Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

From its idyllic setting in a small bay 200 yards from the shore, a complete coastal panorama can be enjoyed across the Sound of Sleat from this substantial holiday home: there are magnificent views northwards to Ben Sgritheall, Loch Hourn and Knoydart; eastwards to Loch Nevis, and southwards to Ardnamurchan Point. Beautifully appointed and extremely well-equipped (with three en-suite bathrooms), it is approached by a shared driveway, and stands in 3-acres of wild private garden with a small stream and a little glen. As well as the stunning sea views, the principal rooms offer the chance to observe an abundance of wildlife, including herons, curlews, eagles and even the occasional otter.
Delicious meals can be enjoyed at five hotels, all within 7 miles: Toravaig Hotel, Ardvasar Hotel, The Isle Ornsay Hotel, Duisdale Hotel and Kinloch Lodge Hotel, the first hotel on Skye to be awarded a Michelin Star for its astounding restaurant in 2010. Day-trips can take in the Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle and Portree, whilst (via ferry) touring can be enjoyed to Eigg, Rhum, Lochalsh – and even Fort William on the scenic West Highland line. Boat trips can be taken from Elgol (an hour’s drive) to magical Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin. Very popular in recent years, the sea safari boat trip from Armadale pier (3 miles), to the Old Forge on Knoydart for lunch or dinner, or the longer trip to look at the dolphins, Minke and hump back whales (regularly seen in July and August). Walks from the most demanding on the Black Cuillin which dominates this island to gentle strolls whilst good walking can be found in the more immediate area around the cottage itself. Kyle of Lochalsh bridge 19 miles. Mallaig ferry 3 miles. Shop 3 miles.

Enjoying views across the fields and the waters of the Moray Firth and within a 5-minute drive of a sandy beach, this extended former croft house makes the perfect holiday base for touring this part of the Highlands. Owl Cottage is situated between Golspie, with its stunning coastline and rugged terrain, and Helmsdale, a quaint fishing village with a wealth of character.
Travel north and visit John O’Groats, known for being the northernmost point of the British mainland, a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty. The rugged cliffs and panoramic sea views are nothing short of breathtaking. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline, where you can witness the mesmerising dance of the waves against the shore. Birdwatchers will be in their element, as the cliffs are home to an array of seabird colonies, providing a fascinating glimpse into the local wildlife.
For history enthusiasts, the Orkney Isles are a veritable open-air museum, boasting some of the most well-preserved Neolithic sites in the world. Explore the awe-inspiring standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the ancient village of Skara Brae, providing a fascinating window into the lives of our distant ancestors.
Nestled amidst the picturesque Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a city that exudes both historic charm and natural splendor. Known as the ’Gateway to the Highlands’, this vibrant urban centre is embraced by the serene waters of the Moray Firth and surrounded by rolling hills, making it a truly enchanting destination. Stroll along the banks of the River Ness, where the scenic Ness Islands provide a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The bustling Victorian Market offers a delightful array of shops, showcasing local crafts, fine foods, and unique treasures.
Golf, fishing, mountain biking, hill walking and surfing are just a few of the activities available. Shops, pubs and restaurants 5 miles.

Set amidst Easter Ross countryside with far-reaching views towards the RSPB reserve of Nigg Bay, this comfortable, well-equipped, semi-detached holiday cottage is ideally situated for touring the Highlands. Golf, fishing and boat trips for dolphin-spotting are close by, as well as the historic towns of Dornoch and Cromarty.There is a choice of lovely local beaches, coastal walks and historical/archaeological sites. Shops, restaurants and pubs within 4½ miles .

The property has recently been improved with double-glazed windows throughout and a gate to make the garden dog-proof.

Can be booked with Rosscot (19986), which has adjoining garden, to sleep up to 12 guests.

Duim-Nan-Deur is a bright and spacious two-storey cottage that is situated in an elevated position, just ½ mile from the attractive village of Lochcarron, in the heart of Wester Ross. This delightful cottage provides a good standard of accommodation in a superb setting. The large picture windows and garden look out across the sea loch to the hills beyond. The renowned Attadale Gardens, which are open to the public in season, are clearly visible on the far shore. The living room is warm and welcoming with a large wood burner and a 42” wide screen TV. There are three double bedrooms, one on the ground floor, and a contemporary family-sized shower room. The kitchen/dining room is very well-equipped with all appliances guests might need for their self-catering break away. The pretty patio area provides an ideal spot to sit and drink in the unspoilt views.
The surrounding area is renowned for its magnificent landscapes, which incorporates mountains, rivers and sea lochs. A paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, it offers unlimited sporting opportunities, including climbing, hill-walking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and mountain-biking. The nearby village of Lochcarron is delightful and is set on the shores of the loch, surrounded by the spectacular hills and mountains of Wester Ross. Lochcarron is bounded by the loch on one side and attractive cottages and houses that straddle the main street, on the other. There are a number of pubs, cafés and shops here, as well as a golf course, which is open to visitors.
The area is also a haven for wildlife. Otters and seals can be seen along the shoreline and dolphins have been spotted in the bay. There are plenty of interesting and unusual places to visit, all within easy reach. The fairy tale castle of Eilean Donan, enchantingly situated on a promontory in the loch and accessed by a small causeway, is well worth a visit. A spectacular route takes you past this famous castle and through the amazing mountain range known as the Five Sisters of Kintail and beautiful Glen Shiel, before reaching the shores of Loch Ness. The charming sea port of Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye, is just a short drive away. The picture postcard village of Plockton is also close by, with its picturesque flower-filled gardens, little winding streets and pretty cottages lining the foreshore. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Newburgh C Listed Townhouse, which is set over three floors, has enjoyed a whole new makeover and pampering in 2021. Now with its high-end finishes and tasteful decoration throughout, you will enjoy staying in this warm and welcoming house with its sumptuous quality furnishings and homely feel.
Perched on the south side of the Firth of Tay, the townhouse has views out to the Firth from the upper bedrooms, where visitors can access the start of the Fife Coastal Path. The elevated living room has north and south facing windows plus a cosy open fire to sit by on a cool day. The ground floor comprises of a kitchen/dining room with views and access out to the courtyard. The south-facing private garden is laid with stone and surrounded by beautiful plants and alpines. Up one step from the ground floor is the shower room and then carry-on up a rounded turret staircase to the next level.
The first floor comprises of the living room, an adult-size bunk bed room, and separate toilet. The top floor includes a king-size and twin room. Each of these rooms have windows on both sides of the property to allow sunlight to filter in. The property also has space for 2 cars with off-road parking and a utility room in the garden area for extra storage, and an under-counter full freezer.
No need to use the kitchen when the village has its own distillery! Just a 10-minute walk away and you will find yourself at the award winning Lindores Abbey Distillery. Live music, whisky tasting, gin, distillery tours, beautiful cheese boards are just a few of the features! East Port café and Jamesfield Farm shop are also local. 5 minutes’ drive away to the next village over and you can get excellent food from Abernethy’s Crees Inn pub or Clootie McToot Dumplings Café.
Situated in North Fife and on the border of Perthshire there are dozens of beautiful walks, coastal paths and hills to explore. Walk through the enchanted forest and under a waterfall at Maspie Den then on to Falkland Palace.
Shops and pubs ½ mile.

West cottage is situated just outside the village of Freuchie between the historic county town of Cupar and a larger new town of Glenrothes.
This charming ‘home away from home’ is the ideal base to explore the wonders of the beautiful Kingdom of Fife. This 3-bedroom cottage is ideal for families, couples and small groups and will sleep 6 people comfortably across 3 double bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and there is a family bathroom off the main hall serving the rest of the property. The spacious living space includes a living/dining room and a second garden living room with a sunny western position. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and everything you’ll need for the few meals you’ll likely be preparing due to the number of fabulous restaurants, pubs and cafes nearby. There is parking for 3 cars and a lovely garden area outside.
The space outside is a wonderful spot to enjoy the world going by, the view and a flavour of the peace and quiet that only such tranquil areas can offer. Situated not far from the main North/South arterial motorway, the M90, West Cottage is exceptionally well located, allowing relatively easy access to county’s many attractions. Glasgow to the west will take just over an hour, Edinburgh and Dundee will take less than an hour as will the famous St Andrews with one of the UK’s finest beaches and of course the Home of Golf.

The cottage location is the epitome of the Highlands. Just out of the hamlet of Culrain where there’s a castle, Lower Hilton Cottage is surrounded by woodland and has clear views to rugged hills and the Kyle of Sutherland, a river estuary that feeds into the Dornoch Firth. It’s an incredibly quiet location, with wildlife all around, and has that elusive undiscovered feel that everybody wants in the Highlands. If you want an outstanding Scottish Highlands retreat surrounded by nature, then Lower Hilton Cottage is the place for you.

Entering the cottage at the back door, which is most convenient, you’re met with a great dining space with rooms off in all directions. There’s a stunning double bedroom, spacious yet cosy living room with roaring wood burner and views out to hills and the estuary, the family bathroom and lovely, characterful kitchen. The stairs up from the dining space lead to two great bedrooms. Views out of the double-aspect bedrooms are outstanding. Outside there’s an unfenced mature garden that is mostly laid to lawn. There’s space to sit out and soak up whatever the Scottish weather has to offer.

From the cottage there are many fantastic hiking, mountain biking and road cycling routes to enjoy, and you’ll have the places all to yourself, unlike many other parts of Scotland. The area around Lower Hilton Cottage is authentic Highlands. There’s world-class salmon fishing on local rivers (permits available for very reasonable rates) and the links golf courses nearby are also world famous, most notably Royal Dornoch but the James Braid courses of Golspie and Brora are gems that any golfer will enjoy. Beyond the hamlet of Culrain and Carbisdale Castle, which is the most recent castle built in Scotland in 1905, the village of Ardgay is only ten minutes down the road. Here you’ll find a small, useful shop. Across the Kyle of Sutherland only fifteen minutes from the cottage you will find more services, including a butcher and bar/restaurant.

Lovely Dornoch is only a twenty five-minute drive, and Tain where you’ll find the Glenmorangie Distillery is about the same. Both places are well worth exploring during your stay, with Dornoch likely to be a highlight of your holiday. You have the NC500 easily accessible to the east near Dornoch and Tain, but you can also drive the interior roads via Lairg (crossroads of the Highlands) to reach the north and west coasts -again joining up with the NC500- very easily. The cottage is an excellent base for those adventurers amongst you. Lower Hilton Cottage offers one of the best interiors you’ll find in a holiday home. The minimalist, white, Scandi design is simply perfect. It’s so good in fact, you may shy away from heading out to explore the surroundings at all!

Aonach Cottage offers complete tranquillity in a truly peaceful setting. Only 3 miles from sea lochs and the amenities of Glencoe village, the cottage has all the comforts and flexibility of home, among the spectacular and dramatic mountain scenery of Glencoe. It sits below some of Scotland’s highest mountains, and enjoys panoramic mountain views, including a stunning view of the Aonach Eagach Ridge and towards Bidean Nam Bian. There are numerous walks from the door, including to the Corbett Meall Lighiche and the lesser-known Munro, Sgor na h-Ulaidh. The views from the windows are just stunning. With no light pollution, you can enjoy star gazing across the dark night sky. From the front door you can wander further up the peaceful glen alongside a mountain burn and enjoy beautiful scenery and a feeling of being in the hills, even if you are not a hill walker.
Sharing a completely enclosed deer-fenced area of the mountain with its sister cottage Bidean Cottage (UK41933) and the owners’ farmhouse, Aonach Cottage is accessed by a 1-mile hard surfaced farm road off the main route through Glencoe. Glencoe is a lovely highland village with many amenities including a mini-market, café, hotel, pub, filling station, church and dentists and there are some fabulous restaurants, cafés, and pubs nearby, all serving good, local food. The nearby village of Ballachulish has a small supermarket, doctor’s surgery, tourist information with coffee shop and a bar/restaurant. Steeped in history, Glencoe is surrounded by the most breath-taking scenery of mountains and lochs and the area offers a large range of sports and outdoor activities, including winter sports, hill walking, climbing, mountaineering, fishing and water sports, mountain biking and golfing. The town of Fort William is 18 miles or 30 minutes’ drive, from the cottages and offers shopping and a wealth of activities. Oban, known as the ’Gateway to the Isles’, is only 36 miles away. Glencoe Mountain Resort, with skiing, mountain biking and other activities is a 20-minute drive through the glen.
The cottages can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.