THE winner of Scotland’s Greatest Escape has been announced.

Beating seven other finalists in the BBC Scotland programme, which seeks to highlight some of the best holiday accommodation the country has to offer, the Broch on the Isle of Harris emerged victorious.

At the grand final filmed in the East Neuk of Fife, presenter Grado invited the seven category finalists to a special gathering while the Scotland’s Greatest Escape judges - Fiona Campbell, Vanessa Kanbi, Masood Khodadadi, Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Stuart Kenny, Raj Gill and head judge Marina Huggett – deliberated over who should win the coveted title.

Situated on the Borve Lodge Estate The Broch was created by husband and wife Adam and Cathra Kelliher who bought the estate in 2007.

READ MORE | Scotland's best islands to visit: 5 you should choose instead of Skye

The building took three years to create and won the ‘Unique and Unusual’ category which kick-started the eight-week series.

The couple also own Taransay, the UK’s largest uninhabited island.

“It feels completely surreal,” said Cathra.

“What started with an application that we didn’t think would even be picked off the slush pile, ended up with us winning - we can’t believe it.

“The process kept us on our toes. To have won, well, words can’t really describe it.”

Adam added: “It’s a mixture of exhilaration and disbelief.

“All the other entrants were of a very high calibre, and it would seem that any of them could have grabbed the top spot, so some deep humility too.”

The Scottish Farmer:

He added that they believed the building’s uniqueness and location helped it snatch the top prize.

“It’s the first broch to be built in Scotland for 2,000 years - it is a unique building in one of Scotland’s most exquisite landscapes.

“We are proud of the service levels we can deliver and we have an incredible team of dedicated staff who really care about getting it right, with a fanatical attention to detail.

And, in terms of the landscapes, Harris speaks for itself – it’s one of the last great wilderness areas of Europe, a true coastal paradise.”

Cathra said that Harris had a special place in her heart after first visiting the island during family holidays as a child.

“The Broch stands up over Borve Valley and everyone passing looks up to see this magnificent and extraordinary structure, literally, towering up,” she said.

READ MORE | Inside Oban, the town that's 'so much more' than a ferry port

“But at the same time it just blends into the landscape.

“My father - originally from Lancashire - came walking here [the Isle of Harris] when he was 17 and lost his heart to the island.

“He brought us up here at every opportunity and, in 1985 when I was 16 years old, he bought Borve Lodge Estate.

Adam and I have been coming here together ever since we met and our four children have all grown up feeling very at home here.

Head judge Huggett said The Broch was a worthy winner of the title.

“From the monumental exterior structure, with its stunning architecture, influenced from Iron Age Brochs to the inspired detailing of the high-quality interiors, the overall aesthetic is faultless,” she said.

READ MORE | Sauna event for farmers warms up the discussion on wellbeing

“Geographically, The Broch is an escape in every way. Harris is a very special place: home to some of the best beaches in the country and a wild rugged coastline.

“The views from The Broch are both spectacular and breath taking, whatever the weather. The customer experience is exceptional – very subtle, but with care and attention on each step of the customer journey.

“There is a clear intention to go above-and-beyond to deliver a tailored and unique stay that will be remembered forever.“

The full eight-part second series - made by Red Sky Productions for BBC Scotland - is available to view on BBC iPlayer.