Dog-friendly Ross & Cromarty

Cross Tides is the quintessential seaside cottage. Situated in a quiet backwater lane in the fishing village of Hilton and with gardens that open directly onto the shoreline, this pretty 19th Century stone cottage is ideal for couples. There is a cosy living room downstairs with welcoming open fire and a second living/dining room upstairs with a dining table, comfy seating and stunning sea views, ideal for sitting and watching the ever changing seascape and the small fishing boats along the shoreline. There are two pretty bedrooms and a modern shower room on the ground floor. The terrace garden is attractively set with tubs and flowering plants. A small gate opens onto the beach and small fishing harbour.
The village of Hilton is one of several pretty ‘seaboard’ villages that straddle this lovely Ross-shire coastline. They all possess beautifully kept seafronts and little harbours, with rocky outcrops interspersed with stunning sandy beaches. This coastline is completely unspoilt and provides an idyllic seaside holiday away from the crowds.
Dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen in the bay and even the occasional basking shark and Beluga whale have been spotted close to shore. Just a short walk from the cottage there is an excellent pub, restaurant, café and a small local store. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Cycling, hill walking, golf, fishing, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and surfing are all enjoyed locally. Within ten minutes’ drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Predominantly built of local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors. This part of the Highlands is easily accessible for exploring the whole of the north.

The name Solus Na Madainn, which means "Morning Light" in Scottish Gaelic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this lovely cottage. This cosy abode boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for couples, small families, or friends looking for a peaceful getaway. The two bedrooms are thoughtfully furnished and provide a restful night’s sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to explore the stunning surroundings. The cottage’s interior is tastefully decorated, blending modern comforts with traditional Scottish charm. The open-plan living area features a well-equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a comfortable lounge with a wood-burning stove. Large windows allow ample natural light to flood in, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of Solus Na Madainn is its beautiful garden, a haven of serenity. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while taking in the stunning Scottish landscapes. The garden is a great spot for birdwatching, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife.
Easter Ross itself is a region of outstanding natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and historic towns. The cottage is ideally situated for exploring the nearby Black Isle, Cromarty, and the stunning Glen Affric, which offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family adventure, Solus Na Madainn in Easter Ross is a welcoming and picturesque retreat, offering the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. It’s an idyllic place to experience the magic of the Scottish Highlands and create lasting memories. Beach 7¾ miles.

The Barn at The Old Manse is a superb conversion of an 18th-century stone barn, set in the grounds of a historic listed building dating back to the 1780s which the owners run as a B&B. Set in a large 2-acre woodland garden, it provides a very good standard of accommodation in a tranquil yet accessible location. The main living area is a stunning room on the ground floor converted from the old barn into a beautiful open plan living area, whilst retaining many of the original features. High ceilings, original oak beams and deep-silled windows are complemented by a large wood burner, wood flooring and colour co-ordinated soft furnishings throughout. Stairs lead up from the living room to a mezzanine floor above, providing a second living room, which also doubles as a second bedroom with a deep leather sofa that converts to a double bed if required.
Set away from the main house, with its own pretty patio areas, both front and back, The Barn enjoys peace and quiet as well as stunning views across the open countryside. Visitors are welcome to wander the woodland grounds and enjoy the pretty walks all around. The Barn is situated in the small hamlet of Kildary, just 28 miles north of Inverness, with numerous lovely walks direct from the door. The thriving small town of Tain, Scotland’s oldest Royal Burgh, is 5 miles away. There are a number of supermarkets here, as well as a good selection of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops. For those who enjoy a ’wee dram’, Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair distilleries are all close by and open to the public. The pretty Seaboard villages of Balintore, Shandwick and Portmahomack are just 10 minutes’ drive away, and the beach at the Royal Burgh of Dornoch lies just 15 miles to the north. Golfer’s are spoilt for choice, with Tain, Alness and Golspie courses within close proximity and the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club nearby, which is ranked 5th in the world. Further afield, both Ullapool and John o’ Groats are a scenic 2-hour drive. Wildlife is abundant in the area; red kites and buzzards frequently wheel overhead and owls are often heard in the garden at night. Deer are also regularly seen close by. Beach 6 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.
Scottish Letting Licence number: HI20022F.

Grieve’s Cottage is a delightful traditional stone cottage situated in its own generous garden grounds with a state-of-the-art hot tub for visitors’ sole use. Situated amidst open countryside, with stunning uninterrupted views in all directions, the cottage is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy its very good quality facilities and accommodation.
This single-storey end terraced farm cottage (whose name derives from the Scottish for farm foreman) has been extensively renovated and refurbished whilst retaining its original charm, including exposed stone walls and dry stone walling. It is set at the end of a quiet private lane on the owner’s working farm. Whilst the main living area is open plan, a sense of luxury is created with deep leather sofa suites and attractive lighting. The kitchen is accessed through an original exposed stone wall. Large canvases of the surrounding area add to the unique charm of this superbly presented cottage. Outside, a gravelled path leads out to the hot tub area, enclosed by fencing and original stone walls, it is private and secluded. A charming summer house overlooking the hot tub has comfortable outdoor dining chairs and there is a table for alfresco dining by the tub.
The charming and historic seaside village of Portmahomack has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub, café and two restaurants and is just 1 mile away and less than a mile from the cottage you will find Portmahomack Tarbat Golf Club. With its horseshoe shaped sandy bay and superb mountain backdrop, it is a wonderful place to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. The harbour and pier are ideal for small boats, a spot of crabbing or fishing. The region is noted for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage. A trip out to the local lighthouse further along the lane is a must, with the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins and numerous seabirds. The nearby town of Tain has further excellent facilities, including restaurants, supermarkets and bars. Grieve’s Cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region and will provide a memorable and indulgent pampering break for all. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Grieve’s Cottage can be booked together with The Paddock (ref UK5049) and Sheaf Dale (ref UK5470) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

Academy Street Cottage is tucked away in historic Tain in the Northern Highlands of Scotland.
Built in the 18th century, this traditional cottage is full of character and also has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The cottage has two bedrooms, a set of twin beds on the ground floor and a double bed on the first floor. There’s a shower room with a shower cubicle on the first floor. The rest of the ground floor is made up of a spacious living room with cute woodburner and a kitchen/dining room. There’s a door from the kitchen/dining room to the rear enclosed garden which is perfect for long balmy evenings as well as dogs who are more than welcome.
Academy Street Cottage is a part of the historic centre of Tain, which received its first Royal Charter in 1066 making it the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland. The sandy buildings are from different periods and it really is a joy to wander around the town. Tain remains a bit off the beaten track because the A9 bypass zoomed potential visitors beyond the town. It’s everyone else’s loss, because staying in Tain is a real treat and you’ll be so glad you decided to stay at Academy Street Cottage. There are restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as lots of independent shops to enjoy. Greens is a local café/bar/restaurant that’s a firm favourite and one you must check out when staying in Tain. The town also offers up a golf course designed by Open Championship winner Old Tom Morris. A hidden gem of a course and one that you’ll fall for no matter what your score.
Royal Dornoch is also just 10 miles away and a little further you have the James Braid masterpieces of Golspie and Brora to try too. Academy Street Cottage is a perfect golfing base. The cottage is also a great base for those wanting to venture up and into the Northern Highlands. The NC500 skirts Tain, so you can swiftly join it and get exploring amazing places far and wide. There’s so much to see in the far north, and all places are within reach of Academy Street Cottage - you could even confidently day trip to Orkney if the weather was calm! Book now and rest assured of a lovely stay at Academy Street Cottage. Beach 10 miles.

Well Cottage is tucked away in the characterful village of Portmahomack, enjoying a lovely situation next to a village church and the Carnegie village hall. Well Cottage was originally a bakery in the 19th century, and the old well beside the property supplied all the water needed for baking. The local pub, shop and beach are all within a stone’s throw from the cottage.
Well Cottage is attractive from first glance, and it keeps on giving as you enter inside the property. The coastal theme is tastefully finished and interesting throughout, all rooms are white and bright, making the most of the coastal light. There are two spacious bedrooms, both with beautifully finished en-suite shower rooms. The open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and living room is a lovely, spacious and bright area, perfect for relaxing after a busy day of exploring. The garden has been cleverly landscaped with decking to provide guests with a sea view across the rooftops of Portmahomack.
Well Cottage keeps on giving and Portmahomack does the same, together offering a lovely coastal retreat in a charming village location. Portmahomack is the only eastern Scottish village that faces due west and is famed for its stunning sunsets. It’s easy to see why people want to return to The Port! After a stay in Well Cottage you are sure to want to return to the beautiful village of Portmahomack. Beach 100 yards. Pub 120 yards.

Shore Walk is located in the pretty fishing village of Balintore with spectacular views to both the front and rear of the property. The property is 100 yards from a beautiful sandy beach and offers the ideal holiday cottage for four guests.
Walking through the front door there is a bright hall with storage for coats and footwear after a day out exploring. The beautiful open plan living area has a cosy wood burning stove, comfy sofas, Smart TV, reading material, board games and Anta accessories making it a lovely space to spend an evening. The spacious fully equipped kitchen has everything needed for the chef of the family to cook a home-cooked meal and the added benefit of a dining area with a table and four chairs. This floor is completed with a separate toilet with a wash basin. On the first floor, there is the master bedroom with a super kingsize bed, bedside tables, lamps, and a wardrobe with plenty of storage. The second bedroom is a spacious twin with bedside tables, lamps, and a wardrobe with more storage. The family bathroom is on this floor with a walk-in shower, wash basin and toilet. Outside, the fully enclosed rear garden includes a patio and a picnic bench and loungers.
There is a Scottish Fare welcome box supplied for your stay, and logs are only supplied for the first night so additional logs can be purchased locally. There is a storage box with towels for your four-legged friend after a trip to the beach. There are kid’s buckets and spades for the beach, beach towels and crab catchers as you are able to catch crabs at the harbour.
Balintore has the Seaboard Centre situated on the seafront which has a cafe offering lunches, afternoon tea and coffee, the village post office is also located there. There is a small shop and chemist a short walk from Shore Walk. There is a popular restaurant and bar serving good quality meals and is just a short walk from the property. There is plenty to do in the area with the nearby town of Tain only 9 miles away offering a good selection of local shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and bars. There is a golf course and the famous Glenmorangie distillery close by too. Shore Walk and Balintore is the perfect location to base yourself and explore the Highlands and surrounding area. You will definitely not be disappointed. Beach 150 yards. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Tain, Scotland, this charming two-bedroom, one bathroom property offers a cosy and inviting retreat for those seeking a tranquil Highland escape. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and filled with modern comforts, this property is the perfect base to explore Tain and the surrounding beauty. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance. The open-plan living area features a wood-burning stove, perfect for snuggling up by the fire during the colder months. The cottage boasts a well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable dining area, making it a delightful space for both relaxation and home-cooked meals. The cottage accommodates up to four guests with two charming bedrooms, each designed to provide a peaceful night’s sleep. Neutral tones and soft furnishings create a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a restful stay.
The property location in Tain offers a wealth of outdoor activities and scenic experiences. Tain is renowned for its golf courses, making it a golfer’s paradise. Beyond golf, the area offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and cycling along the scenic routes that meander through the beautiful countryside. Tain has a good selection of cafes, restaurants and bars offering a selection of Highland Fayre. The captivating museum showcases the rich history and heritage of Tain, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf at this renowned golf course, set against the backdrop of the Dornoch Firth and just over the bridge you have the world renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Course. Whisky enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to this world-famous distillery, where you can explore the whisky-making process and indulge in tastings.
A short drive away, the charming town of Dornoch boasts a stunning beach, historic cathedral, and quaint shops and cafes. This property offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Whether you’re looking to curl up by the wood-burning stove or set out to explore the natural beauty and cultural attractions of the region, this property is an ideal Highland hideaway. Discover the tranquillity and charm of Tain and create lasting memories in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Balnaha Cottage has been lovingly renovated in 2023 and offers a fantastic base for your holiday in the Highlands.
Walking through the front door takes you into the hallway to the left is the bright open plan living and dining area, which has leather sofas and a wood burner, perfect for a relaxing evening after a busy day exploring the area. The modern fully equipped kitchen area has plenty of cupboard space. There is dining table and chairs which completes the area. The master bedroom has a zip and link kingsize bed, bedside tables, lights and storage, the en-suite has a spacious walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a kingsize bed, bedside tables, lights and a funky storage solution incorporated behind the headboard. Both bedrooms are completed with luxurious bedding and towels. The family bathroom with bath and walk-in shower is also Jack and Jill to the second bedroom. The rear hallway has storage for coats and footwear after a day exploring. Outside there is enclosed front garden laid to lawn, with a seating area to the far side of the cottage with patio, table and chairs, perfect for al fresco dining.
Fearn is only 10 minutes from Tain which offers a selection of supermarkets, local shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. It is home to the Glenmorangie Distillery and has a golf course. The property is 5-minutes from both Balintore and Portmahomack, both of which have beautiful beaches and amazing scenic walks taking in spectacular views and selection of wildlife. Portmahomack also has a beautiful golf course and is home to Tarbatness Lighthouse. Balnaha Cottage is only 23-minutes from Dornoch which has a selection of local shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. There is the Royal Dornoch golf course for the golf lovers, and every Saturday evening throughout the summer the Dornoch Pipe Band play in the square. Balnaha Cottage is the perfect base to explore the area and relax in beautiful surrounding in the evening, you will not be disappointed.