oak is situated, and the ‘new town’ (1820’s) built away from the fishing harbour is half a mile up the escarpment.
The Royal Oak has beautifully appointed bedrooms and a charming restaurant serving lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals, featuring freshly caught seafood, Aberdeenshire beef plus free range pork, lamb and venison from their own property in the Great Glen. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten free are also well catered for and there’s a cosy bar for sampling the fine range of Malt Whiskies, craft gins and real ales.
Caroline Ronald, proprietor of The Royal Oak Hotel, moved there from her Argyll livestock farm – a natural progression for Caroline whose childhood was spent in her parent’s hotel in rural Perthshire. Her passion for local produce has always been at the heart of her business. She even has her own apiary heather honey on the breakfast buffet from busy bees on the heathery hills around Loch Ness (pictured).
Dishes change regularly in season and can include Wild Venison Loin with Beetroot & Blackcurrant Sauce, or Cottage Pie with Wild Garlic Mash served with Buttered Spinach, Chanterelles and Heritage Carrots. Seafood features heavily and Vegetarian options available.
In addition to her lovely en suite rooms, Caroline has a picture postcard cottage available to let in the heart of the historic Cullen fishing cottages merely a moment’s walk from the hotel. Sleeps 2, see photos. It is beautifully restored and furnished, with a super mini kitchen and a patio complete with pear tree. It can be self catering of course however we strolled the short distance to dinner and dined in style.
Cullen was a thriving fishing port and is home to Cullen Skink (also on her menu), a fish soup particular to Scotland, the main ingredients being Finnan haddie, potatoes, onions/leeks and cream. Nowadays Cullen is more leisure activities than fishing fleets, although still retaining its very Scots character.
Cullen is steeped in the most incredible history, well documented as far back as the Danes. The organs of Robert the Bruce’s wife, Elizabeth de Burgh were buried at the old kirk (for temporary safe keeping it seems) after her death at Cullen Castle. She was later buried according to his wishes and he made an annual payment to the village in gratitude for the respect they gave her. This stipend continues to this day and a prayer is said for her in church.