Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

A charming semi-detached converted property, resting on the outskirts of Fort William. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Woodburner. Glencoe 21.3 miles.

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.

Keith House is a substantial, three-storey, semi-detached, stone town house built in the 1800’s. It occupies a prominent position in the heart of the historic town of Thurso and was originally built for the Keith family. This characterful house has been extended, adapted and updated over the centuries. Straddling three floors, with two separate entrances on different streets, it oozes charm and character whilst providing modern amenities and facilities. The house proffers a feeling of spaciousness and elegance, with plenty of original features throughout. The main staircase is simply stunning, with polished wood banisters and spindles curving up through the heart of the building.

Stairs from the main entrance door lead up to the spacious living room on the first floor. This is divided into two areas by a large pillar, and deep and comfortable sofas and chairs provide plenty of seating. There is a second smaller living room on the same floor with a television and further seating. There is a beautifully presented, large double bedroom on this floor, as well as a bathroom and separate shower room. The staircase winds its way up to the top floor, which at one time would have been the servants quarters. Here there are two twin bedrooms (some restricted head room as combed ceilings).

The kitchen/dining room is on the ground floor, accessed by a separate staircase from the main living room. This bright and spacious family-sized kitchen was originally the stables for the house. French doors lead out from here to a delightful and secluded courtyard. With cobble stones, mature shrubs, herbs and flowers, it is a real feature of the property and provides an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine whilst planning the next day’s excursion. An archway leads out to a side road with access to local parking which is free at all times.

Keith House is located in the centre of Thurso, a town steeped in history. Built by the Vikings and added onto over the centuries, many of the buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, at the height of the herring fishing industry. It now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. There are excellent facilities right on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Local facilities also include a swimming pool, leisure centre, cinema, boating lake, quad biking and sailing. There are lovely riverside walks direct from the house, and the nearby harbour is also worth exploring. There is a wide variety of sports and activities in the region. The renowned surfing beach of Thurso is just a short walk away, whilst Dunnet beach, with its high sand dunes and spectacular beach, is well worth a visit. There are many excellent golf courses in the region, together with horse riding, fishing, sailing and cycling. Beach 200 yards. Shop 100 yards, pub 30 yards and restaurant 50 yards.

East Lodge is a luxurious, historic, and characterful holiday home in the Highlands of Scotland. The wider flora and fauna surrounding East Lodge is spectacular. Within only a short walk from the lodge you will see red deer and numerous birds, including iconic Highland birds of prey. The flowers, shrubs, and trees beyond Scatwell’s grove and up Strathconon are varied and mature adding weight to why this glen is possibly the most beautiful in Scotland.
East Lodge itself is a Category C Listed Building (Historic Scotland) and as soon as you lay eyes on the property upon arrival you can’t help noticing historic features. Entering East Lodge through the main arched doorway, you then step into a spacious inner hallway. On the left you have the living room with stunning bay window, characterful stone hearth framing the wood burning stove and a luxurious Chesterfield sofa. Also off the inner hallway is a study and the fantastic open plan kitchen/dining area. The kitchen is well-equipped and perfect for those that like to bake and cook. Off the kitchen to the rear of East Lodge is a lobby and boot room with access to the garden as well as a cloakroom/utility. On the first floor of East Lodge there are three characterful bedrooms two kings and a twin. All three bedrooms are different and enjoy woodland and rural views. Also on the first floor is the spacious bathroom with walk-in shower.
Outside of East Lodge the owners have landscaped the large garden; the lawn has been seeded and will be looking its best later in 2022. However, the garden is still a lovely place to be as you’re surrounded by mature Scatwell trees from around the globe. You can sit up on the patio at the top of the garden by the fire pit and feel at ease in this beautiful place.
From East Lodge we urge you to get out and explore this amazing part of the world. Up the glen there are many walks to enjoy and there’s fantastic fly fishing for trout and salmon only a short walk away. Beyond Strathconon there are some of the best golf courses in the world waiting to be played on, including Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart; and the NC500 awaits only a short drive away from East Lodge to transport you to some of the best sights in Europe, including Applecross, the Isle of Skye and the utterly incredible Assynt. Inverness and mighty Loch Ness are only a short drive away as well. Beach 25 miles.

Set in a quiet rural location, this cosy holiday cottage enjoys lovely views across open countryside towards Nigg Bay and the Cromarty Firth. An RSPB Reserve, sea trips, fishing, golf, castles and south, west and east facing beaches all within easy reach. Great for touring the scenic Highlands. Historic Cromarty is a short ferry trip (only available in summer, also accessible by road) with Inverness, the Highland Capital approx 45 minutes’ drive. Shops 4½ miles, pubs 3 miles. Can be booked with property 19987 (which has adjoining garden) to sleep up to 12 guests.

1 Dalbuiack Farm Cottage is set on a working farm with livestock around the property for guests to see. The property has been presented to a very high standard, as the owner has your comfort and enjoyment in mind.
A large living room has plenty of seating for all, centered around the warming wood burner. A family sized kitchen with large dining table is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal or play a board game in the evening. There is a ground floor twin bedroom with separate shower room, ideal for less mobile members of the group, and upstairs, two kingsize bedrooms share a generous bathroom. Outside the enclosed garden is surrounded by open farmland, where there is often livestock in the fields, so dogs must always be kept on leads. A separate games room is great to challenge your table tennis skills, whilst a relaxing soak in the hot tub underneath the stars is a perfect way to end the day.
Located just a mile or so from the centre of the village of Carrbridge and only 11 miles from the vibrant town of Aviemore, both situated in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park, and at the head of the Speyside Way, 1 Dalbuiack Farm Cottage can be used as a base to explore or to relax and unwind. Carrbridge has the usual village facilities with a larger range available in Aviemore. The area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities – skiing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking, and a variety of water sports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Zip lining and zorbing are just a few of the myriad of activities available.
Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre or the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park which is just a short distance from the house – a superb day of fun for all ages. Visit the lovely Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Leisure Resort in Aviemore with its wonderful array of leisure activities. Further afield, take a trip to the beautiful west coast and the Isle of Skye, or a day trip to the Orkney Islands is well worth the effort. Visit the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches – voted in the top 20 of the best coastline destinations in the world. This is an area with so much to offer, see and do for all ages. For the less energetic, you can sit back by the side of the wood burner or soak in the hot tub and let the stresses of everyday life slip away.
So many happy and unforgettable memories will be made on your holiday in 1 Dalbuiack farm cottage. Beach 24 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Southview Cottage is set right in the middle of a traditional working farm. A dream holiday for young families who would love to say good morning to the cows and maybe enjoy being part of a lambing experience. The farm boasts an unobstructed elevated positions commanding panoramic views and perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, give or take the odd tractor. Surrounded by stunning countryside and yet only 5 minute drive to the bustling town of Cupar, this lovely family friendly cottage has so much to offer. Recently refurbished throughout this property has a lovely sun room on entry, a fantastic spacious lounge with a wood burner complete with fire guard. Along the hall you will find three very good sized bedrooms all looking out on to the fields. There is a newly installed bathroom, complete with bath and shower cubicle. At the other end of the house there is a traditional farm kitchen, fully equipped and a perfect dining area to enjoy family meals or any special occasions. As soon as you enter the house you feel warm and welcomed. With so much to see and do in the area, Southview Cottage is the perfect base.
Close by you will find Hill of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens, The Scottish Deer Centre, and St Andrews the beautiful historic town where you will be spoilt for choice for eating out and shopping, or playing on one of the world’s most famous golf course is a mere 15 minute drive away. Explore the many picturesque fishing villages dotted along the East Neuk of Fife coast. Visit the popular annual arts and crafts festival held in the quaint village of Pittenween. Southview Cottage is great for families, couples and group of friends looking to get away. **Please note children must be supervised at all times as this is a working farm with livestock, farm machinery and tractors.*** DOGS - You may bring a very well-behaved dog but it must be kept on the lead at all times as there are livestock in the fields and on the farm.

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 charming three-bedroom bungalow is a refurbished family croft house, and the perfect base for active families or groups of friends to relax after a busy day out and about.
As you enter through the porch, you arrive firstly into the large kitchen area which comes fully equipped with everything you’d need during your stay. There is a dining table for everyone to enjoy their meals together, and enjoy the beautiful views over the nearby mountains and golf course. Set on the one level, the living room is next door, and offers a nice space to relax after a busy day’s activities and the bedrooms are further down the hallway, next to the family bathroom.
Situated on the most southern tip of Loch Ness, and with the Caledonian Canal running through the village to Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is a wonderful place to relax. Watch the boats go through the locks, with many places to eat and drink and shop. There’s plenty to do locally, exploring the Great Glen Way walking trail and Great Glen Canoe Trail, boat trips on Loch Ness, a Golf Club, you can discover history at the interactive heritage centre and spend some time Loch Ness monster hunting! You won’t be disappointed with this picturesque village destination, whatever you do, the shores of Loch ness are simply stunning whatever time of year you choose to stroll along them; and it’s the perfect location to explore the rest of the Highlands.
Just over an hour’s drive along one of the most beautiful roads in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. There is loads to see on the way, such as Eileen Donan Castle, the coastal village Plockton, and a stop off at Applecross Inn. Fort William, the outdoor capital of the Highlands and the beautiful city of Inverness and, are both just a 45-minute drive away. Perfect for all ages and interests, Westerdale offers groups a home from home to explore this spectacular part of Scotland.

This stone-built, detached, one-and-a-half-storey cottage rests in Ardnagrask near Beauly, Scottish Highlands. Off-road parking. Woodburning stove. Enclosed garden. Muir of Ord 1.6 miles; Inverness 15.5 miles.