Being woken by a bagpiper playing below your window is the only way to start the day at Skibo.

For most the day continues with breakfast in Mrs Carnegie’s dining room, where a Scottish feast or a lighter continental option awaits you from 07.00. In the Andrew Carnegie tradition, breakfast is accompanied with live classical music played on the organ in the Great Hall.

Carnegie believed this to be both a spiritual and an inspirational way to start the day.

Over the morning paper you have the opportunity to plan your day. You may well fancy a round of golf or perhaps a lesson. There is no need to book a tee time, but if you want a lesson, just talk to the host in the hall.

Likewise, if you fancy any kind of spa treatment, again the host will be happy to help.

In the mornings, you will often also see the resident falconer with a hawk or an owl on his arm. He will be only too happy to give you a display or to take you on a guided nature walk through the wonderful woods around the loch.

Clay pigeon shooting and archery are available daily from 10.30 - 12.30. The range offers a variety of traps to suit all skill levels, even first timers will find it easy to hit their first clay under the careful guidance of Michael and his staff.

Informal lunch is served in the relaxed setting of the clubhouse. Both members and guests gather to catch up with friends, or exchange tales of the morning's activities.

Other activities that can be taken up throughout the day include tennis (on the new all-weather court), swimming, the gym, spa treatments, 4x4 off-road driving (with advanced notice) and horse-riding. Whatever the level of your equestrian experience, Skibo has suitable horses and experts to guide you – including docile ponies for the children.

If you missed lunch whilst out enjoying the estate do not worry as traditional afternoon tea is served in the drawing room from 16.00.

The highlight of any visit is dining at the club table in Mr Carnegie's dining room with other members and guests and Alan, the clubs own - unique - seannachaidh. Cocktails are served in the drawing room at 19.30, before you are piped through to dinner.

The dress code for dining here is jacket and tie for men and cocktail dress for ladies. An alternative is to dine at your own table in Mrs Carnegie's dining room. Again, jacket for the men and smart/casual for ladies. Throughout the summer you can also eat informally with your family at the clubhouse from 18.30.

After dinner delights include some home-made tablet and coffee, or even a wee dram, and the opportunity to join in with Will, our pianist, for a singsong round the piano. Alternatively, you can escape to the snooker room or, for members and their guests, to the gunroom.

Tomorrow you may decide to go fishing, or take a boat on the Firth, or go on a chauffeur-driven tour of the local countryside. Or you may do a little shopping, or just read and eat and relax all day long. It’s your life, it’s your time and tomorrow is always another day!