Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

St Brighs enjoys a stunning location, perched right on the shores of the renowned Cromarty Firth. Originally a boathouse and built of solid stone in the 1860s, St Brighs has been extensively modernised, whilst retaining much of its unique historic character. The gardens surrounding the cottage lead immediately onto the shoreline, which plays host to a wide and fascinating variety of animals and birds. It is completely secluded, ensuring that nature is your sole companion when you stay in this very special place. An original solid wood door opens onto the kitchen/dining room. A large wood burner nestles in the corner, providing a warm and cosy ambience. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped, with built-in units and appliances. The main living room at the rear of the cottage has French doors which open onto the garden and directly onto the shores of the Cromarty Firth. The staircase, made of Douglas fir, leads up to the first floor. Here there are two bedrooms and a family bathroom. One has a kingsize bed, with a beautiful original ornate window looking out across the water. The second has twin 3ft beds, with the window looking out across the garden to the water beyond. The country gardens surround the property, with a solid fence protecting the garden from the water’s edge. A gate opens directly onto the shoreline, which is tidal. Although fenced off, small children must be supervised at all times.
In addition to the peaceful setting and beautiful views over the Firth to the Black Isle, St Brighs is ideally located for exploring the Highland region. It is just 2 miles from the bustling market town of Dingwall, where there are a number of shops, supermarkets, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Walkers will enjoy the range of forestry tracks in the locality and for the more adventurous there is the towering ridge of Ben Wyvis, the local Munro mountain. A trip to the Black Isle peninsula, with its stunning beaches, fascinating museums and pretty villages is a must. The coastline is home to the famous Moray Firth dolphins, which can often be spotted close to shore. Golf, fishing, cycling, kayaking, sailing and birdwatching are all local pastimes. Beach 17 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

The Brahan Estate is famous around the world for the ‘Brahan Seer’, an estate worker in the 17th-century called Kenneth Mackenzie or ‘Kenneth the Sallow’, whose prophecies came true, namely the Battle of Culloden. The estate was also home to the Seaforths, Chiefs of the Clan Mackenzie. Brahan Estate is the site of many a romantic episode relating to the Jacobite Risings.
The interior of the cottage is perfect for a family of four, two couples or even a couple wanting more space. The living/dining room is a great space with a cosy open fire. Most rooms offer views our over the surrounding Highland countryside.
There are many historical tales to soak up during your stay at Balnain 1. The geography of the estate, with the mature River Conon taking centre stage and meandering through the landscape, is truly wonderful. This rich natural environment boasts an abundance of flora and fauna to spot and enjoy during your stay.
The river is sure to be of interest to keen fisherman, with brownies as well as salmon a possibility. Loch Ussie is also well worth exploring, with both the river and the loch free to fish for those staying in estate properties. Other sports available on the estate include clay pigeon shooting, stalking, hiking and even golf on the wee estate course. Please contact the owners prior for more details.
Balnain 1 is set between the Royal Burgh of Dingwall and the village of Contin, perfectly placed for those wanting to explore beyond the beautiful confines of the estate and see the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Within an hour and a half you can be on the Isle of Skye, exploring the Torridon Range, or strolling along the awe-inspiring coasts of Sutherland. As a base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, Balnain 1 is absolutely perfect. Beach 17 miles. Balnain 1 can be booked together with Seaforth Cottages (UK32542) to accommodate up to 13 guests.

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.

Set on Falkland Estate spanning 1900 hectares and close to the conservation village of Falkland, this property is situated in the heart of Fife within the Lomond Hills Regional Park. For hundreds of years, this area has been attracting visitors. Mary Queen of Scots adored the countryside and pursued the sports of hunting and falconry, and the village was featured in the epic Outlander series.

Coachman’s Cottage is an attractive cottage in a quadrangle surrounding a pretty courtyard with its very own clock tower. At the heart of the house, the living room is the ideal place to unwind in front of the crackling fire after a busy day out and about, or watching a film in the evening. The kitchen/dining room is well-equipped for preparing a family meal. There are two bedrooms, one with a kingsize bed, the other with zip and link twin beds, which can be a super kingsize bed. The family shower room has a large walk-in shower and is on the mezzanine level, half way up the stairs. With ample private outdoor space, the enclosed rear garden is ideal for guests to relax with a pre-dinner drink and plan the next day’s activities. A gate from the garden leads down steps to the parking area.

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the estate with a variety of adventuring opportunities right on the doorstep. Walk around picturesque Falkland village with quaint lanes, parish church and historic Falkland Palace and gardens, as well as local shops, cafés and restaurants. A great location to enjoy a day at the seaside, the sandy beaches of the East Neuk of Fife are within 30 minutes’ drive. Walkers will love the Coastal Trail which takes you along the shore to old fishing villages with fabulous views over the Firth of Forth. For days out, St Andrews, Perth, Dundee and Edinburgh are all within easy reach, and the local railway station has regular links to all the major cities. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

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.