SCOTLAND'S only five AA Gold Star bed and breakfast has been named the best in the country at a prestigious awards ceremony in London.

The Ardtorna B&B, near Oban, Argyll, won Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland award at the AA Bed and Breakfast Awards 2013 yesterday.

It boasts spectacular views of Loch Creran and the hills of Kingairloch, and was purpose-built by owners Sean and Karen O'Byrn in 2010 to be sympathetic to the local environment.

Designed in a contemporary style, rooms are equipped with wet-room showers and guests are encouraged to enjoy a tipple of whisky before retiring each night.

The guest house was also praised for the standard of service available from staff and for offering a gourmet menu at breakfast.

Guests can also try archery at Ardtorna's own archery range with expert tuition from Sean, a former Longbow World Champion.

Mrs O'Byrn said: "We are both honoured and delighted to be the recipients of such a prestigious and coveted award from the AA. It gives us a great deal of pleasure to welcome guests to our home and let them experience West Highland hospitality in a beautiful, peaceful location.

Six Brunton Place, a Grade A listed Georgian Town House in Edinburgh also received recognition after being named runner-up in the AA Friendliest B&B Award.