The ultimate weekend away in the Scottish Highlands

For the latest instalment of our Polestar driving series, videographer and model Toby Watkins made the journey up to Bonnie Scotland, where he explored the region’s rugged beauty from behind the wheel of a Polestar 3.

Upon arriving in Glasgow, Watkins picked up the Polestar and drove the slick Scandi electric SUV through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park all the way to the renowned Fife Arms. It was then time for a light lunch of lobster tagliolini and crab crumpets at the celebrated Fish Shop in Ballater, before a spin around the surrounding area, enjoying a smooth driving experience on the long and empty roads.

Back at the hotel, it was time for dinner at the Flying Stag – the more relaxed and informal of the Fife Arms’ two restaurants. The meal was a celebration of local and seasonal ingredients: highlights included smoked haddock and leek fish cake and a selection of starters including the smoked mackerel pate and fried chicken with comeback sauce.

Ballater's famous Fish Shop

Enjoying the empty roads

It was then time to retire to the beautifully decorated rooms. “Each room has its own theme and character which makes it very unique and interesting,” says Watkins. A long day of travel meant a good night’s sleep was very much in order – not difficult to achieve in such a serene setting.

The following morning, Watkins was up at the crack of dawn for a sunrise run through the golf course and along the river. “To add to our morning of wellness we then went with Annie, the local guide, to a nearby waterfall for some wild swimming,” says Watkins. “Next to the swimming spot was a horse box that had been converted into a sauna. It was such an amazing experience doing the hot and cold therapy in such a stunning setting.”

Bertie's Bar, Fife Arms

An early morning view towards the Fife Arms

No trip to Scotland is complete without a dram or two, so after a morning of exploring, it was back to Bertie’s Bar in the hotel for a whisky tasting. “It was such a cosy and atmospheric bar, wall to wall with different types of whiskey from all corners of the globe,” says Watkins. “I learnt so much about the different types of whiskey and we got to sample some really delicious bottles.”

The super-sleek Polestar 3 takes to the Scottish Highlands

Dinner was in the elegant Clunie Dining Room. “We started with a dozen oysters dressed in green olive, jalapeño, lime and coriander followed by venison tartare and a 35-day dry aged club steak for mains. It really was an incredible dining experience and the service was impeccable.” An apt way to bid farewell to Scotland, before an early morning journey back to London.

• Book your stay at The Fife Arms, thefifearms.com
• Book your Polestar 3 test drive now, polestar.com

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