Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

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.

Stag’s Hide is the perfect year-round base to explore the beautiful Highlands surroundings and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by woodland and grazing pasture, your neighbours are likely to be the pheasants, squirrels or deer. And after the initial astonishment and wonder of your first sighting, by the end of your stay you’ll be so used to seeing the majestic deer frolicking nearby.
Dating back to 1909 when it was built for the gamekeeper of the Kinrara Estate, Stag’s Hide now combines the very best of old and new. The interior reflects a simple Scandi style, with plenty of wood and natural textiles, creating a calming environment in keeping with a slower pace of life. Indoors you can put your feet up and relax in the warm glow of the Squirrel log burner that’s at the heart of the open plan living, dining and kitchen area. The traditional log burner gives the room a cosy, timeless feel. It’s also great for drying out your boots. The ‘old’ is perfectly complemented by the ‘new’, with state of the art Sonos speakers, a Smart TV and a stylish, modern fitted kitchen. Although compact, the cottage offers everything a family or small group could need.
There are two luxury double bedrooms, both with king-size beds. Actually one of the beds is a super-king which can be separated into twin beds, depending on the needs of your group. Both bedrooms have double aspect windows and Smart TVs, a contemporary wet room with rainfall shower and a heated storage cupboard for any outdoor clothing. You may choose to digitally detox during your stay. But if you do need to stay connected, the cottage comes fully equipped with Smart TVs and free Wi-Fi. A more traditional detox may prove trickier!
The Kinrara distillery is only a short walk away and there’s a choice of local breweries and distilleries, all within a few minutes drive. It doesn’t matter when you visit, Stag’s Hide will be the perfect base for your trip. In winter you can see the Cairngorm ski runs from the door, with the Mountain Centre lifts only a short drive away. In spring and summer, there’s plenty to explore, with the centre of Aviemore a brisk 20-minute walk away. Keen cyclists will do it in 8…
There are plenty of walks for all ages and all abilities. General Wade’s Old Military Trail runs past the cottage and there’s a pleasant 20-minute walk to the shores of picturesque Loch Alvie. The more daring in your group may choose to hurtle through the pine forest on a zipwire at the nearby Zip Trek Adventure Park!! Whatever you choose to do, Stag’s Hide is the ideal base to explore this stunning part of Scotland. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, autumn or winter, the cottage has everything you need to create memories.

Hazelgrove is a characterful holiday home on the south side of Loch Ness in the small village of Inverfarigaig near Foyers. It’s perched in a spectacular spot with views out over the Loch. Hazelgrove is a magical place to spend a week or two with the entire family. The south side of Loch Ness is arguably the more attractive and certainly much quieter. Along General Wade’s 18th century military road from Inverness you will reach the dramatic little village of Inverfarigaig. The rushing waters of the River Farigaig run through the village and there are numerous trails heading off to explore the surrounding forests and lochs. The South Loch Ness Trail is worth exploring and so too is The Trail of the 7 Lochs, both easily accessible from Inverfarigaig.
Beyond the River Farigaig you soon see Hazelgrove’s sign on the left. The cottage is perched up on the left but within a short stroll of the loch side. Walking up to the timber clad Hazelgrove through mature enclosed gardens you’ll be chuffed with your decision to pick this property for your holiday. You rise up to the cottage’s veranda and Loch Ness dominates the view – it’s spectacular! The rocking chair on the veranda is a nice touch as sitting in this spot is truly good for the soul. Into the property and the vestibule leads into the open-plan living/dining space which makes the most of the view of Loch Ness. There’s an incredible stone fireplace framing the woodburning stove. The kitchen is beyond this space and is well-equipped, including an Aga in addition to an electric oven and hob. Out to the back of Hazelgrove next to the kitchen is a utility room with a washing machine, overhead clothes airer and ironing facilities, and a boot room with access to the wrap-around garden. On the other side of the house are the three bedrooms, two doubles and a single, as well as the family bathroom. All views from the bedrooms are of the garden and surrounding forest making them perfect places to rest and recharge. The outside of Hazelgrove is special. Nestled beneath the trees of the Farigaig forest where red squirrels and pine martens can be spotted, the mature garden is fully enclosed for dogs to run around at will. There’s an even better view from the top of the plot to the rear of the property. There’s a patio with garden furniture for visitors to sit out late in the evening to watch the sunset over Loch Ness. It’s a very special place to spend time.
Hazelgrove is also an excellent base from which to explore the Highlands. Foyers is a great village a short way away with a amazing waterfalls and places to eat and drink. Beyond Foyers the south side of Loch Ness with its network of lanes and trails is brilliant to explore. Fort Augustus isn’t far away and Fort William beyond isn’t a long drive. Inverness is less than thirty minutes drive away, so you’re well connected at Hazelgrove. You can get to Ben Nevis, the Isle of Skye, the Black Isle and the Cairngorms National Park easily from Hazelgrove, but many people will simply want to just stay put by the Loch and enjoy keeping an eye out for Nessie!

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.

This beautiful semi-detached, 19th-century farmhouse tastefully blends original features with contemporary style, offering space and comfort in a stunning rural setting. With wonderful views over the River Tay and rolling hills, this charming holiday cottage is on the edge of a steading conversion where ducks and geese swim on the old mill race. Newburgh village is a short stroll with shops, art gallery and dining pubs. Golf, fishing, cycling, motor racing and sky diving nearby. Visit Perth, 13 miles, St Andrews, 20 miles or just savour the peace. Within walking distance of the property is Lindores Abbey Distillery which offers tours. Shops and pubs ½ mile.

Set in open countryside, above the charming seaside village of Portmahomack, Sheaf Dale is a beautifully presented cottage with a private hot tub in the gardens and a rear gated parking area, ideal for trailers with canoes, bicycles or other equipment. This single-storey, terraced, whitewashed stone cottage is tucked away along a quiet lane on the owner’s working arable and sheep farm. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated throughout and provides a good standard of accommodation in a peaceful yet accessible location. The large, airy living room looks out across the fields, and there is a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room, with plenty of room for up to six guests. The master bedroom features a super kingsize bed and a wall-mounted TV, and both the double bedroom and the bunk bedroom are superbly presented with colour-coordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the local area add to the property’s charm. There is a secluded lawned garden with a sandstone patio area that leads down to the feature hot tub, making this an ideal property for couples, honeymooners and families wishing to have a relaxing, pampering holiday.

The picturesque seaside village of Portmahomack is just 1 mile away, with its sweeping sandy beach and stunning mountain backdrop, it is a superb spot to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. There is a small harbour with a pier, ideal for a spot of crabbing or fishing. The village has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub and café, as well as a renowned seafood restaurant. A traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club which is open to visitors, is just a short walk away and there are numerous other renowned golf courses in the area including Royal Dornoch and Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. The region is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Within a 10-minute drive lies the Royal Burgh of Tain, established as a Royal Burgh in 1066, and the Tain Museum houses the famous original Tain Silver Collection. Predominantly built out of local sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town which offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of the famous Glenmorangie Distillery where you can take a tour and sample the single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course.

This lovely cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. When you return at the end of the day, relax in the hot tub whilst you drink in the uninterrupted views across the countryside to the sea beyond. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Sheaf Dale can be booked together with The Paddock (UK5049) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

Lapwing Rise has four double bedrooms, all en-suite, sleeping eight guest. You also have a fabulous hot tub to relax in. Enjoying wonderful views across the Caledonian Canal to Ben Nevis, the Aonach Mor ski range and Glen Nevis, this bright and spacious detached bungalow is situated on a working croft in one of the most spectacular parts of the Highlands. There is a wealth of activities in the area, including skiing, climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, sailing, fishing and golf. Although rural the property is not isolated; the local shop is 0.75 miles and pub and restaurant are a very short walk away. During the summer the West Highland steam train, as seen in Harry Potter Films, passes close by en route to Mallaig, where ferries depart for Skye and the small isles. Fort William, ‘the outdoor capital of the Highlands’ is just 4 miles away. It boasts a variety of excellent facilities, including swimming pool, and restaurants. The property makes an ideal base for touring the numerous places of interest in the region, including Glencoe, Loch Ness and the beautiful unspoilt Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Shop 0.75 miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards.
Lapwing Rise can be booked together with UK33901 Stepps Cottage (sleeps 8) which is next door.

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 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 the heart of this picturesque National Trust village, this ground floor holiday apartment forms part of a sympathetically converted former church. Enjoy the fabulous scenery and the rich abundance of wildlife, particularly the seals and otters in Plockton Bay. Super area for walking, fishing and sea trips - lots to do and see. Plockton is a convenient touring base for the Isle of Skye and the beautiful West Coast. Take advantage of the traditional Highland hospitality in the hotels and restaurants which specialise in local seafood. Shop 400 yards, pub 50 yards.