Affordable and hassle free skiing – Scottish style

For those who fancy a skiing break - without having to queue at airports or take a ferry and face a long drive on the continent - help is at hand 'north of the border'. Skiing conditions are good at most Scottish resorts including the Lecht in the Cairngorms which has an excellent coverage of hard packed snow on the runs and eight lifts open, with a further three to open shortly.

Cottage agency, Ecosse Unique, is highlighting a wide choice of affordable self-catering accommodation nearby including cottages and apartments in Braemar.

These include 'Highland Aisle', an elegant first floor apartment conversion of a Victorian church. Sleeping two, the property - which retains many original features - costs £265 for a week's stay in February and early March.

Other properties in Braemar include Fern Cottage (sleeping five), Victoria Cottage (sleeping four) and Cranford Cottage (sleeping two).

For more information and bookings, log on to Unique-cottages.co.uk.