Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Am Bothan is a delightful, single-storey, detached cottage with veranda and seating enjoying stunning views across Loch Ewe to the mountains beyond. Nestled, but totally private within the gardens of the owner’s home, separated by a shared driveway, it is perfect for couples or a small family wishing to explore this totally unspoilt and truly awe-inspiring part of the Scottish Highlands.The immediate area is renowned for it’s sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery, wildlife abounds with otters, seals, feral goats, deer and a myriad of bird-life.
National Trust Scotland owned, Inverewe Botanical gardens are 3.5 miles away. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional and surprising variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe is 2¾ miles away and has two cafés, a food cart serving stone baked pizzas, village shop with post office, off license and supermarket, pub and municipal swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities including mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking, climbing and sea fishing. The Fisher Field Forest which you can trek to,has been listed as one of the last remaining truly wild places in the United Kingdom. Wild swimming can be had just minutes from the door in Naast cove which you can see from the cottage veranda. Boat trips can be booked from nearby Gairloch for sightings of porpoises, minke whales and other sea life. Also trips to the Shiant Isles renown for it’s bird life including sea eagles,puffins, guillemots and cormorants. There are numerous superb beaches close at hand. Further afield you can visit some of the small villages dotted along the coast or take a day trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Sandy Firemore beach 3 miles. Cove, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean with memorial, remembered for the Norwegian Convoy of the 2nd World War, is 5 miles away. The owners are both artists and offer one to one or small group drawing lessons at an additional cost. African drumming lessons can be arranged too. One certainly is not at a loss for inspiration at Am Bothan.

Situated at the entrance to 400 acres of beautiful parkland on the Balbirnie Estate, The Gate House is a beautifully furnished and extremely cosy and comfortable cottage. Dating back to the 1800s, the cottage provides a contemporary home while still maintaining many of its original features. There is a quirky spiral staircase to the first floor double bedroom with its own relaxing seating area. On the ground floor, guests will find the living/dining room has an open fire, which is just the spot for spending a lazy afternoon on cooler days. There is also a good size kitchen with breakfast bar, family shower room and double bedroom with a king size bed.
From the front door you can take a stroll into the delightful conservation village of Markinch, rich in history and once the medieval capital of Fife. The village has a good selection of supermarkets, local independent quality shops, cafés, a deli, restaurants and pubs and the local butcher, whose award winning steak pies are well worth sampling. This semi-detached cottage is part of Balbirnie South Lodge which was built in 1861 and designed by the architect David Bryce. The gates were usually locked and visitors were required to ring the bell, still on one of the pillars today, to gain entrance to the estate. In 1837 John Balfour became master of the estate and in 1840 married Lady Georgine Campbell, (daughter of the Earl of Cawdor) and the inter-twining initials in the date stone is thought to represent this. The Balfour family continued to own Balbirnie House and the estate until 1969.
During the 18th and 19th century, the estate landscape was designed by Robert Robinson and Thomas White, who created one of the most significant collections of rhododendrons in the east of Scotland. There are around 200 varieties from India, China and the Himalayan provinces and when the plants are in bloom it is well worth seeing. The Gate House is ideal for guests attending a wedding or event at Balbirnie House as you are only a short walk to the hotel. The location is ideal for walkers and cyclists as the Balbirnie Estate has parkland to explore and the Lomond Hills Regional Park is only a short drive away. This is a brilliant choice for golfers with an 18-hole golf course on your doorstep and many local courses nearby, and St Andrews, the home of golf, with its championship courses is just 30 minutes’ drive away. The British Golf Museum is close to The Old Course and there is the only hickory golf course in the UK at Kingarrock. For days at the seaside, the sandy beaches of the East Neuk of Fife are within a short drive and the Fife Coastal Path takes you to secluded coves, little fishing villages and award winning sandy beaches with plenty of places to visit and find refreshments. Beach 6½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 300 yards.

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.

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.

Situated on a promontory and enjoying spectacular sea views, Ethel’s House is a detached stone cottage set in its own garden, adjacent to a working croft. Much loved by its original family, this traditional stone cottage was painstakingly moved stone by stone to a higher vantage point in the village of Armadale on the far north-west coast of Scotland. The current owners have completely renovated this charming cottage and it now provides a good standard of accommodation in a truly superb setting.
Entering through the pretty patio gardens that look out across the sea, a hallway leads through to the main accommodation. There is a delightful living room with leather sofa suite and a cosy wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is extremely well-equipped with contemporary built-in units and a good sized solid wood dining table. All the windows look out across the bay. There is a large shower room on this floor. Upstairs there are three very attractively decorated and furnished bedrooms. Skylight windows ensure that visitors can encounter the dramatic sunrises and sunsets afforded by the clear unpolluted skies in this part of the Highlands (and for those who prefer, black out blinds are built-in too!). The cottage has oak flooring on the ground floor, high quality wool carpeting in the bedrooms and underfloor heating throughout.
Situated just off the renowned North Coast 500 route, in the quiet hamlet of Armadale, this cottage is ideal for visitors wishing to explore this totally unspoilt area. Sea otters are regularly spotted on the shoreline below the cottage and whales, basking sharks, porpoises and seals all frequent the local waters. There are superb walks direct from the cottage and numerous outdoor activities close by, including kayaking, sailing, hill walking, fishing, surfing, golf and plenty of archaeological sites and historic places of interest. In winter months it is often possible to see the Northern Lights from the cottage garden. The nearby villages of Melvich and Bettyhill, both within 10 minutes’ drive, have a good selection of amenities, including pub, restaurant, café and a small local shop. The beaches along this coastline are renowned for their wide sandy bays with high sand dunes, and spectacular mountain backdrops. Beach ½ mile. Shop 7 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Allt Beag (Gaelic for ’little streams’) is a bright, detached, architect-designed house perched on the edge of Loch Kishorn in the pretty village of Achintraid, in the heart of the north west Highlands. It is set in its own grounds and enjoys stunning views across the sea loch to the hills beyond. The main living area is open-plan, with high vaulted ceilings and a large welcoming wood burner. Sliding patio doors open onto a decked area with picnic table and chairs; a superb spot to sit and drink in the wonderful surroundings. A small snug on the ground floor with a piano and wall-mounted maps of the local area provides a quiet space to relax in and plan the next day’s trip. There are two double bedrooms on the ground floor, one en-suite, and a family bathroom. Stairs lead up to two further bedrooms, with twin and single beds. All bedrooms are attractively presented and possess the same superb views. The rural country gardens surround the house and contain grassy slopes, small ditches and wild flowers and trees, which are a haven for wildlife.
The immediate area is renowned for the wildlife. Otters, eagles, seals and deer are all seen in the locality. There are spectacular views to the Bealach na Bà, one of the highest passes in Britain, whilst a visit to nearby Applecross via this amazing road is a must. There is a wealth of activities available in the area, including climbing, hill walking, cycling, horse riding, sailing and kayaking. Sandy beaches, small coves and beautiful mountain ranges make up the terrain in this remote and wild region. The nearby village of Lochcarron, just 6 miles away, provides a good selection of facilities, including small shops, a pub, cafés and restaurants, as well as a golf course open to visitors. Beach 200 yards. Shop and pub 6 miles, restaurant 2 miles.

Situated down a quiet lane, just 50 yards from a stunning sandy bay, Rosslyn Cottage is a charming traditional detached stone cottage. Originally a fisherman’s cottage, the property has been superbly renovated throughout and now provides bright and spacious accommodation in a wonderful setting. The large living room has a warm welcoming ambience, with a wood burner acting as the focal point. This leads through to a spacious fully fitted kitchen/dining room. Wide traditional stairs lead up to the first floor. Here, there are two beautifully presented bedrooms, one with a kingsize bed and the second with twin beds, as well as a pull-out bed. Both bedrooms are en-suite and enjoy superb sea views. Outside, there is a lovely sun-trap courtyard with table and chairs for al fresco dining.

Situated in the centre of a pretty fishing village, it has excellent amenities all within a short walk. Just across the road is a sweeping sandy beach, with stunning views to the Sutherland mountains beyond. The small fishing harbour has a pier and a variety of small local craft. It also boasts an excellent seafood restaurant, pub (seasonal), café and a traditional links golf course which is open to visitors. The area is renowned for its archaeological sites, and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pictish, Norse and Medieval artefacts, and the historic Tarbat Ness Lighthouse, which can be accessed by road or scenic coastal path, just 3 miles outside the village of Portmahomack. Within 10 minutes’ drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Predominantly built with local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, public gardens, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. Other places of interest nearby include a whisky distillery centre, home of Glenmorangie 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, award-winning sandy beach and championship golf course. Beach 50 yards. Shop 400 yards, pub serving food within a mile and restaurant 50 yards.

Sunrise is a beautifully presented, detached cottage, situated in a stunning location and sitting right on the road of the NC500 route which is one of the top 10 scenic routes in the world. This bright cottage, set in 1½ acre grounds, enjoys commanding views across the sea with the Highland hills beyond. Situated off a small no-through lane, on a hillside, the property offers peace and seclusion, yet is within close proximity to all amenities.
This single-storey property offers a large, well-equipped kitchen/dining room with a large fridge/freezer and a spacious living room with a Swedish wood burner and high picture windows, looking out across the bay to the hills. The large hall boasts a table tennis table, perfect for spending some quality time with family. The double bedroom has its own en-suite, an electric blanket, a pure wool duvet or traditional goose down duvet, and mini toiletries on arrival. For dogs, a welcome tray and dog towels are provided. The garden extends over an acre, and there are some steep banks within the grounds, but it provides the perfect place for letting man’s best friend burn off energy.
Sunrise is situated in the small hamlet of Navidale, with the charming coastal fishing village of Helmsdale just over a mile away. Fishermen can be seen fishing for lobster, crabs and clams along the coast, and visitors can often purchase fresh local shellfish direct from the boats. There are miles of shoreline walks close by, and fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Helmsdale has a good selection of restaurants and small shops, as well as a fascinating museum detailing the unusual history of the area, including the 19th century gold rush. There is also a 9-hole golf course in the village and the renowned course of Brora is just 10 minutes’ drive away. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’Groats and even the Orkney Isles. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Beach ¼ mile. Shop and restaurant 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

Fionn Croft Lodge is a contemporary, architect designed, eco-friendly lodge situated in a stunning location on the renowned west coast. This impressive two-storey wooden lodge, with a unique ‘boat-end feature’ is light, airy and spacious, providing a high standard of accommodation in a wonderful setting.
The main living area on the ground floor is open plan with floor to ceiling, triple glazed windows looking out across the 2-acre grounds to the sea beyond. This spacious room is an ideal spot to sit and enjoy the stunning sunsets, and watch for local wildlife. Whales, dolphins, otters and a wide variety of seabirds are seen close by. A large wood burner offers a warm welcoming ambience and also provides the main heating for the house. The kitchen is partially separated just off the dining area. It is extremely well-equipped throughout, with two ovens and even a coffee making machine. There is a double bedroom on the ground floor and a spacious shower room. The main bedroom on the first floor is truly superb. It has floor to ceiling windows looking out across the sea to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. There is a third twin room and a family sized shower room on this floor too.
The lodge is situated on a small working croft in the remote and pretty hamlet of Melvaig. It is the last habitation on a dramatic road that leads from Gairloch to the Rubha Reidh Lighthouse, following the coast along the way. Three miles along the road ends at the north headland, where there is a lovely walk out from the lighthouse, and the chance to spot rare white tailed eagles and other local wildlife. There is plenty to see and do in the immediate area and for water sports enthusiasts, there is a small slipway in Melvaig to launch kayaks and small crafts. The nearby village of Gairloch, just 15 minutes’ drive away, has a good selection of amenities including shops, restaurants, bars, boat trips, fishing trips, golf course and an interesting local museum. With stunning sandy beaches, hill-walking, sailing, cycling, fishing and wonderful wildlife, Fionn Croft Lodge provides an ideal base for a truly memorable Highland holiday. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 9 miles.

Duim-Nan-Deur is a bright and spacious two-storey cottage that is situated in an elevated position, just ½ mile from the attractive village of Lochcarron, in the heart of Wester Ross. This delightful cottage provides a good standard of accommodation in a superb setting. The large picture windows and garden look out across the sea loch to the hills beyond. The renowned Attadale Gardens, which are open to the public in season, are clearly visible on the far shore. The living room is warm and welcoming with a large wood burner and a 42” wide screen TV. There are three double bedrooms, one on the ground floor, and a contemporary family-sized shower room. The kitchen/dining room is very well-equipped with all appliances guests might need for their self-catering break away. The pretty patio area provides an ideal spot to sit and drink in the unspoilt views.
The surrounding area is renowned for its magnificent landscapes, which incorporates mountains, rivers and sea lochs. A paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, it offers unlimited sporting opportunities, including climbing, hill-walking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and mountain-biking. The nearby village of Lochcarron is delightful and is set on the shores of the loch, surrounded by the spectacular hills and mountains of Wester Ross. Lochcarron is bounded by the loch on one side and attractive cottages and houses that straddle the main street, on the other. There are a number of pubs, cafés and shops here, as well as a golf course, which is open to visitors.
The area is also a haven for wildlife. Otters and seals can be seen along the shoreline and dolphins have been spotted in the bay. There are plenty of interesting and unusual places to visit, all within easy reach. The fairy tale castle of Eilean Donan, enchantingly situated on a promontory in the loch and accessed by a small causeway, is well worth a visit. A spectacular route takes you past this famous castle and through the amazing mountain range known as the Five Sisters of Kintail and beautiful Glen Shiel, before reaching the shores of Loch Ness. The charming sea port of Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye, is just a short drive away. The picture postcard village of Plockton is also close by, with its picturesque flower-filled gardens, little winding streets and pretty cottages lining the foreshore. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.