Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Osprey 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.

Enjoying open views across the countryside, this detached, 200-year old property is full of character and charm. Now a holiday cottage, it has been equipped and furnished to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing a holiday as possible. Only 7 miles from Inverness and 2 miles from Castle Stuart Golf Links, which has hosted the Scottish Open golf tournament. Mountain biking on some of the many forest trails, golf at some wonderful Scottish courses, sea trips and watersports either on the Moray coast or Loch Ness are just some of the many activities available. There are many historical sites nearby such as Culloden Battlefield, Fort George and Cawdor Castle. Try the Whiskey Trail along the Moray and Dornoch coasts. Shop 1 mile, pub serving food 3 miles.

Enjoying a peaceful yet central setting within the pretty village of Auldearn, this semi-detached, traditional holiday property has been furnished and equipped to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible. Just three miles from the seaside village of Nairn with its long sweeping sandy beaches and local amenities, Tigh Na Bruiach (Gaelic for ‘House on the Hill’) makes a super holiday base for exploring this wonderful part of the Northern Highlands. Visit Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, Inverness, and Loch Ness, all within a very easy drive. Brodie and Cawdor Castles are just a short distance and well worth a visit. You can meander along the Moray Coast and visit some of the beautiful, unspoilt beaches and hopefully catch sight of the dolphins, seals and large variety of birdlife this area is renowned for. Take a trip along the Malt Whisky Trail – the only one of its kind in the world! Further afield, go to the scenic West Coast, Fort William or the enigmatic Orkney Islands. Golf, mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking and photography are some of the many activities available.

This charming former fisherman’s cottage, with enclosed garden, is set in the heart of Fishertown which forms part of the lively town of Nairn. Located on the Moray Coast, Nairn boasts a sandy beach which is just a few minutes’ walk from the holiday cottage. A toy cupboard provides amusement at the cottage. Seashell Cottage is ideally situated to enjoy the variety of facilities the town has to offer including a links golf course, fishing and boat trips to see the bottlenose dolphins. Cawdor and Brodie Castle are nearby along with numerous distilleries - take the Whisky Trail on Speyside. Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and Inverness, the Highland capital are all within a short drive. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Enjoying a peaceful rural setting on the outskirts of Rosemarkie on the beautiful Black Isle, this detached property has 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. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Riverside View is located within Fishertown on the edge of Nairn, the location is ideal for guests wanting to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. The property is located just a short stroll from the beach and has a good number of very good local restaurants within a short walk from the front door. The property has stunning riverside views and has a small enclosed garden to sit and relax watching the river rolling past.
Riverside View is ideally located for enjoying all the facilities of Nairn, an award winning seaside town. It is also easily accessible by public transport, for those who may like to arrive by train or bus, or to forget the car whilst there and explore by local transport; a bus stop is just 50 yards from the cottage.
The pretty harbour area is well worth a visit, with numerous small craft using its facilities. A boat trip is likely to produce a close encounter with the famous resident bottle nosed dolphins that are frequently spotted close to shore. There are numerous places of interest in the area, including Cawdor Castle, Culloden battlefield and a large nature reserve that runs along this superb coastline. Dog walkers are particularly fond of this part of the Highland coastline, with sea and forest walks in abundance. Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands is just 20 minutes’ drive away. Beach 300 yards. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Red Kite Cottage is located just six miles north of Inverness and is nestled into the countryside with stunning views down the garden backing onto a small private wooded area. The property has an open plan living area with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable furnishings throughout. There is a double bedroom and a twin bedroom, both served by a family shower room. Outside there is a large decked area with seating for sunny evenings and lazy days. There is a large enclosed lawned garden which is ideal for children and our four legged friends.
The property has easy access to the A9, which makes it a perfect location for exploring the Black Isles and further up into the Northern Highlands. It is within easy reach of the popular village of Fortrose, where you can see the bottlenose dolphins and just a mile further, you can walk on the stunning Rosemarkie beach. Beach 8 miles. Shop 9 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

With accommodation all on the ground floor, this lodge offers a comfortable, open-plan living space with a beautiful log fire, dining table for six and fully equipped kitchen. There are two en-suite bedrooms, and a further family bathroom. There are plenty of outdoor attractions in the area, including some of the country’s best hill walking. There are also opportunities for canoeing, pony-trekking, loch cruises and dolphin-watching boat trips.
The peaceful, countryside setting is within reach of the stunning Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, with its gentle lochs, haunting moorland and enchanting woodland where you can enjoy pleasant walks and birdwatching. The increasingly popular NC500 route around the north coast of Scotland runs right through Beauly! The Highland capital of Inverness is also just 11 miles away. Culmill Lodges are near Drumnadrochit and famous Urquhart ruined castle, with the famous Loch Ness 8 miles away. You will be amazed at the choices available to you in this fabulous region as you return to your cosy lodge at the end of an active day.
Birch (ref UK38858) can be booked together with Beech (ref UK38859) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Borlum House Farm in Reay on the far north coast of Scotland is a brilliant location to be based for a memorable short break or longer holiday. The restored early 18th century farmhouse and buildings are surrounded by highland cows, lambs and chickens. The Annex is a converted barn attached to the farmhouse that was originally maid quarters.
The farm was originally part of the Sandside Estate which was owned at one time by Mr Pilkington of Pilkington Glass. Records date back to 1729 and it is known that the farm was a sheep farm with dairy for cheese-making. Situated in an enviable spot up the hill from Reay and overlooking the magnificent north coast of Scotland right out to sea, arriving at The Annex you’ll be delighted with the location you’ve picked for your holiday.
Just off the NC500 that goes through Reay, Borlum House Farm is perfectly placed as a base to explore the far north coast. As well as Sandside Bay Beach with Fresgoe Harbour, just down from Reay, and Reay’s fantastic links golf course, there’s so much to see and do that the NC500 touring route will help you reach.
Other amazing beaches nearby include Melvich and Strathy, which are loved by surfers. Historic Thurso is nearby and so too is the ferry port for trips over to Orkney, a great day-trip from Borlum House Farm. Beyond Thurso you must visit Dunnet Head, the Castle of Mey, John O’Groats and Duncansby Stacks. To be honest, the list of amazing places to see goes on and on, and alas we can’t feature all here. But be certain that there’s so much to do during your stay at Borlum House Farm.
The accommodations are finished to a high standard. Both cottages include a kingsize double bedroom with en-suite double shower cubicle. Highland Soap products and lovely bathrobes are provided. The open-plan living/dining/kitchen space is great, complete with Smart TV and woodburning stove. Outside each property there is a private and enclosed garden as well the freedom to explore the grounds of the farm and meet the animals. There’s also a firepit and BBQ Grill shared with each cottage at the farm. Beach 1½ miles. Pub and restaurant 6 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 4 guests.

This fabulous historical holiday cottage, fully renovated in 2021, is set in an elevated position overlooking Loch Ruthven, an RSPB Nature Reserve. As well as being famous for the Slavonian grebe, the nature reserve is home to many other amazing wildlife including red kite, buzzard and red deer. The loch shows the signs of glacial activity with scarred boulders dotted along the water’s edge and up into the woodland to the summit of Stac Gorm towering over the Ruthven. Fly fishing is available in other lochs nearby.

Loch Ruthven is situated in the upper parts of Strathnairn, and a few rugged miles south from Loch Ness. The area around the loch and The Grain Store is a relatively unknown part of the Highlands, and many say a hidden gem because of its off-the-beaten track feel yet close proximity to Inverness only 25 minutes’ drive away and a great starting point to explore the North Coast 500 route. The cottage is 240 metres above sea level and has Stac Gorm rising to 430 metres just across the loch. The views of both together from the cottage are awe-inspiring. The walk into the nature reserve, round the loch and up Stac Gorm is brilliant and highly recommended when you visit. Views to the south and south west from the cottage show a brooding landscape of hills. What you see are the Monadhliath Mountains stretching from Strathnairn to the south into the Cairngorms National Park. There are four Munros in these mountains, which keen hikers will be want to explore. The Monadhliath Mountains are not technically mountains, but high hills with many parts of the area being over 900 metres above sea level. It’s a remote, desolate, naturally treeless wilderness, and a breathtaking part of the Highlands.

From the cottage, following Strathnairn east downstream, you reach the main road which takes you to the Cairngorms National Park where there’s an endless list of brilliant things to do for the whole family. From skiing and walking with wild reindeer in the winter, through to walking up some of the UK’s highest mountains in the summer. To the north of the cottage is Loch Ness, the southern side of Loch Ness, which is very different from the northern shore. It’s quiet, and offers the best chance to spot elusive Nessie.

Further afield, you have Inverness which is a wonderful little city at the mouth of the Ness River right on the Beauly and Moray Firths. The Firths are one of the best places in the world to see bottlenose dolphins! And from Inverness there are roads stretching in every direction into different parts of the Highlands. The cottage is also in a ’dark sky’ area with a telescope provided at the property to enjoy the night sky. Shop 6½ miles.