Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Balloan Farm Cottage is a stunning, two bedroom detached holiday home situated in a rural location, yet only 1¾ miles from the popular town of Lairg. The cottage was renovated in 2020 to a very good standard.
On entering the cottage, you will find a reception hall, master en-suite bedroom, formal lounge with comfortable seating and a wood burner, dining room, kitchen with a superb level of appliances, and a conservatory with a second wood burner.
On the first floor there is a snug with beanbags, a second bedroom with twin beds, and a separate bathroom. Outside there is a private enclosed garden, ideal for your four legged friends, and a private driveway with parking.
The immediate area is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors generally. Hill-walking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing can all be found locally. There is a thriving pony trekking centre locally, where you can hire ponies, and ride amidst spectacular scenery. Fishing in the surrounding lochs and rivers, as well as sea fishing, is a popular pastime. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with seals and otters in the bay, and numerous varieties of birds attracted to the region. For the golfers in the party, why not go to Dornoch which is only 18½ miles drive away and has many nearby golf courses including Royal Dornoch.
The beaches in this area are renowned, with Sandwood bay particularly noted, as it has a wonderful walk across the machair, to its secluded sweeping sands. The nearby town of Lairg offers a host of shops, restaurants and you will find historical buildings scattered throughout the area. The cottage is an ideal base for exploring the North Coast 500. Beach 19 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3¼ miles.

This beautifully finished, detached, Highland lodge is situated almost exactly in the central point of Scotland; a monument marking the point is just a short walk down the lane. The Den is perfectly located to explore the Cairngorms National Park, but because it is so central in the Highlands and the country, there are also amazing sights to see within a short drive. Ben Nevis lies to the west, whilst Inverness and the Black Isle are to the east.
The Den is set in a lovely, quiet site with space all around and views of the Cairngorms. It is less than ¾ mile from the A9, and is very conveniently located for a short break to explore this amazing part of Scotland, maybe as part of a larger tour. Arriving at The Den, you will be immediately pleased with its location and how it has been finished. Its spacious, open plan layout has been decorated beautifully, and has an enormous amount of light flooding in. A patio door leads out onto the large decking area, which has an excellent aspect of the mountains. It is the perfect spot to sit in with a glass of wine in the evening. The site has a lot of shared space to explore with children, including a large play area. It is also a great site for dogs because there are many walks to explore right from the doorstep. If you have your own horse, stabling is available by direct arrangement with the owner, who lives on the adjacent farm. The village of Newtonmore is only a few miles away with pubs and restaurants, as well as a supermarket. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
The Den can be booked together with Cruachan (UK13683) to accommodate up to 10 guests.

Arriving at the property on the outskirts of Aviemore, there’s ample parking for three cars. Rowan Cottage is situated in a lovely position, slightly elevated from other properties, meaning there’s an excellent view of the magnificent Cairngorms.
Entering via the front door there is a small boot room. The spacious and inviting living room awaits with wood burner. Through the living room the dining room and conservatory are located. The conservatory soaks up both the sun and the best views of the mountains with the ski runs visible. From the dining room is the good sized kitchen. It also has a large utility room attached to it with a door to the enclosed garden, which is perfect for dogs to come in and out of. The bedrooms are all en-suite and have TVs. There’s a double and twin both with en-suite shower rooms, and the master bedroom has a bath as well as shower.
Rowan Cottage is a very large detached property and would suit a family or friends who want to get out exploring in the countryside. There are trails at every turn, skiing at the right time of year not far away, plenty of water sport opportunities, and fishing galore on the nearby Spey river. Thankfully there’s equipment storage available to guests to use with space for multiple bicycles and even a canoe or two.
Aviemore is possibly one of the best locations for a Scottish Highlands holiday and adventure at any time of the year. The town and area transforms between summer and winter, from pure adventure capital to alpine town in the winter. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Lairg is known as the crossroads of the north, making it a perfect place to base yourself to explore this wild part of the Scottish Highlands. Fair View is about a mile out of Lairg up on more open ground which is spectacular at any time of the year. The bungalow is very spacious and upon entering you’re led to the large farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room, with a useful island counter. The large dining table looks out over the expansive landscapes surrounding the property. A double door leads from the kitchen/dining room through to the enormous double-aspect living room which has an open fire and large TV. All four bedrooms are an excellent size and have great views of this wonderful area.
The sky seems enormous and is recognised as a European Dark Sky because of a distinct lack of light pollution. Stargazing with the added bonus of the Aurora Borealis makes it an even more attractive base. There’s wildlife all around with a huge array of birds throughout the year, as well as red deer, pine martens and the elusive wild cat. The area is a perfect place to base yourself to explore this wild part of the Scottish Highlands.
You can cover a huge amount of the North Coast 500 touring road from here by travelling out to different parts of the coastline using the great roads that lead off to the east, north, north west and west coast sections. It’s great to be able to see the route, being able to base yourself in just one place.
The town itself is beautifully situated at the eastern end of Loch Shin, plus it offers the amenities you will need during your stay. Lairg and Fair View are an excellent choice for a base to explore this otherworldly part of the Scottish Highlands. Beach 15 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

The Birches is a spacious, modern, single-storey cottage surrounded by large gardens. It is set in mature birch woodland and enjoys uninterrupted views over open countryside. This unique cottage was built by the owners to their own design and all the rooms are light, bright and welcoming. The main living area is open plan with the living room and kitchen areas divided by a feature low brick wall, and both look out across the delightful lawned gardens, which are fully enclosed and ideal for children and pets. There is a separate dining room, and a second living room with comfortable sofas making an ideal room for a quiet drink or planning the next day’s excursion. The bedrooms are all very attractively presented, with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. With an en-suite shower room and a large family bathroom, The Birches is ideal for families, couples and groups alike.
The cottage is situated in Ardclach, a small hamlet in rural Nairnshire, only 7 miles from the renowned seaside town of Nairn. Many of the properties are tucked away down their own drives, surrounded by woodland and the occasional loch, offering peace and seclusion, yet within a short distance of all amenities. For wildlife enthusiasts there is plenty to see. Deer, pine marten and rare birds, including woodpeckers are regularly spotted. Golf, cycling, country walking and fishing are all local pastimes and there is a stocked fishing loch just ½ mile along the lane. There are numerous places of interest within close proximity in this beautiful area of Highland Scotland. Nairn has two stunning long sandy beaches, set against a backdrop of the attractive promenade, with its distinctive Victorian bandstand. The traditional harbour area is well worth a visit and a boat trip is likely to result in a close encounter with the famous resident bottle nosed dolphins that are frequently spotted close to shore. Within a short drive are Cawdor Castle, Culloden battlefield and a large nature reserve that runs along this superb coastline. Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands is just 30-minute drive away. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 7 miles.

River Cottage is a very well-presented, single-storey, detached property situated in the owners grounds with direct access to a natural garden. There is a river at the bottom for guests who enjoy a spot of fishing and a lovely seating area, and nearby along the river, a plethora of wild birds have been spotted includind oystercatchers, black headed gull, cuckoo, woodpecker, wren, pied wagtail, blue tits, tree creeper, chaffinch and bullfinch to name a few. The cottage comprises of a spacious open plan living area which leads to a large well-fitted modern kitchen. The bedroom has a kingsize bed and built-in wardrobes, and there is a shower room too. Outside, River Cottage has a private covered decked area where you can sit and enjoy the view whatever the weather.

The town of Drumnadrochit is just 1 mile away with a superb selection of restaurants and bars. This is also the home of the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition where you can find everything you need to know about the legendary ’Nessy’ that has drawn visitors to this area since the 1930s. This beautiful location is perfect for holidaymakers wanting to explore the Loch Ness area and for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
River Cottage can be booked together with Heron’s Rest Cottage (ref UK5768) to accommodate upto 4 guests.

Seaview Cottage is situated in rural Drimnin on the picturesque Morvern Peninsula and has outstanding panoramic views sweeping over the Sound of Mull. The landscaped gardens, with seating areas, take advantage of the surrounding sea views. A short stroll from the house will bring you to a lovely pebble beach.
The area is famed for its natural rugged beauty and wildlife including red deer, pine marten, wild cats and otters. Bird life including the magnificent golden eagle and sea eagle, and marine life are also in evidence and porpoises are regularly spotted chasing the ferry and other boats. Wildlife tours both sea and land are available in the area.
Lochaline is a small coastal village just over 10 miles away with a shop and restaurant, further facilities and amenities are available in Isle of Mull, Strontian, Fort William and Oban. Its location in this most attractive area of the Highlands means that it is well-placed to take advantage of the many leisure and pleasure activities which the area has to offer. There are regular ferry services from Lochaline over to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. Beach 50 yards. Shop and pub 10 miles, restaurant ¼ mile.

Tressady Coach House stands detached in the grounds of an exclusive Highland estate, originally owned by the Duke of Sutherland. Built in 1871 of local stone, the coach house has been imaginatively converted in recent years to provide a very good standard of accommodation whilst retaining its unique original features. Access onto the estate is through an electric gate with a personal key code, offering complete seclusion and exclusivity. The road winds up through mature woodland and fields to the coach house.

The living room has original wooden floors, a superb open fireplace and a high vaulted ceiling which is a real feature. Deep leather sofas and original paintings add to its ambience and opulence. The kitchen/dining room is bright, modern and very well equipped. There is also a shower room with a walk-in shower. Also on the ground floor are a kingsize bedroom and twin bedroom with bathroom next to it, making the property suitable for less mobile guests in the party. On the first floor is another twin bedroom. A second staircase leads up to a mezzanine landing, and then to a large bedroom with a zip and link kingsize bed. All the bedrooms are beautifully presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings and high quality linen, and a further bathroom completes the picture.

Tressady Estate is just 2 miles from the charming village of Rogart and just off the renowned North Coast 500 route, which passes through some of the most dramatic and picturesque scenery to be found anywhere in the British Isles. The village has a thriving pub and restaurant as well as a local store and post office. Further facilities can be found in the nearby villages of Dornoch and Lairg. The coach house has its own garden for visitors to use. There are wonderful walks direct from the property and numerous species of wildlife can be seen in the area including deer, pine marten, red kites and golden eagles. Along the shoreline, seals, otters and dolphins can also be spotted. There are plenty of places of interest to explore, as the area is steeped in historic and archeological sites. A visit to the nearby Dunrobin Castle, the historic seat of the Dukes of Sutherland, is a must. The area has plenty to offer those who prefer an active holiday, with mountain biking trails, golf, fishing and various watersports. The picturesque seaside town of Dornoch, with its award-winning sandy beach and championship golf course, is just 15 minutes’ drive away.

There is a large stone barn close to the cottage with full banquetting, dining and cooking facilities which may be available for visitors to use for a special occasion, by arrangement with the owner. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Harland Cottage is a delightful bijou cottage for couples. This single-storey, detached cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open plan and a large deep leather sofa looks out through French windows to the pretty cottage garden. The kitchen area is bright and modern, with built-in units and is well-equipped. The double bedroom has a kingsize bed and an en-suite with a large walk-in shower, which can also be accessed via the hallway. The garden is a real delight, enclosed by an original Caithness dry stone wall, there is a patio area with seating and a good-sized lawn area.

Harland Cottage is situated in Castletown, just 500 yards from one of the most spectacular beaches to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Dunnet Beach has 4 miles of sweeping sands, with high sand dunes providing a natural backdrop. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage, through woodland glades to the beach beyond. It is ideal for dog walks as well as numerous outdoor activities and there is also a pretty harbour to wander round. The area is renowned for its surfing, water sports, fishing and golf. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are often deer close by, numerous seabirds including puffins, whales, porpoises and dolphins are spotted along the coastline.

Castletown has a good selection of local amenities, including a pub with a good restaurant and a local mini-market, all within walking distance. The Heritage Visitors Centre is within a mile. The nearby town of Thurso is just 5 miles away and has further amenities, including supermarkets, bars, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. There are lovely riverside walks along the banks of the River Thurso and plenty to see and do in the region. A visit to the Castle of Mey, with its superb garden and interesting history is a must, along with a day trip to Orkney; the ferry is approximately 8 miles away. Caithness is renowned for big clear night skies so there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights during winter months from the top of Dunnet head the most northerly point on the Uk mainland only 4 miles away. The property is also on the North Coast 500.

Guests will find a real home from home in this warm and welcoming holiday cottage at any time of year. Inside this wing of the owners’ home and accessed by a steep gravel drive, the open plan living space is spacious and bright with cosy seating and a window seat offering panoramic views across the surrounding farm lands to St Andrews Bay, the Eden Estuary and St Andrews itself. The kitchen area with an Aga, as well as an electric cooker, is well-equipped and ideal for practising your cooking skills, or creating a special meal, with a dining table where everyone can sit together and plan the next day’s activities.
Lucklaw Steading dates back to the 18th century, former farm buildings which have been converted and renovated to a good standard; the cottage, which is all on one level, is a private wing of the main house. The Steading is set within 2 acres and there is much to explore on foot from your doorstep; woodland and hilltop walks will appeal to hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike. With all this fresh air, you will be looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Why not ease those tired limbs after a day out with a deep bubble bath, as well as the option of a shower in the four piece bathroom. The utility and boot room is shared with the owners and houses the washing machine and tumble dryer.
Ideally located for exploring this area of Fife, St Andrews can be reached within a 15-minute drive, making Lucklaw Steading Cottage perfect for if you are visiting students at the university or attending a graduation ceremony. As well as the spectacular castle and cathedral ruins, sandy beaches and pretty harbour, there is much to explore in this historic city, with galleries, cinema, quality places to eat and local and independent shops. St Andrews is renowned worldwide as the home of golf, with seven courses under the management of the St Andrews Links Trust, and there are many local courses within easy driving distance for guests wanting to enjoy golf in the area.
The traditional market town of Cupar, which sits on the banks of the River Eden, has much to offer and is fascinating to walk around, with plenty of places to eat, and a particularly good selection of independent shops. For families the area also has the Scottish Deer Centre, an aquarium at St Andrews and award-winning sandy beaches and forest walks at Tentsmuir, just a short drive away. Across the Tay Bridge, Dundee has lots to offer for a day out, including the V&A with its dramatic waterfront setting and the historic ship ’Discovery’, and is well worth a visit. The Olympia Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, which is great for entertaining the kids on wet days. The East Neuk of Fife has spectacular coastline with picturesque fishing villages built around old harbours and unspoilt beaches. Following the coastal path offers a scenic walk with plenty of places to stop off and visit. Beach 9 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.