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.

The cottage location is the epitome of the Highlands. Just out of the hamlet of Culrain where there’s a castle, Lower Hilton Cottage is surrounded by woodland and has clear views to rugged hills and the Kyle of Sutherland, a river estuary that feeds into the Dornoch Firth. It’s an incredibly quiet location, with wildlife all around, and has that elusive undiscovered feel that everybody wants in the Highlands. If you want an outstanding Scottish Highlands retreat surrounded by nature, then Lower Hilton Cottage is the place for you.

Entering the cottage at the back door, which is most convenient, you’re met with a great dining space with rooms off in all directions. There’s a stunning double bedroom, spacious yet cosy living room with roaring wood burner and views out to hills and the estuary, the family bathroom and lovely, characterful kitchen. The stairs up from the dining space lead to two great bedrooms. Views out of the double-aspect bedrooms are outstanding. Outside there’s an unfenced mature garden that is mostly laid to lawn. There’s space to sit out and soak up whatever the Scottish weather has to offer.

From the cottage there are many fantastic hiking, mountain biking and road cycling routes to enjoy, and you’ll have the places all to yourself, unlike many other parts of Scotland. The area around Lower Hilton Cottage is authentic Highlands. There’s world-class salmon fishing on local rivers (permits available for very reasonable rates) and the links golf courses nearby are also world famous, most notably Royal Dornoch but the James Braid courses of Golspie and Brora are gems that any golfer will enjoy. Beyond the hamlet of Culrain and Carbisdale Castle, which is the most recent castle built in Scotland in 1905, the village of Ardgay is only ten minutes down the road. Here you’ll find a small, useful shop. Across the Kyle of Sutherland only fifteen minutes from the cottage you will find more services, including a butcher and bar/restaurant.

Lovely Dornoch is only a twenty five-minute drive, and Tain where you’ll find the Glenmorangie Distillery is about the same. Both places are well worth exploring during your stay, with Dornoch likely to be a highlight of your holiday. You have the NC500 easily accessible to the east near Dornoch and Tain, but you can also drive the interior roads via Lairg (crossroads of the Highlands) to reach the north and west coasts -again joining up with the NC500- very easily. The cottage is an excellent base for those adventurers amongst you. Lower Hilton Cottage offers one of the best interiors you’ll find in a holiday home. The minimalist, white, Scandi design is simply perfect. It’s so good in fact, you may shy away from heading out to explore the surroundings at all!

If you are looking for a peaceful stay surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to the bustling, historic town of St Andrews and one of the most stunning coastlines in Fife, then look no further. This delightful lodge can be found in a small resort set in over 100 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with woodland walks. Tucked away in Fife’s stunning countryside and yet just a 5-minute drive from St Andrews.
Comprising of two bedrooms accommodating four guests, a bright and spacious open-plan living area with a fully equipped modern kitchen. Decorated throughout to a very good standard along with quality furnishings and bedding.
St. Andrews may be known principally for its championship golf courses, but this charming and historic town is also a wonderful place for holidays. It has a lovely old-world atmosphere that comes from its university and medieval buildings. In amongst the cobbled streets and narrow alley ways of the medieval town centre are plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants. Discover St. Andrew’s Castle, cathedral, and adjacent Church of St. Regulus, and climb the steps in the tower for magnificent views over the town. This is a coastal town with access to a wide sandy beach where you can stroll in the sand or indulge in some seal spotting, which can often be seen off this coast. Whether you are looking to tee off, bask in the royal history or explore the local wildlife, St. Andrews is definitely the place for you. Also, part of Fife’s Coastal Path where you will find picturesque fishing villages dotted along the coast. The Scottish Secret Bunker, The Deer Centre and the charming village of Falkland with its Palace and Gardens can all be reached in under 30-minute drive. Beach 5 miles.

This beautiful, detached property is ideal for a week away in a scenic location. The town of Forres is easily accessible, boasting various shops, pubs and cafés where you can stock up on any essentials and delight in an evening away from the kitchen. Alternatively, travel to the seaside town of Nairn, where you will find fantastic amenities, or why not visit some local smaller highland villages close by.
There are plenty of popular attractions in the area, which offer the chance to discover the adventurous landscape of Scotland, including the Cairngorm Mountains, the famous Loch Ness and the glorious views and coastal attractions from Findhorn. This property and location have it all! For historical Scottish attractions, venture anywhere the list is vertically endless. From Brodie Castle and grounds less than a 15 minute drive away, to slightly further afield, Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness and attractions, Elgin Cathedral, Culloden Visitor Centre and battlefield. And proudly, Sueno’s Stone is a Picto-Scottish Class III standing stone. Situated in Forres just 7 miles away, it is the largest surviving Pictish style cross-slab stone of its type in Scotland, standing 6½ metres.
For sport and Adventure fanatics, Aviemore is just 35 minutes away, being a very popular highland town at the base of the Cairngorms Mountains, and is the heart of every sporting adventure any time of year. Everything you could want from mountain or quad biking, Skiing, winter sports, walking, climbing, water sports, and even Dog sled championships are held here! Ace Adventure is 5 minutes away, offering a huge range of sporting and water activities like canoeing, white water rafting, and cliff jumping to name a few, or, also offering paint balling, family rafting, canoeing, tubing and more for youngsters and families. Landmark Forest activity park is in Carrbridge 30 minutes away with climbing wall, high wire course, maze, raft ride and rollercoaster, making a brilliant family day out! A 5 minute drive away will land you at Randolph’s Leap and Slue walk, which equally are both breath-taking and spectacular.
Beach lovers can spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Moray Firth. Visit Findhorn Bay, beautiful Nairn Beach, the astonishing Cullen Bay and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience dolphin and Killer whale watching from the Moray Coastline or one of the many boat trips to get a little closer!
Whisky enthusiasts? This area, Moray and Speyside, is known as Malt Whisky County and The Laurels is slap-bang in the middle, with many distilleries we even have a Malt Whisky Trail. Only a 10 minute drive to the Benromach distillery, in Forres. A little further you have the very popular Speyside, famous for the abundance of local distillery tours, including The Macallan Estate, whilst a little further you will also find Dufftown on the stunning Speyside Way, with seven distilleries including Glenfiddich and Balvenie.
You’ll also find endless trails and walks along the roaring river, see where The Spey collides with the River Findhorn. High-rocky verges and swooping drops, these walks are hidden Local gems, and not to be missed!
Walking and biking a little closer to base? The large Garden is a great space for relaxing or games, and at the bottom of the garden is The Dava Way. This is recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails and is unquestionably one of the country’s finest long-distance walking and off-road cycling routes. It follows the old Highland Railway line for 24 miles (38 km) between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey! We are situated next to old Dunphail train station the most point of this trail. And if you look across the road from the house you will see the old platform hiding, but nature has started to take back! Having lots of outdoor space, you don’t need to go far past the doorstep! Walking adventures! The neighbouring woods, and Moore land 2 minutes’ walk from the door. Needless to say, this is the ideal base for holidaymakers wanting to visit the local area and many attractions that this location has to offer.

A seafront cottage with breath-taking views near Shieldaig in Wester Ross in north east Scotland. Close to a beach. Enclosed garden. Remote. Shieldaig 0.3 miles; Torridon 7.8 miles; Strathcarron 18.9 miles;.

A family beachside holiday home positioned in Arisaig in north west Scotland. Family. Pet-friendly. Sea views. Arisaig 2.6 miles; Morar 4.9 miles; Mallaig 8 miles; Fort William 37.8 miles.