Penny McCormick follows Dior around Scotland…
Christian Dior’s love of Scotland is well documented in his autobiography, Dior on Dior: “I had heard so much about its beauty that I had feared to be disappointed – on the contrary, I was even more struck by the beauty of the country, the castles, and the moors, than I had expected.” As a tribute, in his autumn/winter 1947 collection, he featured a look called “Ecosse”.
Dior Cruise 2025 at Drummond Castle, Perthshire
Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of Dior, perpetuated the ties between Dior and Scotland in her recent Cruise 2025 show, presenting a very fashion-forward highland fling at Drummond Castle, Perthshire, inspired by the rebel spirit of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. She enlisted Harris Tweed, Esk Cashmere, Le Kilt, Johnstons of Elgin (find this label in Ireland at Kildare Village) and milliner Robert Makri to collaborate on the collection of corsets and kilts, biker boots and masculine overcoats.
The Wee Bothy, Drummond Castle
Inspired by the show, I made a trip to Scotland recently. Visiting the formal gardens of Drummond Castle was top of the agenda. Visitors can stay in one of five restored cottages on the estate. My pick: the romantic Wee Bothy, a great base from which to explore the Trossachs and Cairngorms, and the pretty market town of Crieff. From £621stg, for two. www.holidaycottages.co.uk.
Gleneagles Hotel
I also visited Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, often described as “the glorious playground” given its offering of outdoor pursuits (from clay pigeon shooting and salmon fishing to padel and axe throwing) set against the backdrop of heather-clad mountains. Here, Christian Dior presented his spring summer 1955 collection in the Art Deco ballroom, with 172 models! This year, the hotel is celebrating its centenary, with many special collaborations – including a limited edition Bedale waxed jacket by Barbour. There’s also a special Centenary Afternoon Tea, £65stg, in the Glendevon restaurant – with a smoked lobster sandwich inspired by late chef Andrew Fairlie’s signature dish. This former railway hotel is well worth a visit. Overnight stays, from £575stg, for two, with breakfast. www.gleneagles.com.
Maria Grazia Chiuri and her team stayed at Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh (“Little Glen” to insiders), taking over all 33 bedrooms in the former Bank of Scotland headquarters. No doubt they enjoyed the hotel’s impressive art collection celebrating Scottish female artists such as France-Lise McGurn, Soo Burnell and Nell Lyhne. In The Strong Rooms, a specialist clinic offers physiotherapy, acupuncture, Reiki, chiropractic therapies, homeopathy, life coaching and sports psychology. Guests have access to a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna, while the Spa Room offers Dr Barbara Sturm and Tata Harper body and facial treatments. A perfect spot to watch the sun set and see the city lights sparkle is the hotel’s Lamplighters rooftop bar with its views across the city’s medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town. From £495stg. www.gleneagles.com/townhouse.
To complete a Dior-inspired journey, the Belmond Royal Scotsman offers two- or three-night journeys exploring the Highlands. On board is a mini Dior Spa decorated with burgundy toile de Jouy. From £4,800stg per passenger. www.belmond.com.
As an alternative, the West Highland Railway line, from Glasgow to Oban, or Fort William and Maillaig, is one of the most scenic in the world. The journey runs over the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, with views of Loch Shiel, a key location in the Harry Potter films. I’m planning this for my next trip, with a stay at The Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin, where stunning views are matched by impeccable seafood. For further ideas on Scottish retreats, visit www.thegloss.ie.