Five star Archie

Forgive me for rabbiting on about Archie - I sound like a deluded parent who is convinced that their treasured offspring is a child genius, but nobody else is convinced...

But he was quite a hit at the hotel. The staff knew him, the residents knew him, and everyone called out to him and patted him when they saw him. He did not put a foot paw wrong. He stayed on the grass outside our room, did poos and wees in the correct place, and only whined a wee bit when we went for dinner (the receptionist told us).

There was a white woolly poodley dog next door, with a weird bouffant hairdo, and Archie popped over to say hello. She growled at him. Archie pinched her discarded chewstick and that kept him happy for hours. She, apparently, just licks the chicken stuff off and leaves the chewy bit. She was on the lead the whole time. They didn't trust her to stay around. They were impressed with Archie.

We had a delicious meal in the brasserie - huge windows looking out over the hotel grounds to the loch, with the evening sun shining till late.

The innocuous, barely audible pan flute soundtrack enhanced the serene atmosphere that prevailed when we came in. I was hopeful... Then the volume went up, and on came some gospel choir yelly track! Followed by classical with trumpets, then a 60s track, then a Whitney Houston screechfest. It was as if they decided to throw in a bit of absolutely everything to try to please everyone. I tried very hard not to, but eventually I asked for the muzak to be turned down. I think I will email some 'feedback'.

We eschewed desserts and hurried out with our wine to the peace and quiet of the outdoor bar area directly overlooking the loch. But first we went and rescued Archie, who had been shut in his crate (after a big walk). We then took him another walk, as it was such a beautiful evening, and a fantastic woodland walk to the dam and fish ladder. Lots of nice people to chat to at the hotel, including a big group of Americans, who all called, 'Aaaaaw.. Here's Archie!' when we came back from our walk. He charged backwards and forwards along these woodland paths.

Breakfast arrived with room service, so that we could sit outside our room with Archie. And what a breakfast! All pre-ordered of course, and beautifully served. What a treat.

We checked out, but left the car there and walked over to Pitlochry, Archie off the lead and having great fun. We had a wander round town and then back over the bridge, with a stop at the pub with a riverside beer garden.

Archie happily slept on the back seat the whole way. Until we got to Edinburgh's potholed roads. Then he was sick. But he had such a good time away. But I don't want him getting used to five star accommodation...