Gleneagles, Cameron House and The Torridon offer family-friendly fun in Scotland

This summer three hotels in the Connoisseurs Scotland family of properties – Gleneagles, Cameron House and The Torridon – offer pint-sized experiences with a focus on fun in one of the world's most fascinating playgrounds, the country of Scotland.

Gleneagles, located about 50 miles from both the Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, is known throughout the world as a golf mecca. Even young guests can get in on that action, with up to two children ages 15 or younger being permitted to play with a full-paying adult. Children more interested in riding clubs than golf clubs can enroll in riding lessons, polo lessons or even an “own a pony” experience that gives them a chance to see what it's like to groom and care for a young horse. And if wheels offer more appeal than hooves, kids ages 6 to 12 can bump along a junior version of Gleneagles' famed off-road course in a mini Land Rover. For guests ages 8 to 15, the resort offers a “Children's Country Sports Passport,” through which expert instructors introduce kids to the pleasures of such country sports as archery, falconry, fishing, off-roading, shooting, and working with gun dogs.

Not far away, just 15 miles from Glasgow's airport, lies another golf resort, Cameron House on Loch Lomond. Nestled comfortably in Scotland's first national park, this family-friendly property even has its own ranger, James Elliott, who takes young guests out on “rambles” through the woods and countryside or on a nighttime “bat walk” that arms families with torches and “bat detectors” and lets them see these fascinating mammals forage for dinner. A children's camp runs throughout the months of July and August, giving guests ages 5 and older the opportunity to pursue a variety of activities, from making a teddy bear to take on a picnic to embarking on a “mini beast safari” in which they take to the woods to track down insects. A highlight of any visit to Cameron House is time spent on the loch, and young guests actually get the chance to skipper the resort's Celtic Warrior yacht during an hour-long trip.

Cameron House is situated right between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and across Loch Lomond lies the start of the Highlands, which is home to The Torridon Hotel. Located just 60 miles from Inverness Airport, The Torridon offers all family activities free as part of its daily activity program. Each day brings both a morning and afternoon session, with an array of outdoor pursuits aimed at allowing guests of all ages to explore the resort's beautiful surroundings. Guests as young as 6 can enjoy climbing adventures, guided walks and archery. Those 10 and older can try loch kayaking or “gorge scrambling,” in which they're outfitted in wet suits, helmets and buoyancy aids as they explore waterfalls, rock slides and pools under the watchful eye of highly trained instructors. No experience is necessary to try any of these activities, and those specially licensed instructors ensure that all adventures are conducted with the goal of safe fun in mind.

Connoisseurs Scotland's collection of 30 luxury accommodations also includes two more golf resorts; city-center properties; country house hotels; exclusive-use properties; Scotland's only destination health spa, Stobo Castle; the ultimate luxury train, The Royal Scotsman; and the only cruise ship in the world with a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen, The Hebridean Princess. Seven of the members boast Michelin-starred restaurants, including the only two-starred restaurant in Scotland, which is found at Gleneagles. Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk.

In addition, travelers can download the new Luxury Scotland app, which provides news and offers from members, onto their iPhones or Droids.