Dog-friendly Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a quaint hotel, cosy cottage, B&B, or a charming country house, find the perfect spot for a short break with your pooch. Discover stunning Scottish landscapes and create lasting memories on your next adventure.
- Cruden Bay, Scotland
With its traditional charm, lengthy history, and unbeatable cuisine, the dog-friendly Kilmarnock Arms is perfect for pooches seeking a coastal getaway in Scotland.
£160Price per night from
- Dornoch, ScotlandOsprey Lodge is situated in an elevated position, deep in the Sutherland hills, tucked away down a private track, and enjoying unbelievable views across the surrounding hills and open countryside. This superb, detached solid wood lodge enjoys total peace and privacy, set in 50 hectares of croft land. The accommodation is presented to a very good standard throughout. The delightful open plan living space features a welcoming wood burner in the living area, as well as patio doors that open onto the raised decking, with a private hot tub and sitting-out area. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms with colour coordinated soft furnishings allowing for a good nights’ sleep. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.
Situated on a working farm where the friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, this is a haven for wildlife and you may also stumble upon osprey, deer, pine martin, red kites, golden eagles and curlews. Whilst completely private, it is just over 1 mile to the pretty stone village of Rogart which is home to a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin, and mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away, where you can visit the sandy beach and the renowned championship golf course, as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 17¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£216From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Buckie, ScotlandInverspey is a detached bungalow, set in its own grounds, enjoying uninterrupted views across open farmland to the hills and sea beyond. The interior of the cottage has been completely renovated throughout to an exceptionally high standard. The large living/dining room has deep leather sofa suites and a superb cylindrical wood burner set in the corner of the room. Floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors open onto the large decked area and lawned garden, where there is a barbecue, gas fire pit and outdoor dining furniture. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped, with high quality built-in units. A corridor leads down to the spacious bedrooms, one of which has a zip and link kingsize bed and an en-suite shower room with a large, walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a kingsize bed and a superb en-suite wet room complete with a deep double-ended feature bath. Outside you will find the beautiful garden which extend around the property. A particular feature is a second decked area with outdoor furniture, known as the ’Prosecco deck’, a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the distant sea views whilst planning the next day’s excursion or activity. Inverspey is ideal for couples and families looking for an indulgent and luxurious holiday in a wonderful location.
Inverspey lies on the Spey Bay Trail and on the edge of Spey Bay, a beautiful hamlet that leads directly onto the bay and the River Spey. The immediate area is renowned for its wildlife with the National Scottish Dolphin and Whale Centre just a few yards from the cottage, where you can learn about the amazing bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife that are regularly seen close by, including seals, osprey, minke whale and even rare sea eagles. The centre also runs bat watching tours and the opportunity to explore the UK’s largest surviving ice house. Spey Bay is home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. There are wonderful walks direct from the cottage along River Spey, renowned for its salmon fishing (permits available locally, in season). The Spey Bay golf course is just a few minutes’ walk away; this lovely coastal links course is open to visitors and there are discounts available for guests, who can also visit the club house, which serves meals and also has a bar. The Malt Whisky Trail is situated over nine locations in Speyside and is well worth a visit. There are numerous sporting activities locally, including sailing, kayaking, fishing, golf, cycling and hill-walking, as well as plenty of interesting places to visit within a short drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop 6 miles, and restaurant 300 yards.£92From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Taynuilt, ScotlandCompletely renovated in 2021, this beautiful detached, single-storey holiday cottage enjoys an idyllic location, with Loch Etive to the front and the River Awe directly behind. Extremely well furnished and equipped the property has direct access onto the beach. It boasts stunning views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond from some of the rooms, and lovely views over the garden from the others. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area seating eight guests. The house enjoys significant privacy with its only neighbours being seals, otters and yachts. Point Park is one of the very few properties to truly have a sea frontage, located just 5 metres from Loch Etive’s shore with direct beach access. In all rooms the bed can be made into double beds in all bedrooms if required.
The lovely little town of Taynuilt has a friendly community and offers a village grocery store, a post office, butchers, tea room, hairdressers, doctor’s surgery and a restaurant serving good food. There is also a train station, the line through Taynuilt runs from Glasgow to Oban so you can have a day in the city or head to the islands. Taynuilt’s golf course is just a few minutes’ walk from the cottage and offers 9 holes.
The bustling Victorian town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ is just 20 minutes away by carand offers shops, bars, seafood restaurants, a cinema and leisure centre. Whisky lovers can visit the Oban Distillery to learn how it’s all made. Regular boat trips leave the busy harbour bound for the Inner Hebridean Islands, including Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles with their comical puffins.
Enjoy leisurely forest walks, horseriding, fishing, sailing, diving and golf, or for the more adventurous, Glen Nevis, one of the Highland’s most famous glens and the location of scenes from Harry Potter and Braveheart, is only a short drive and offers stunning scenery and bracing walks. Explore famous castles, historical sites and mature gardens. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain or the Inveraray Jail. The abundant wildlife includes porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer and a wealth of seabirds. Glencoe and Fort William are easily accessible by car and offer popular climbing, skiing and mountain biking. All in all this is an ideal base for enjoying the pleasures of the great outdoors or just savouring the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands. Shop and pub 1 mile.£162From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ballater, ScotlandThese two, detached holiday properties are located in the heart of Ballater, within 100 yards of Ballater village green, restaurants, cafés, take-aways and shops, many of which feature the Royal ’By Appointment’ coats of arms. The Coyles (ref UK31466) is an impressive granite Victorian merchant’s house, with all the lovely high ceilings and details you would expect from a period property. Ideal for larger gatherings, whether enjoying a special birthday or a relaxing get together with friends, with plenty of living space and very good amenities throughout to ensure a memorable and convivial holiday. On two levels, it offers a high standard of comfort throughout and is a great choice at any time of the year. Built in 1888 using local granite, pitch pine and slate, it’s a true Victorian gem. It has its own enclosed garden and grounds, and enjoys lovely rural views to the south to Craig Coilleach. Quiet and secluded, the gardens are largely laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees and several flower borders with a variety of shrubs. There is a handy shed for bike and kayak storage, and for outdoor entertainment there is a paved patio area, with outdoor seating and barbecue. The Coyles Cottage (ref SBH) has its own garden and grounds and is well equipped throughout with a lovely sunny conservatory, and benefits from triple glazing and central heating throughout, affording year-round comfort.
Ballater sits in the heart of majestic Royal Deeside and is also located in the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. It boasts cosy cafés, quality restaurants, excellent shopping and great links to outdoor adventure, including hiking, climbing and skiing. Golf can be played in the beautiful surroundings of the 18-hole Ballater golf club and fishing is available, with the appropriate permits, on the River Dee. Ballater has many links to the Royal family and historic castles nearby include Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar. The Grampians offer wonderful hill walking and wildlife, and the surrounding area of Deeside is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Leisurely walks abound on the banks of the River Dee or within a few miles there’s great walking at Burn O Vat, Lochnagar and Loch Muick.
Deeside is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast with a wide and varied range of sporting activities. The area has excellent hill walking and on/off road cycling facilities and the ski centres at Aviemore, Glenshee and the Lecht are within a short travelling distance. For the sportsman, the River Dee is one of the most popular salmon rivers in Scotland and the River Don is famous for its trout. Deer stalking and grouse shooting can be arranged in the locality. Relatively central for interesting and varied days out, the city of Aberdeen can be reached in around an hour, with Dundee, Perth and Inverness all accessible within 2 hours’ drive through spectacular scenery. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.£65From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ruthven, ScotlandSet on a working arable and cattle farm, within the owner’s 2000-acre estate in the Vale of Strathmore, these four welcoming and spacious holiday cottages have been restored to a very high standard. The most recent addition to the collection, Kingfisher Cottage (UK38211) is a renovated, detached, single-storey luxury cottage, tucked way down a farm track. With two stylish bedrooms and beautiful quality furnishings throughout, the high ceilinged open plan living room/kitchen features an eyecatching wood burner flanked by full length picture windows, making the most of the view for the ultimate relaxing experience. Islabank Farmhouse (ref SAAP) is a traditional, characterful, comfortable farmhouse which is ideal for families. Curlew Cottage (ref SYYJ) is a charming, beautifully converted, detached, single-storey property and a haven for wildlife. Still part of the farm but located 4 miles away is Osprey Cottage (ref UZQ), a delightful, light and sunny, single-storey detached cottage.
Set amongst beautiful farmland and fruit-growing country, they make an excellent choice for relaxing breaks in the heart of rural Perthshire. The estate makes an ideal base for exploring central Scotland, Edinburgh, Perth, St Andrews and the Highlands. Glamis Castle is a few miles away. Outdoor activities (golf, skiing, fishing, riding, cycling) are readily available. Shops and pub 3 miles.
Kingfisher Cottage (UK38211), Islabank Farmhouse (SAAP), Curlew Cottage (SYYJ) and Osprey Cottage (UZQ, 4 miles away) can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.£88From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ruthven, ScotlandSet on a working arable and cattle farm, within the owner’s 2000-acre estate in the Vale of Strathmore, these four welcoming and spacious holiday cottages have been restored to a very high standard. The most recent addition to the collection, Kingfisher Cottage (UK38211) is a renovated, detached, single-storey luxury cottage, tucked way down a farm track. With two stylish bedrooms and beautiful quality furnishings throughout, the high ceilinged open plan living room/kitchen features an eyecatching wood burner flanked by full length picture windows, making the most of the view for the ultimate relaxing experience. Islabank Farmhouse (ref SAAP) is a traditional, characterful, comfortable farmhouse which is ideal for families. Curlew Cottage (ref SYYJ) is a charming, beautifully converted, detached, single-storey property and a haven for wildlife. Still part of the farm but located 4 miles away is Osprey Cottage (ref UZQ), a delightful, light and sunny, single-storey detached cottage.
Set amongst beautiful farmland and fruit-growing country, they make an excellent choice for relaxing breaks in the heart of rural Perthshire. The estate makes an ideal base for exploring central Scotland, Edinburgh, Perth, St Andrews and the Highlands. Glamis Castle is a few miles away. Outdoor activities (golf, skiing, fishing, riding, cycling) are readily available. Shops and pub 3 miles.
Kingfisher Cottage (UK38211), Islabank Farmhouse (SAAP), Curlew Cottage (SYYJ) and Osprey Cottage (UZQ, 4 miles away) can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.£107From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Rosemarkie, ScotlandEnjoying a peaceful rural setting on the outskirts of Rosemarkie on the beautiful Black Isle, these detached properties have been equipped and furnished to ensure as relaxing and enjoyable holiday as possible. The Black Isle makes a perfect base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Visit the lovely fishing villages along the Moray Coast or take a distillery tour along the Moray Whisky Trail. Inverness, the Highland capital, Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield are just a short drive and the stunning West Coast is a fantastic day out. The many activities in the area include mountain biking, golf, water sports and boat trips, quad biking, walking and climbing, to name just a few. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and watch the ever changing vistas. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£94From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Oban, Scotland"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."
In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
Forest Cottage (SRY) has been prepared to Visit Scotland ‘4 Star’ standard. This spacious, single-storey cottage nestles just below the castle and overlooks a grazing field leading to Ardmaddy Bay. The living room is spacious, comfy, light and cosy, and the large sun porch overlooks the sea.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.£94From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Acharacle, ScotlandLocated 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.£202From price per night based on 7 night stay