Business Details
Your Stay in Scotland's Whisky Trail Starts Here
The Station Hotel in Insch, Aberdeenshire, has been revitalised under the leadership of chef Alan Halkett and his wife, Eloise, since September 2025. With decades of combined experience in Scotlands hospitality sector, the couple has transformed the property into a fully operational hotel and reopened its restaurant to serve both locals and visitors. The hotel offers six contemporary en-suite rooms, each decorated to a high standard, complemented by a restaurant specialising in contemporary fine dining using fresh local produce. Strategically located near Insch Station and Museum, the hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring Scotlands whisky trail, with proximity to distilleries like Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet, as well as historic castles including Balmoral and Craigievar.The management teams commitment to excellence ensures guests receive exceptional service, whether staying overnight or dining at the restaurant. The propertys strategic location near Aberdeen, Inverurie, and Huntly, combined with its focus on quality accommodation and culinary excellence, positions it as a premier destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The hotel also supports outdoor enthusiasts with easy access to hiking trails such as the Hill of Dunnideer and cycling routes across Speysides countryside.
Services
Hotel accommodation
Fine dining restaurant
Whisky trail access
Castle tours
Hiking trails
Cycling routes
Event hosting
Bike storage
Train station proximity
Local tourism guidance
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined hospitality experience from our management team
- Our hotel provides direct access to Scotland's renowned whisky trail and distilleries
- We serve contemporary fine dining using fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Our rooms are decorated to a high standard with en-suite facilities
- We provide competitive rates for accommodation in Aberdeenshire
Services
Hotel accommodation
The Station Hotel offers six contemporary en-suite rooms decorated to a high standard with a Scottish theme. Each room includes tea and coffee making facilities, with options for continental or full Scottish breakfast. The hotel combines comfort and quality at competitive rates for both short stays and extended visits.
Fine dining restaurant
The hotel restaurant, reopened in September 2025, serves lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea using fresh local ingredients. Chef Alan Halketts contemporary fine dining approach caters to families with gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and childrens menu options. The restaurant welcomes both guests and local residents for casual or special occasions.
Whisky trail access
Located in the heart of Scotlands whisky trail, the hotel provides easy access to Speysides renowned distilleries including Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, and Strathisla. Guests receive guidance on planning visits to over 50% of Scotlands malt whisky producers within a short travel radius of Insch.
Castle tours
The hotel serves as a base for exploring nearby castles such as Balmoral, Craigievar, and Huntly. Guests receive curated information about historical significance, visiting hours, and transportation options to these architectural landmarks within Aberdeenshires cultural landscape.
Cycling routes
The hotel supports cycling tourism with storage facilities and route guidance for Speysides waymarked trails. Guests can access leisurely countryside rides or challenging off-road routes at Gartly Moor Forest, with train bike reservations available through Scotrail for regional exploration.
People
Alan Halkett
Chef and Co-Owner
Alan Halkett brings extensive culinary expertise from working at Scotlands top hotels. He reopened The Station Hotel restaurant in September 2025, focusing on contemporary fine dining with locally sourced ingredients to showcase regional flavours.
Eloise Halkett
Hotel Manager and Co-Owner
Eloise Halkett oversees front-of-house operations with years of hotel management experience. She ensures exceptional guest service standards across accommodation and dining, working alongside Alan to revitalise The Station Hotel as a premier Aberdeenshire destination.
Questions
How do I book a room or restaurant reservation?
Call us directly on 07919 255557 for bookings.
What amenities are included in the rooms?
All rooms have en-suite facilities and tea/coffee making equipment.
Are there nearby whisky distilleries accessible from the hotel?
Yes, we're near Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, and other Speyside distilleries.
Is the hotel accessible by train?
Yes, we're directly across from Insch Station on the Aberdeen-Inverness line.
What outdoor activities are available near the hotel?
We offer hiking at Dunnideer Hill and cycling routes across Speyside countryside.
Does the hotel accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, we provide gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options and kids' menus.
Reviews (4)
Hazel B.
Oct 01, 2021
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We didn't stay in the hotel, we went along for a meal, 3 of are vegan and was pleased with the options on offer. We all enjoyed very tasty food and friendly service. Definitely go back and highly recommend it.
Alan Scott
Sep 26, 2021
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Out for trip in car stopped off for lunch great food great friendly staff and super clean eating area highly recommend 5 stars
Laura Penfold
Jul 07, 2021
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The rooms at the hotel are lovely, modern, and beautifully decorated, and there's a great choice for breakfast. The hosts are so friendly and welcoming, and couldn't do enough for us to ensure we had a comfortable stay. The hotel also felt very safe in terms of following COVID restrictions.
Alan Callow
May 26, 2018
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Recently re-opened. A stunning refurbishment. Food is simple pub fare - very tasty and very good value - you might need to book a table at weekends. Very good selection of beers and friendly staff. Great to have a good pub in the village after such a long closure
