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.

"River views and a wealth of glorious countryside combine to make this a wonderful setting for lovers of the great outdoors..."


Perfect for a relaxing break, Ness Castle Estate lies in the heart of magnificent game fishing and golfing country, and with lovely walking on the doorstep, it is an ideal location for nature lovers and sporting enthusiasts alike. River Lodge (ref SYYA) is a magnificent, detached, ‘Colorado’-style lodge providing complete relaxation and seclusion for larger parties. For smaller parties, Weir Cottage (ref SXXS) and Red Squirrel Lodge (ref SYYB) are single storey and adjoin one another, whilst spacious Ghillie’s Lodge (ref SYYC) and Benula Lodge (ref SYYM) stand detached. All have river views and are just minutes away from the city of Inverness.
Your Ness Castle Lodges experience can be augmented with personalised beauty treatments with their specially appointed therapist. Take time out to enjoy a full day of pampering, or book a morning session to set you up for the day. From facials and Swedish massage to relaxation techniques, eyelash tinting and more treatments like Hopi Ear Candles, a spa session - or two! More information on what’s on offer is available on arrival.
Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness cruises and dolphin spotting on the Moray Firth are among the myriad of delights within easy reach. For those wishing to explore a little further afield the magical Isle of Skye, visiting the beautiful, romantic Eilean Donan Castle on the way, or a leisurely boat trip to the Orkney Isles which offer beautiful, rugged scenery with an abundance of wildlife and many archaeological sites make great days out. Whisky lovers can visit one of the many distilleries on the famous Strathspey Whisky Trail, sampling some of the finest whiskies in Scotland. At nearby Inverness, visitors will find a wealth of historic and cultural attractions as well as good shopping, bars and restaurants. Salmon fishing, by arrangement is 1 mile. For those wishing to explore a little further, day trips to the Orkney Isles, Isle of Skye and Glencoe are possible. Beach 16 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 2½ miles.

"River views and a wealth of glorious countryside combine to make this a wonderful setting for lovers of the great outdoors..."


Perfect for a relaxing break, Ness Castle Estate lies in the heart of magnificent game fishing and golfing country, and with lovely walking on the doorstep, it is an ideal location for nature lovers and sporting enthusiasts alike. River Lodge (ref SYYA) is a magnificent, detached, ‘Colorado’-style lodge providing complete relaxation and seclusion for larger parties. For smaller parties, Weir Cottage (ref SXXS) and Red Squirrel Lodge (ref SYYB) are single storey and adjoin one another, whilst spacious Ghillie’s Lodge (ref SYYC) and Benula Lodge (ref SYYM) stand detached. All have river views and are just minutes away from the city of Inverness.
Your Ness Castle Lodges experience can be augmented with personalised beauty treatments with their specially appointed therapist. Take time out to enjoy a full day of pampering, or book a morning session to set you up for the day. From facials and Swedish massage to relaxation techniques, eyelash tinting and more treatments like Hopi Ear Candles, a spa session - or two! More information on what’s on offer is available on arrival.
Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness cruises and dolphin spotting on the Moray Firth are among the myriad of delights within easy reach. For those wishing to explore a little further afield the magical Isle of Skye, visiting the beautiful, romantic Eilean Donan Castle on the way, or a leisurely boat trip to the Orkney Isles which offer beautiful, rugged scenery with an abundance of wildlife and many archaeological sites make great days out. Whisky lovers can visit one of the many distilleries on the famous Strathspey Whisky Trail, sampling some of the finest whiskies in Scotland. At nearby Inverness, visitors will find a wealth of historic and cultural attractions as well as good shopping, bars and restaurants. Salmon fishing, by arrangement is 1 mile. For those wishing to explore a little further, day trips to the Orkney Isles, Isle of Skye and Glencoe are possible. Beach 16 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 2½ miles.

This detached holiday cottage sits amidst hills and farmland, midway bewtween Fort Augustus and Inverness, 15 miles, and east of Loch Ness, with some exceptional scenery from the roads leading towards the loch. It is very comfortably furnished with fabrics and colours that compliment the traditional highland style and is approached by a short grassy track. The mountains ensure a tranquil spot and Loch Ruthven very close by, is an ornithologist’s dream, with grebe and many various flora and fauna. Shop 7 miles, pub 1 mile.

Accessed by a woodland forest track, this beautifully presented, single-storey cottage enjoys a unique setting, nestling beside a small stream, on the edge of the forest above Tomatin village in the Monadhliath Mountains. Completely secluded with no passing traffic you can relax with the sounds of the birds chirping and see nature at its best. The fully fenced 200-acre woodland has a range of sign-posted walks, which vary in difficulty and a large range of wildlife, such as its own resident red deer herd. It is also home to red squirrels, red kites and golden eagles, and also a diverse range of insects, rare dragonflies, grouse and pheasants. You may even catch a glimpse of the occasional wildcat or capercaillie, which have been seen. In the evening you are likely to see or hear the sounds of a wide range of wildlife whilst sitting on the patio. The property is detached and was completed in 2015 on the site of the original ruin, using natural stone and slate throughout. Furnished to a very good standard, Turin Nurin Cottage makes a superb base for exploring the immediate area, the Cairngorms and Northern Highlands all which are made even more special by the warm ambiance of the setting.
Tomatin is a small rural village which is just 15 miles south of Inverness, the Highland Capital. The village plays hosts to world renowned Tomatin Distillery, where you can sample whisky in the visitor centre and take a tour of the facilities. There is a thriving local community centre with many activities throughout the year. From the cottage you can visit many historic attractions that this lovely area has to offer, including Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, as well as Cawdor and Brodie Castles to name but a few. Take a visit to Drumnadrochit, a good monster spotting location, or take a trip along Loch Ness on a cruise. A trip along the Moray coastline, taking in the small fishing villages and the opportunity to see the Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins is really worthwhile.
You could also take a trip along the Moray Malt Whisky Trail, the only one of its kind in the world. Just south of Tomatin are the Cairngorm National Park and the bustling towns of Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey, which are well worth a visit. There are numerous activities in and around the area including dolphin sea trips, fishing, deer stalking, grouse and pheasant shooting. The Findhorn Valley, in Tomatin, is famous for its wild birds and bird spotting activities all year round and popular “up the glen”. Skiing and snowboarding, as well as mountain biking, zip lining and kayaking, are all available in the Cairngorm National Park. You will also find a range of very good golf courses within easy range, including the world renowned Castle Stuart course. The less energetic, can sit back, relax and unwind in this truly lovely unique property, where many happy memories are sure to be made. Beach 16 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant 6 miles.

The Roundel is set in a most fantastic rural location with uninterrupted views over the open rolling countryside of Fife. It is the perfect location for weekend celebrations or getaways for your whole family who can revel in the space, ambience and warmth of this remarkable holiday home. On the ground floor, the focal point of this semi-detached house is the living/dining room, which has three sets of patio doors leading to the garden. Its floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the views. For younger members of the group, there is a special toy corner. Outside, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy, and the patio with garden furniture is great for al fresco dining.
There is much to do in the area, and guests are in an ideal location for exploring coastal Fife. In a small quiet hamlet, The Roundel provides a rural location with miles of sandy beach and dunes less than 6 miles away, and the bustling city of Dundee and historic St Andrews are both only 15 minutes away (6 miles) with activities for all ages and tastes. Just 10 minutes away lies the picturesque market town of Cupar, which is ideal for picking up supplies. For families there is the Scottish Deer Centre, St Andrews Aquarium, sandy beaches at Tentsmuir Forest and beach, as well as riding stables.
The historic city of St Andrews can be reached within a 15-minute drive, making The Roundel ideal for guests visiting friends and family who are based at St Andrews University or attending one of the graduation ceremonies. As a popular tourist location, St Andrews offers a great selection of quality cafés, bars and restaurants, excellent shopping as well as a sandy beach, harbour and many historic buildings. Renowned worldwide as the ‘Home of Golf’ and regularly playing host to the Open Championship, this is a golfers’ paradise with eight courses to suit all abilities, as well as the British Golf Museum.
Dundee has lots to offer for a day out, the Olympia Sports Centre has a swimming pool, great for keeping your childen entertained on wet days. A visit to RRS Discovery at the multi award-winning Discovery Point makes for a good day to see how Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton made their epic journeys. Falkland Palace and its garden are well worth a visit - this is one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces and is steeped in history. Fans of the TV series ‘Outlander’ will recognise the location which was used as 1940s Inverness, and there are many more locations in the area that were used in the series. Beach 6 miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub ½ mile.

This truly magnificent, split-level property, with its own hot tub, enjoys wonderful views of the Cairngorm mountain range and is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the lively centre of Aviemore. Providing guests with an unforgettable holiday experience, Lochnagar Lodge offers spacious detached accommodation. There are two living rooms, one with a cosy wood-burning stove and the house has been equipped and furnished to a very good standard throughout to ensure an extremely comfortable and relaxing holiday. Aviemore nestles in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park, at the head of the Speyside Way and boasts a wonderful range of shops, restaurants and bars. There is also a very wide range of outdoor activities to partake in including ski-ing, snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing, hill walking and a variety of water sports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, to name just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre or take a trip to the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, all of which are within easy reach. About 12 miles from Kingussie lies the Ardverikie Estate, which has been the setting for films including the BBC TV’s drama series Monarch of the Glen as well as the location for movies such as The Missionary and Mrs Brown. Another visitor attraction for all the family to enjoy not far from Kingussie is the Highland Folk Museum which offers an insight into Highland life in a living history setting. All in all, this is a fantastic base for exploring the many delights that this area has to offer, and there is so much to see and do for all ages. Shop and pub ½ mile.

Newly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.

Enjoying a quiet setting in lovely garden grounds, The Lookout makes an ideal base for exploring one of the most scenic and popular holiday destinations in Scotland. The bright and spacious house is equipped and furnished to a very high standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing a holiday as possible, including large living areas with a separate kids play room. There is also a private media system with access to a large collection of movies and music. Located in an elevated area on the edge of Aviemore, adjacent to a children’s play-park, the mountain bike trails of High Burnside and the Aviemore Orbital cycle-way. Within easy walking distance of the town centre, The Lookout enjoys stunning views of the Cairngorm mountain range and the surrounding countryside and within easy distance of some of the most popular attractions and activities of the Cairngorms National Park.
Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a very wide range of outdoor activities including ski-ing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking and a variety of watersports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, and the nearby Landmark Forest Adventure Park, all within easy reach. Visit the lovely Spey Valley Golf Course and the Dalfaber Village Club with its wonderful array of leisure activities.
Further afield, take a trip to the beautiful west coast or visit 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 best coastline destinations in the world. A super base for exploring the many delights this area has to offer and there’s so much to see and do for all ages. This area is an exceptionally popular destination for the outdoor enthusiast and for the less energetic, sit back in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. The Lookout is a place where wonderful memories will be made. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Escape to this delightful detached holiday cottage, part of the Old Inzievar House estate which is situated in beautiful and natural parkland, on a working farm with varied livestock, about 6 miles west of Dunfermline and 1 mile from the historic Culross village and abbey on the Forth Estuary. Fernwoodlea has been thoughtfully restored to retain many original features and provides spacious, comfortable accommodation. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying the area and all it has to offer with friends and family. You can curl up with a book in the cosy living room in front of the wood burner on cooler days or sit in the garden with a glass of wine.

If you are feeling more energetic, try the owner’s tennis court, or with permission from the owners, a tour of the restored walled garden can be arranged. This rural haven has excellent access to dog friendly walks, cycle paths, and outdoor amenities, but within easy access of Edinburgh 24 miles, Perth 33 miles and Stirling 18 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.