The Inner Hebrides, cottages in Scotland
The Inner Hebrides is a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland, and a self-catering cottage or holiday home here is ideal for nature lovers and walkers.
Mull
The second largest of the Inner Hebrides with a coastline 300 miles long, the island’s natural beauty and abundance of wildlife make it a walkers’ paradise.
The island can be reached by ferry from Oban or from Lochaline on the coast of Ardnamurchan. On Mull and the other islands of the Inner Hebrides, nature lovers may have the opportunity to spot eagles, buzzards, deer, whales, dolphins, otters and perhaps even wildcat.
Off the Ross of Mull to the south lies the island of Iona, birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.
Tiree
To the west of the Isle of Mull lie Coll and Tiree; both magical names for magical places.
The Gulf Stream warms these waters and the white sand beaches provide perfect picnic spots. The unique habitat encourages abundant wildlife and spectacular wild flowers. Time passes more slowly here and cottage holiday visitors revel in the wide open spaces, big skies, pretty beaches, sea-views and peace and quiet.
Islay
Lying beside the Isle of Jura off the west coast of Kintyre in Argyll, Islay is a very friendly and welcoming holiday destination.
Book a self-catering cottage or holiday home and really explore this pretty island with its rich farmlands and fertile fishing grounds, providing nature’s bounty for locals and visitors alike.
Islay’s most famous export is whisky, characterised by a peaty, smoky taste and the world famous distilleries here include Laphroaig, Bowmore and Ardbeg - and you will be pleased to hear that sampling the product is an important part of the distillery tour.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes on the Inner Hebrides.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in the Central Highlands & Islands
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Banff, Moray & Nairn, cottages in Scotland
<
Walking, salmon fishing and whisky distilleries abound in this region, and a self-catering cottage or holiday home here allows you the freedom to explore this beautiful area.
Lying along the coast of the Moray Firth and stretching inland to the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, this area is an unspoilt joy and self-catering cottages here allow you the freedom to explore this beautiful area.
In the rural hinterland, walking and fishing are the main holiday activities – the River Spey flows north to the Moray Firth and its pure clear waters are not only appreciated by the salmon. Whisky distilleries abound here and an entire holiday could be dedicated to following the Whisky Trail.
There are holiday homes in the pretty fishing villages along the coast and opportunities to take boat trips for sea fishing or dolphin-spotting.
The famous golf course at Nairn Dunbar is just one of many in this picturesque area, several of which have wonderful sea views to distract your tee shot. Historic sites abound and if you rent a holiday home or self-catering cottage in this beautiful Grampian area, you can follow the Castle Trail.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Banff, Moray & Nairn.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in the Central Highlands & Islands
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Argyll & Isle of Bute, cottages in Scotland
If you rent a holiday home or self-catering cottage in Argyll or the Isle of Bute, expect a truly memorable holiday.
From Loch Lomond you can travel over the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ pass to the shores of Loch Fyne. Visit Inveraray Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll and headquarters of the Clan Campbell.
At 30 miles long, Loch Awe is a paradise for fishermen, and there are several beautiful gardens to visit. The dark looming mountains of historic Glencoe provide one of Scotland’s wildest and most spectacular glens – the perfect location for a walking or climbing holiday.
From a holiday home on the west coast of Argyll you will discover the beautiful peninsulas of Kintyre and Cowal.
Kintyre is the longest peninsula in Scotland, famous for the ‘Mull of Kintyre’ and you can make ferry trips to Islay, Jura, Gigha or Arran.
The Cowal Peninsula, also known as ‘Scotland’s Best Kept Secret’, is an easily accessible area, combining dramatic, beautiful scenery with a sense of remoteness but is only 30 miles from Glasgow. Self-catering cottages here are located near Tighnabruaich, Dunoon or Strachur.
From holiday homes near Oban, take a ferry to the Isle of Mull or head further north and cross the little Corran Ferry to explore Ardnamurchan and Moidart.
Skiing At Glencoe Mountain
Offering skiing and snowboarding in season, the Glencoe Mountain Resort is now an all year round attraction. Take the chair lift to the top for the most spectacular mountain views. Walks and climbs here are challenging but very rewarding – so book a holiday home or Scottish cottage with an open fire to return to after the day’s exertions.
Argyll’s Islands: The Isle of Bute
In the Firth of Clyde and easily accessible, the little Isle of Bute has long been a favourite holiday spot for Glasgow folk with the art deco style resort of Rothesay is the main town.
For a day out from your Scottish self-catering cottage visit Mount Stuart, the island’s stately home, or explore the rolling hills, heathered moorlands or sandy beaches which are perfect for walking, cycling, picnics and family fun.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Argyll and the Isle of Bute.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in the Central Highlands & Islands
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Aberdeenshire, cottages in Scotland
The east coast is a lovely, friendly corner of Scotland that is well off the tourist trail, making for a tranquil but fascinating self-catering Scottish holiday.
From the bustle and excitement of the city of Aberdeen, to the sheltered bays and pretty harbours dotted along the coast, and not forgetting the many whisky distilleries including Glenfiddich and Glenfarclas - this region has something for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of a your Scottish cottage or holiday home.
The River Dee rises in the high Cairngorm Mountains and runs eastwards to the sea, providing excellent salmon fishing. In the shadow of Lochnagar mountain stands Balmoral Castle, the summer holiday home of the Royal Family.
Self-catering cottages on Royal Deeside are very popular with artists and photographers as well as fishermen and nature lovers. From Ballater, a road leads north through Cockbridge to Tomintoul – familiar names to anyone listening to winter road reports. Here you will find the Lecht Ski Centre at 2090 feet, which is a popular family attraction in winter and summer.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Aberdeenshire.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in the Central Highlands & Islands
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus, cottages in Scotland
Wherever you choose your self-catering holiday cottage in this delightful region of Scotland, you can enjoy stunning scenery, charming villages and cities, long sandy beaches, picturesque harbours, hill walking, skiing, fishing, golf and bird watching.
One of the largest counties in Scotland, Perthshire offers a tremendous range of holiday facilities as well as wonderfully varied landscapes. For this reason, this is the region we often suggest first time visitors to Scotland rent a self-catering holiday cottage here because it contains the essence of Scotland, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Stretching from the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains in the North to the fertile lands south of the River Tay; and from The Trossachs in the west to the edge of the Angus glens in the east, Perthshire is huge and diverse and we have a range of holiday homes and self-catering cottages in this region to match.
Stirlingshire surrounds the ancient and historic city of Stirling. The university here is situated at the foot of the Ochil Hills and is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
In the East of this region lie Angus and Fife – two beautiful counties separated by the Firth of Tay. Keen golfers should stay in this area where there are numerous courses in easy reach from your cottage in Scotland.
Follow the link to view our selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Perthshire. Stirling & Trossachs.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Cottage Scotland
The Trossachs, cottages Scotland
This picturesque area known as The Trossachs lies between Perth and Stirling, and holiday homes or self-catering cottages here are located in Scotland’s first National Park.
The magical beauty of shining lochs, forested glens and craggy mountains attracts walkers and climbers from all over the world, and many choose a holiday cottage for their accommodation in the Trossachs.
The hills mark the “Highland Line” which divides the Lowlands from the Highlands, and the gateway villages to this enchanting landscape are Callander and Aberfoyle.
This is ‘Rob Roy’ country and his grave can be seen at Balquhidder. Historians and photographers are drawn to this majestic landscape, whilst those seeking activities will find it hard to choose what to do next. Chose from water sports at Lochearnhead, cycling on forest tracks, golf, fishing or horse-riding, all wihtin easy reach of your holiday cottage in Scotland.
Take a steam boat on Loch Katrine which was the inspiration for many of Sir Walter Scott’s works, and soak up the beauty and atmosphere of this magical place.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in this Perthshire, Stirling and the Trossachs.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Stirling, cottages in Scotland
A self-catering holiday cottages near Stirling is the perfect base for exploring the turbulent history of this beautiful part of Scotland.
Historic Stirling has a wide range of attractions, not least the spectacular castle perched on a volcanic outcrop which is visible for miles in all directions. A number of Scottish Kings and Queens have been baptised, crowned or have died within these forbidding walls.
The eyecatching Wallace Monument reaches 220 feet into the air on a hilltop 2 miles north of Stirling. It was from this hilltop that William Wallace watched the approaching English army immediately prior to his famous victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, and Brave Heart fans must be sure to visit it.
There is also a wide range of sporting activities in this area, all within easy reach of your self-catering holiday cottage in this historic part of Scotland.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Perthshire, Stirling & Trossachs.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Perthshire, cottages Scotland
Those who love the great outdoors should rent a holiday home or cottage in Scotland’s Perthshire, also known as ‘big county.’
Perthshire in Scotland is an area popular for hill walking, fishing, skiing in Glenshee and golf. In fact golfers will find it hard to choose between the more than 30 golf courses available.
Each of the highly individual areas in Perthshire consists of delightful little towns and villages with their own unique personality and fascination.
Beautiful panoramic views abound from ‘Devil’s Elbow’ north of the Bridge of Cally, to ‘Queen’s View’ near Pitlochry. The ‘Fair City’ of Perth, situated on the River Tay is an elegant centre for the county with good restaurants, shops and a theatre. Staying in a holiday home or self-catering cottage in Perth combines culture, shopping and history beautifully.
At nearby Scone, Scottish kings from Kenneth II to James IV were crowned on the famous Stone of Destiny. Although the Abbey no longer exists, Scone Palace is well worth a visit.
Surrounded by hills, wooded slopes, lochs and burns, Pitlochry has its very own Festival Theatre with productions throughout the summer and is a very popular outing for holiday cottage visitors. Here too the Hydro Electric Power Station is open to the public, and at the Dam across the River Tummel it is possible to stand and watch the salmon leaping up to the Loch.
Holiday cottages around Aberfeldy and Bridge of Cally are in areas of great beauty in peaceful villages with superb views. And no road trip north would be complete without a stop at the famous House of Bruar near Blair Atholl where you can spend time browsing the knitwear, gifts and artwork and purchase some high quality Scottish produce to take back to your self-catering cottage in this beautiful part of Scotland.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Perthshire, Stirling & Trossachs.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Fife, cottages in Scotland
Golf fans should opt for a self-catering cottage in Fife, Scotland, because with over thirty golf courses in the county, you will never be far from the green.
Golf is the sport that springs to mind when the ancient ‘Kingdom of Fife’ is mentioned. There are over 30 courses in the county, all within easy reach of a Mackay’s self-catering cottage of Scottish holiday home.
The most famous course is the Old Course at St Andrews, home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Self-catering cottages in Fife allow you the freedom to come and go as you please. St. Andrews is also home to Scotland’s oldest university and has 2 magnificent beaches, Botanic Gardens and an excellent theatre.
However, a self-catering holiday home in this ‘Royal and Ancient’ county has much more to offer. In addition to the delights of its main town - the distinctive farming landscape is broken up by winding roads leading through small villages to the fishing areas on the coast known as the East Neuk. St Monance, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail have picturesque clusters of houses around their small stone harbours.
Choose from a selection of holiday homes and self-catering cottages on the coast or in the rural hinterland. Lobster and crab boats still operate from these harbours and their catch features regularly on the menus of local restaurants.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes in Fife, Scotland.
Destination Guides in Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide
Angus, cottages in Scotland
From the southern edge of the Grampian Mountains to the long sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs, Angus is full of surprises and a wonderful location for a cottage in Scotland.
From the comfort of your holiday home in Scotland you can enjoy superb walking in the Angus Glens, world class golf at Carnoustie, bird-watching at the spectacular basin at Montrose and historic properties in abundance, including Glamis Castle and the House of Dun.
Kirriemuir is the gateway to the Angus Glens and the birthplace of JM Barrie and there is a statue of Peter Pan in the town centre.
Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration vessel is just one good reason to visit the City of Discovery, Dundee. Scotland’s 4th city is fast becoming a shopper’s paradise and is a popular choice for a family day out from a holiday home in Angus. For a break from self-catering, try the local restaurant specialities including seafood, soft fruit, Forfar bridies and Arbroath smokies.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Angus, Scotland.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
Destination Guides in Perth, Stirling, Fife & Angus
Return to Holiday In Scotland: Destination Guide