We stayed at the Rose Cottage for three nights at the start of our Scotland tour. It was the first Bed and Breakfast of our trip and, if we have any single complain, it is that the Rose Cottage set our standards and expectations so high that they were almost impossible to match by any of the other B&B where we stayed afterwards. First, the location. The Rose Cottage is located in Kilmuir, in the Black Isle, on the north margin of the Moray Firth. Kilmuir is a small and quiet village located opposite to Inverness across the firth, and it is certainly one of the most beautiful spots and pleasant places to stay in the area. Inverness is a short drive away (~10minutes), and Kilmuir makes for sure a much more pleasant place to stay than the Inverness centre, except if professional reasons or lack of self-transportation advise otherwise. The Rose Cottage, as most of other Kilmuir houses, is located just at the margin of the firth and 3m away from the shore, which adds up to the beauty of the place. Second, the accommodation. While most en-suite bed and breakfast offer just one tight room with an adjacent small cabin bathroom, the Rose Cottage offers a large, comfortable, complete and well decorated suite, with a private access, which includes one double bed and one single bed, two sofas, table and chairs, fireplace, a small adjacent kitchen and a spacious bathroom. The table, which we used for breakfast, is located near a large window that offers a fantastic side view over the firth. Behind the fireplace, two large windows offer a beautiful and pleasant view of a small backyard garden, which looks like a miniature tidy forest. The quality of this space was unmatched by any of the other B&Bs we stayed at Scotland, most of them at a similar or higher price. Third, the breakfast. Carol, the owner, usually leaves part of the breakfast in the room kitchen in the eve, and some freshly made stuff at the doorstep in the morning. As an option, guests may have the breakfast served at the main house, but within a restricted time period due to her own job schedule. Given the tight schedule, we preferred to have the breakfast at our ease in the room. Now, if you read this information as I did the first time, you are probably not too much impressed with a “continental breakfast left in the fridge”. Well, a clarification is required at this stage. What Carol leaves in the kitchen is not a breakfast, but a sumptuous and tasty meal prepared on nicely decorated plates, including a good quality cheese assortment, cold meats, excellent fruit, eggs, small pies or quiches and, of course, the usual milk, cereals, yoghurt, coffee, tea, etc. Add to this the freshly baked bread and muffins and you get one of the best breakfasts you may experience in Scotland. Last but not least, during the three days we stayed there we always had a different combination of these elements, making the breakfast a new experience each day. Simply unbeatable. Last but not least, the owner. Carol is a charming lady, with a deep knowledge about the area and, since our first contact by e-mail, she always was friendly, helpful and informative. When we arrived we were greeted with a very warm welcome. Carol gave us advice about trips in the area, places to visit, restaurants, all conveniently adjusted to the weather forecast in each day(!). In some days, we had a small hand written note in the morning left at the doorstep with an update or complement to the suggestions we had the evening before. And, while Carol makes a remarkable effort to please her guests, it is also clear that all this is achieved quite naturally and never being intrusive. In short, the Rose Cottage is a fantastic place and unbeatable in the area. If you plan to visit the Inverness area, do not miss it!…