Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

A charming semi-detached converted property, resting on the outskirts of Fort William. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Woodburner. Glencoe 21.3 miles.

Set on the fringes of Aviemore village, a wonderful location for enjoying the great outdoors in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, these superbly appointed and beautifully furnished properties offer a very high degree of comfort. Sitting in a quiet cul de sac, they are ideal for family gatherings. All of the four properties (refs S4401, S4402, S4615 and S4538) enjoy their own private hot tub (each for 4 people) and S4401, S4402 and S4538 have a digital, infrared sauna with music and colour system, Freeview TVs and hairdryers in all bedrooms. Aviemore is a renowned centre for outdoor pursuits – excellent climbing and hill walking, competition standard mountain bike tracks, water sports on Lochs Morlich and Insch and, of course, skiing and snow boarding in season are just some of the activities on offer. The fishing and golf are similarly excellent, with trout fishing available all year at Rothiemurchus Estate, 2 miles, or hire equipment (at cost, licence required) for salmon fishing at the River Spey (seasonal). Sled dog rides, train trips to the resort at the top of the mountain, and the Strathspey steam railway are also found here and Britain’s only freely roaming reindeer herd can be spotted against the stunning backdrop of Glenmore. Shops, good restaurants, themed bars, live music are all within ½ mile. Other great attractions in the area are The Highland Wildlife Centre with Amur tigers, wolves and polar bear, The Landmark Centre, Tree Zone; an incredible aerial adventure and Aviemore Highland Resort Leisure Centre with its own wavepool, water slides and cinema.

Set in a quiet rural location, this cosy holiday cottage enjoys lovely views across open countryside towards Nigg Bay and the Cromarty Firth. An RSPB Reserve, sea trips, fishing, golf, castles and south, west and east facing beaches all within easy reach. Great for touring the scenic Highlands. Historic Cromarty is a short ferry trip (only available in summer, also accessible by road) with Inverness, the Highland Capital approx 45 minutes’ drive. Shops 4½ miles, pubs 3 miles. Can be booked with property 19987 (which has adjoining garden) to sleep up to 12 guests.

Keith House is a substantial, three-storey, semi-detached, stone town house built in the 1800’s. It occupies a prominent position in the heart of the historic town of Thurso and was originally built for the Keith family. This characterful house has been extended, adapted and updated over the centuries. Straddling three floors, with two separate entrances on different streets, it oozes charm and character whilst providing modern amenities and facilities. The house proffers a feeling of spaciousness and elegance, with plenty of original features throughout. The main staircase is simply stunning, with polished wood banisters and spindles curving up through the heart of the building.

Stairs from the main entrance door lead up to the spacious living room on the first floor. This is divided into two areas by a large pillar, and deep and comfortable sofas and chairs provide plenty of seating. There is a second smaller living room on the same floor with a television and further seating. There is a beautifully presented, large double bedroom on this floor, as well as a bathroom and separate shower room. The staircase winds its way up to the top floor, which at one time would have been the servants quarters. Here there are two twin bedrooms (some restricted head room as combed ceilings).

The kitchen/dining room is on the ground floor, accessed by a separate staircase from the main living room. This bright and spacious family-sized kitchen was originally the stables for the house. French doors lead out from here to a delightful and secluded courtyard. With cobble stones, mature shrubs, herbs and flowers, it is a real feature of the property and provides an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine whilst planning the next day’s excursion. An archway leads out to a side road with access to local parking which is free at all times.

Keith House is located in the centre of Thurso, a town steeped in history. Built by the Vikings and added onto over the centuries, many of the buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, at the height of the herring fishing industry. It now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. There are excellent facilities right on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Local facilities also include a swimming pool, leisure centre, cinema, boating lake, quad biking and sailing. There are lovely riverside walks direct from the house, and the nearby harbour is also worth exploring. There is a wide variety of sports and activities in the region. The renowned surfing beach of Thurso is just a short walk away, whilst Dunnet beach, with its high sand dunes and spectacular beach, is well worth a visit. There are many excellent golf courses in the region, together with horse riding, fishing, sailing and cycling. Beach 200 yards. Shop 100 yards, pub 30 yards and restaurant 50 yards.

East Lodge is a luxurious, historic, and characterful holiday home in the Highlands of Scotland. The wider flora and fauna surrounding East Lodge is spectacular. Within only a short walk from the lodge you will see red deer and numerous birds, including iconic Highland birds of prey. The flowers, shrubs, and trees beyond Scatwell’s grove and up Strathconon are varied and mature adding weight to why this glen is possibly the most beautiful in Scotland.
East Lodge itself is a Category C Listed Building (Historic Scotland) and as soon as you lay eyes on the property upon arrival you can’t help noticing historic features. Entering East Lodge through the main arched doorway, you then step into a spacious inner hallway. On the left you have the living room with stunning bay window, characterful stone hearth framing the wood burning stove and a luxurious Chesterfield sofa. Also off the inner hallway is a study and the fantastic open plan kitchen/dining area. The kitchen is well-equipped and perfect for those that like to bake and cook. Off the kitchen to the rear of East Lodge is a lobby and boot room with access to the garden as well as a cloakroom/utility. On the first floor of East Lodge there are three characterful bedrooms two kings and a twin. All three bedrooms are different and enjoy woodland and rural views. Also on the first floor is the spacious bathroom with walk-in shower.
Outside of East Lodge the owners have landscaped the large garden; the lawn has been seeded and will be looking its best later in 2022. However, the garden is still a lovely place to be as you’re surrounded by mature Scatwell trees from around the globe. You can sit up on the patio at the top of the garden by the fire pit and feel at ease in this beautiful place.
From East Lodge we urge you to get out and explore this amazing part of the world. Up the glen there are many walks to enjoy and there’s fantastic fly fishing for trout and salmon only a short walk away. Beyond Strathconon there are some of the best golf courses in the world waiting to be played on, including Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart; and the NC500 awaits only a short drive away from East Lodge to transport you to some of the best sights in Europe, including Applecross, the Isle of Skye and the utterly incredible Assynt. Inverness and mighty Loch Ness are only a short drive away as well. Beach 25 miles.

Located in the small settlement of Camas Inas a few miles west from Salen, The Steading has the most glorious situation with its own beach fronting and fabulous views across Loch Sunart. There isn’t a jetty or slip here, but you can get your boat down across the stones and into the water. There are also moorings in the bay if you arrive by boat. It really is a superb spot to take the kayaks, or your boat and explore the miles of deserted coastline, or even nip round to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull for a bite to eat (only 30 minutes by speedboat!). There’s wildlife all around with dolphins, porpoises, seals and otters all regular visitors to your very own bay. The wildlife doesn’t stop there, you’ll see many species visiting the garden, red deer and pine martens feed in the garden and there is a most amazing array of birdlife, including golden and sea eagles.
The garden is large and runs right down to your own beach. There is a lovely patio area by the house and lots of mature flower beds and lawn for children and pets to explore. A highlight though is a wee footpath that leads off to the south-western edge of the plot, and you traverse a boardwalk to reach a promontory where there is a spectacular seating-area, it most be one of the best pre-dinner drink spots in Scotland, just mountains and sea with all the wildlife to spot.
Entering the property through the patio doors you come into the open plan living/dining/kitchen space, with the living and dining area having floor to ceiling windows with extraordinary views and also with a large wood burner and TV. The kitchen area has an enormous island and everything you want and need to cook up meals to suit any occasion. Off the kitchen there is a drying room and utility space, through which there is a great gym room with views of the loch. The master double bedroom with en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath and walk-in shower and the view from the bath is very special. The master bedroom also has a private balcony with chairs to soak up the setting at any time of the day. There are another two bedrooms, a double room and twin room, as well as a beautiful walk-in shower room.
The Steading is a fantastic holiday home that upon arrival you will not want to leave, it’s a great house for families, groups of friends and especially those with dogs as it is a luxury property that is also very dog friendly. Close to the property you have some interesting places to visit including the local Ardnamurchan distillery and famous lighthouse at the UK mainland’s most westerly point. The peninsula has many deserted beaches to explore, mountains to climb, and lochs to swim and fish. It’s a truly untouched area that you will want to keep exploring. Beach 100 yards. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 6 miles.

A lovely detached cottage resting at the foot of outstanding mountainous landscapes among the Torridon Hills, in the heart of the Northwest Highlands. Woodburning stoves. Exceptional views. Kinlochewe 8.2 miles; Taagan 9.5 miles; Fearnmore 20.7 miles.

Southview Cottage is set right in the middle of a traditional working farm. A dream holiday for young families who would love to say good morning to the cows and maybe enjoy being part of a lambing experience. The farm boasts an unobstructed elevated positions commanding panoramic views and perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, give or take the odd tractor. Surrounded by stunning countryside and yet only 5 minute drive to the bustling town of Cupar, this lovely family friendly cottage has so much to offer. Recently refurbished throughout this property has a lovely sun room on entry, a fantastic spacious lounge with a wood burner complete with fire guard. Along the hall you will find three very good sized bedrooms all looking out on to the fields. There is a newly installed bathroom, complete with bath and shower cubicle. At the other end of the house there is a traditional farm kitchen, fully equipped and a perfect dining area to enjoy family meals or any special occasions. As soon as you enter the house you feel warm and welcomed. With so much to see and do in the area, Southview Cottage is the perfect base.
Close by you will find Hill of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens, The Scottish Deer Centre, and St Andrews the beautiful historic town where you will be spoilt for choice for eating out and shopping, or playing on one of the world’s most famous golf course is a mere 15 minute drive away. Explore the many picturesque fishing villages dotted along the East Neuk of Fife coast. Visit the popular annual arts and crafts festival held in the quaint village of Pittenween. Southview Cottage is great for families, couples and group of friends looking to get away. **Please note children must be supervised at all times as this is a working farm with livestock, farm machinery and tractors.*** DOGS - You may bring a very well-behaved dog but it must be kept on the lead at all times as there are livestock in the fields and on the farm.

Battanropie Lodge is an outstanding holiday property with so much space for a family or group of six. It is located in a favourite spot in the Cairngorms National Park in lovely Carrbridge. The village has a couple of fantastic cafés and a couple of bars and restaurants too. Plus there is an 18-hole golf course in the village, which is very little played. Just a short walk from the house is a brilliant woodland walk to take the dogs on, and it offers a great chance to spot rare British wildlife including the ptarmigan, red squirrel and even an osprey if you are lucky.
Battanropie Lodge is a large house set within its own enclosed grounds, perfect for the dogs to roam and explore. The rear of the garden runs down to the river and is fenced off and there is plenty of outdoor seating space on the rear patio. Inside the property there is a spacious open plan living space with a great wood burner and loads of light coming in from dual aspect windows. The spacious kitchen area has a fabulous Aga for cooking, and the utility room attached to the kitchen has a large fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and door to the garden and there is also a separate toilet on the ground floor. Upstairs there are three large bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and enjoys views towards the river and woodland, the second double bedroom also enjoys the same great views, while the third bedroom has twin beds and there is also a family bathroom which has a walk-in shower as well as a bath.
You can explore something different every day from Carrbridge when you venture further afield. The Cairngorm Mountains are to the south east, and the gateway from Aviemore is a classic day trip. Loch Garten and the Abernethy Forest, where BBC Winterwatch was recently filmed, are close by to the east. The north east offers the great Spey valley, with numerous world-class fly fishing opportunities, as well as countless distilleries to nip into for a wee dram or two. The north offers the bright lights of charming Inverness and the Moray Firth with huge sandy beaches not far away at Nairn and further north of Inverness at Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. To the west you have more wild country, different from the Cairngorms but showing the vast wilderness of the Scottish Highlands nonetheless. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Milton Cottage is a characterful heritage property in the small village of Rosehall near Lairg in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. It will serve you as a truly excellent base from which to enjoy the far north of Scotland because not only is it a comfortable place to stay, it’s location in Rosehall is pretty much slap bang in the middle of the Northern Highlands, meaning you can explore north, east, south and west very easily. You can be in Dornoch in thirty minutes and Ullapool in forty-five. The cottage will appeal to families wanting a base from which to explore this amazing part of the world. But also, keen anglers will be attracted to Milton Cottage. It has a rich history of catering for anglers who enjoy the nearby Cassley and Oyklel rivers as well as other Highland rivers within easy reach. Hill lochs and lochans nearby are also of interest. Enquire with the owner for costs and permits to fish whilst at Milton Cottage.
Arriving at Milton Cottage is a joy. The property has real curb appeal in the village of Rosehall. Park up on the driveway and enjoy the space around the property with its large wrap-around garden. The views out the back are fantastic too looking out over village fields to rolling Highland hills. Entering the property by the side door you have a very useful boot/drying/utility room. Perfect for long days out exploring, the dogs and also to store waders if fishing. This leads into the spacious kitchen/dining room. Beyond is the living room with open fire - wood and coal are left for you to use. There’s a large double bedroom also on the ground floor, and the family bathroom. On the first floor there are two further bedrooms, another double and a twin. There’s also a small study if anyone is inclined to check emails on holiday. All in all, you need to pick Milton Cottage because it’s perfectly located in the far north of Scotland. You’ll have a memorable, enjoyable stay at Milton Cottage.