A little bit of Stonehaven magic

We’ve learned a lot during our first two months at Shorehead Guest House. Much of it has related to what it takes to run an efficient hospitality operation; believe me, there's been a lot to learn, and we’ve only just scratched the surface! However, the tough reality of running a Bed & Breakfast has more than been offset by the wide array of positive experiences we get to enjoy alongside our guests:

We’ve been lucky to have a fantastic spell of weather since we’ve been here. Most mornings have been kickstarted by sun streaming through our bedroom window. Seeing the sunrise over the North Sea is a constant source of pleasure, and even if we miss the sunrise itself (which will become a more frequent as the days get longer and sunrise earlier), we still get to enjoy the relative peace and tranquillity of an early morning.

A sunrise from the bedroom window

The sea is obviously a constant presence, the ambient noise that accompanies each day and night. It’s often reassuring, occasionally dramatic, but always there. All we need to do is glance out the window to see it, a reminder of where we are, and a distraction from the more mundane daily tasks. I’ve lost hours watching the wind dancing across the surface of the water in the inner harbour, the waves lapping against the shore and trying to decode the reflections of the sun on the ripples that I’m sure contain an important encrypted message.

If heaven is a place on Earth

Guest feedback April 2025

Our position on the harbour-front means that we see a steady stream of people passing by throughout the day. We have a succession of walkers, often with their canine companions, runners, cold-water swimmers, sailors, fishermen, kayakers and paddleboarders, many who choose to visit as part of their daily routines. It’s great to be surrounded by people enjoying life. It’s contagious! We can hear people milling outside The Marine Hotel and The Ship Inn and the sound of children playing on the beach. Our days are punctuated by people chatting as they pass each other on the street, “Fine day!”.

Heading out our front door, there are plenty of places close by that help give us a different perspective on life, as well as secret places that are more protected from the elements and the stresses of daily life to sit, reflect and relax.

Stonehaven Harbour

Being in Stonehaven has brought us into contact with travellers from all over the world. They often arrive frazzled from a hard day’s sightseeing or travel. Many carry frustrations of the day as part of their baggage as they check-in and orientate themselves. However, they quickly unwind in our little haven by the sea, and a good night’s sleep is transformative. By day two they feel connected to the place, by day three they’re part of the community.

‘Hyggelig’ place on the front of the harbour

Guest feedback April 2025

Many of the visitors are on extended trips with rigid schedules. They stay with us for a one-night stopover on the way from Edinburgh to Inverness (or vice versa), squeezing in a visit to Dunnottar Castle if time permits. The ones that aren’t, often decide to stay a little longer, to spend a day in the local area, sometimes even leaving the car behind to explore on foot, enjoying some well-earned downtime. Even the people on a schedule seem to relax it, I’m not sure if it’s the sea-air, the comfortable beds or some other secret ingredient, but sleep seems to come easily, and unplanned lie-ins followed by leisurely breakfasts are a regular feature of life here!

It’s great to see Stonehaven work its magic on our visitors, leaving them rejuvenated and ready for the next leg of their journey. I think it’s doing the same to us too!

Dunnottar Castle, just 1.5 miles from Shorehead Guest House