A small sample from the finest selection of Country Holiday Cottages in Scotland.

UMF   Dunbheag Cottage - Sleeps 4 - Strone, Dunoon - Map    Route
Enjoying wonderful views over the Holy Loch, this detached, single-storey property with its own garden stands in the village of Strone within the Argyll Forest Park, which is part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Set within its own grounds, it is beautifully furnished and makes a lovely relaxing holiday base. There is a 9-hole golf course in the village and fishing on the loch nearby. Dunoon (10miles) is a popular holiday resort with many amenities, good sea fishing and ferries to Greenock, from where it is just a short drive to Glasgow. The area boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery, with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves and mysterious, forest-covered slopes. Sandy beach 5miles. Pub 10minutes walk.

UAS    Foxlands Cottage - Sleeps 7   Aberfeldy, Perthshire - Map    Route
Surrounded by some of Perthshire's finest scenery, this very comfortable, well-equipped cottage is within easy walking distance of the small Highland town of Aberfeldy and its many amenities. Attached at one end to another cottage, it has its own garden and is set across a courtyard from `Toad Hall'. Less than half a mile away, visitors enjoy free membership of a country club offering an indoor heated swimming-pool and many other sports, as well as bars and restaurants. Kenmore 6miles. Tennis, riding and golf nearby. Pub 250yards.

UNS    Stables Cottage -  Sleeps 3    Blebo, Nr St Andrews - Map    Route
Lying just 6 miles from St Andrews and set amidst quiet countryside, this charming, mid 19th-century single-storey cottage enjoys its own garden. Tastefully furnished and equipped to a high standard, it stands alone, boasting views of wooded fields and a small stable yard. Benefiting from a wealth of golfing opportunities (17 courses in the vicinity), Stables Cottage makes an ideal base from which to tour the fishing villages, beaches and cliffs of the East Neuk of Fife. The Scottish Deer Centre and The British Golf Museum accessible. Fishing locally. Inns 2 miles at Ceres.

UXA    The Stewart Apartment - Sleeps 2      Edinburgh - Map    Route 
Set within a complex of 42 properties in the heart of the Georgian New Town area of Edinburgh, these S.T.B. `4 Star' apartments offer stylish, well-equipped and ideally situated accommodation within a cosmopolitan city. Thoughtfully designed, they each have ample wardrobe space, electric central heating (individually controlled for each room), direct dial telephone with private number and secure parking, with handy extras such as trouser press, hairdryer and security entryphone. The apartments are just a few minutes' walk from Princes Street, the city's main shopping area, which is overlooked by the fairytale Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street Gardens, with the 200ft Scott Monument, roughly divides Edinburgh into two parts - the medieval Old Town, and the New Town, which was built later during the Age of Reason. The Old Town bears testimony to its role as a capital city, and includes the magnificent castle, which commands astounding views over the city from its vantage point atop a rocky mound of volcanic origin. Much history can be gleaned from a tour of the castle, and the Honours of Scotland are to be found in the Crown Room. On display are the sceptre, sword and jewel-encrusted crown, as well as the Stone of Destiny - used as the coronation throne on which all kings of Scotland were crowned.
Set within a complex of 42 properties in the heart of the Georgian New Town area of Edinburgh, these S.T.B. `4 Star' apartments offer stylish, well-equipped and ideally situated accommodation within a cosmopolitan city. Thoughtfully designed, they each have ample wardrobe space, electric central heating (individually controlled for each room), direct dial telephone with private number and secure parking, with handy extras such as trouser press, hairdryer and security entryphone. The apartments are just a few minutes' walk from Princes Street, the city's main shopping area, which is overlooked by the fairytale Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street Gardens, with the 200ft Scott Monument, roughly divides Edinburgh into two parts - the medieval Old Town, and the New Town, which was built later during the Age of Reason. The Old Town bears testimony to its role as a capital city, and includes the magnificent castle, which commands astounding views over the city from its vantage point atop a rocky mound of volcanic origin. Much history can be gleaned from a tour of the castle, and the Honours of Scotland are to be found in the Crown Room. On display are the sceptre, sword and jewel-encrusted crown, as well as the Stone of Destiny - used as the coronation throne on which all kings of Scotland were crowned.
As the setting for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the castle Esplanade enjoys fine views over the Pentland Hills, and leading down to the chateau-like Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile is made up of four separate streets - Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. Several places of interest line the route, including the Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Centre, Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, the Outlook Tower (with camera obscura) and the Assembly Hall, home of the Scottish Parliament. Other stopping-off points along the route include Gladstone's Land (where it is possible to take a glimpse back at Edinburgh in the 17th century), and the People's Story Museum. At the end of the Royal Mile, lies Holyrood, Edinburgh's royal quarter, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Park. The five miles or so comprising the Park contain a variety of landscapes - mountains, glens, lochs, moorland and marshes. The extinct volcano of Arthur's Seat is also situated here, and its ascent rewards walkers with views of the city as well as the Firth of Forth, and even as far as the southernmost mountains of the Highlands on a clear day. Standing in contrast to the Old Town, the New Town is laid out in orderly fashion, with crescents, squares, terraces and circuses. As the hub of the city's professional, commercial and business life, it also boasts the National Gallery of Scotland and the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art. Within the suburbs of the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens (with its exotic Glasshouse Experience), the Zoo and the Royal Observatory are all major attractions, whilst within easy reach is fashionable Leith, the city's medieval port, with the best selection of restaurants, wine bars and coffee shops in Edinburgh. The Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently docked and can be boarded for an insight into how the Royal Family lived aboard this beautiful ship. There is easy access to the A1 and city by-pass, which enables the Borders, Fife coast and Perthshire all to be explored, and from Waverly Station, the city of Glasgow is just a train ride away.

UPK    Lochside Stable House - Sleeps 11    Yetholm, Nr Kelso -  Map    Route
This beautiful Victorian house with stunning views over a loch and hills, sits between its own large garden and the flower-filled courtyard of Lochside House. Set within parkland with rare breeds and horses, this comfortable property is extremely well-equipped and superbly furnished with antiques and soft sofas, perfect for relaxing in after exploring the many abbeys, castles and old houses found within the area. Numerous recreational facilities are provided for visitors - without even having to leave the grounds - and which cater for a whole range of interests and a variety of tastes. Music lovers will be delighted by the presence of a harmonium found in the hall, as well as a piano which graces the drawing room; whilst a selection of games, toys and books make for an enjoyable evening spent together as a family. The more sports-orientated are able to while away many happy hours playing snooker and badminton, or enjoying the more sedate game of croquet, whilst trout and coarse fishing are also available on-site at cost. A pub to frequent in the evenings lies just 1.5 miles away. The village of Yetholm is made up of two distinct parts - Kirk Yetholm and Town Yetholm, which lie just ?mile apart. Situated on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, they mark the end of the Pennine Way footpath, as well as the second leg of St Cuthbert's Way (a 60-mile walk ending at Holy Island in Northumberland). Six miles to the north is Kelso, where surviving ruins belie the fact that Kelso Abbey was once the richest and most powerful in southern Scotland, and took eighty years to build. Kelso lies at the confluence of the River Tweed and River Teviot, a renowned spot for salmon fishing, and a short walk leads to Floors Castle, a huge castellated mansion overlooking the Tweed, which is open for visiting (April to Oct).

SCCW    Find Me Out - Sleeps 4    Dalmellington, Ayr - Map    Route
Set amidst the hills of the Southern Uplands, this beautifully restored stone cottage set on the banks of a rushing stream offers a truly relaxing getaway. Situated in 3000 acres of undisturbed woodland, wetland and other natural habitats, recognised for their importance by their designations as SSSI's. Wildlife is abundant in this area including red squirrels, ospreys, golden eagles, roe deer and badgers. The estate also offers fishing, pony trekking and riding, 27km of all terrain cycling, woodland walks, and canoeing and kayaking (grade 3+). Golf available at the famed Royal Troon and Turnberry Golf Courses only 20 miles away. Ayr 15 miles, Castle Douglas 30 miles and 35 miles.

SGE - Lochalsh View   - Sleeps 5  , Nostie, by Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-shire, Scotland

Route from Edinburgh

Occupying a spectacular location amid the Glensheil mountains, and overlooking the Five Sisters of Kintail, this beautiful detached, single-storey house provides warm and cosy accommodation, just 100 metres from the shore of Loch Alsh. An ideal area to spot roe deer and otters, indeed Otter Hide, the setting for Ring of Bright Water, is only 7 miles away. Eilean Donan Castle, built in the 13th-century to ward off Viking invaders, is within 2 miles. Isle of Skye bridge, 7 miles. Swimming pool and leisure centre, 7 miles. Pony trekking 25 yards. Shops 2 miles..

UGF   Campbell's Close Apartment- sleeps 4   Edinburgh - Map    Route

Close to the centre of Edinburgh, yet boasting a quiet location, this attractive and spacious ground floor apartment is set back from busy Canongate, and approached by a small, secure, shared garden with shrubs and trees. Part of an old brewery conversion amidst beautiful landscaped gardens, including the gardens of Canongate Kirk, it is surrounded by the fascinating Old Town, with many interesting shops and restaurants.

Within just a few minutes' walk are Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey. North Bridge, Prince's Street and Edinburgh Castle are just a 10-minute walk. Border country easily accessible.

SFFB   Clocktower House -  Sleeps 8     Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas - Map   Route
Clocktower House is located within the Conservation Area of Gatehouse of Fleet in a pretty and quiet street leading to the Galloway Forest. The spacious house overlooks the famous Clock Tower and has been upgraded to a high standard but with original features preserved. Clocktower House has an enclosed southwest-facing garden and is an ideal spot from which to explore the surrounding countryside. There are marked trails for walking or cycling in the Galloway Forest and south-facing beaches and coastal walks nearby. There is a 9-hole golf course a short walk away and the town also boasts the Mill on the Fleet with exhibitions of arts and crafts. Cardoness Castle and Cally Gardens are well worth a visit, as is the nearby artist town of Kirkcudbright. Award-winning pub and restaurants 50 yards.

"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .''
In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water lilies, splendid trees, flowering shrubs and woodland drives, the splendid cottages at Kinmount Court are only a few miles from the sandy shoreline, which sweeps westwards to yachting harbours and bird reserves. This meticulous, architect-designed conversion has transformed the Victorian servants' wing of magnificent Kinmount House into a delightful courtyard cluster of eight cottages, which retain a wealth of original features and details, and possess tremendous atmosphere and charm, which makes it an ideal marquee wedding venue with ballroom included. They enjoy shared use of outstanding facilities, including a superb indoor heated swimming-pool, which has been sensitively incorporated into one side of the courtyard. Open daily all year round, the pool has full changing facilities, and its building also houses a sauna, sunbed, cardio gym and games room with pool table. The cottages themselves have been luxuriously appointed; the master bedrooms have four-poster beds, the kitchens are lavishly equipped and the utmost care has been taken over the choice of fabrics and furnishings. Alongside the gracious main house, they are set around the attractive courtyard with patio and barbecue areas - and an extensive grassed area offers plenty of space to relax, as well as an equipped play space for children. From the cottages, there is immediate access to the grounds where azaleas and rhododendrons are a pageant of colour in the summer. With lakes in front of the house, it is a fitting setting for properties of the finest quality, which boast views over shimmering waters to the Lakeland hills across the Solway Firth. Kinmount Court has access to exclusive salmon beats on the Rivers Annan and Nith including the famous Barjarg beat that boasts a salmon catch of 67lb, in 1812,by well-known poacher, Jock Wallace, and confirmed by the Earl of the home. More up to date catches are now giving an average of 59salmon and 160sea trout in a a season along this two mile beat. One to one fishing tuition can also be arranged for novices. Prices at cost - dependant on the time of year. Just 2miles from the cottages is Powfoot, created in the 1790sas a sea-bathing resort by one of the owners of Kinmount House. Set above a beach, it has an excellent golf course, one of several along this coast. About a mile further on, the river at the redstone town of Annan is famous for its salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing, and there are pleasant walks along both banks. The town boasts achoice of restaurants and pubs, as well as a sports centre. At Ecclefechan (6miles) Thomas Carlyle's birthplace is to be found, containing a collection of relics and letters. Rammerscales (8miles) is aGeorgian house linked with Flora MacDonald. Along the coast at Caerlaverock (8miles), 13,000acres of salt-marsh and foreshore have been designated a National Nature Reserve; barnacle, pink-footed and greylag geese feeding on the saltings in Autumn and Winter make this one of the most notable bird sanctuaries in Britain. Overlooking the reserve from a wooded mound are the striking red sandstone ruins of Caerlaverock Castle, dating from the end of the 13th century and besieged many times during the Border wars. In the parish church at Ruthwell, the Ruthwell cross is a most impressive example of 7th-century stone carving, inscribed with verses from The Dream of the Rood. Dumfries (13miles) is renowned for its Burns museum, and has a fine golf course. Further west are quaint fishing villages and the rugged beauty of the Galloway Hills. The area offers bountiful opportunities for sailing, water sports and riding, and the nearby towns offer good shopping and a variety of inns and eating places.

S87  Nursery Cottage - Sleeps 4   Alloway Ayr, Ayrshire - Map   Route
Located in the heart of Robert Burns country with the poet's birth place at Burns Cottage just a 5 minute stroll away, this detached cottage has been beautifully furnished in keeeping with its age. Set within the delightful conservation village of Alloway, the property is just a short walk from the `auld kirk and brig o' doon', the Tam O' Shanter Experience Visitor Centre and superb riverside hotel offering traditional Scottish hospitality. Culzean Castle, the scenic coast and islands, country and seaside walks, river fishing and over 40 excellent golf courses are on the doorstep. Glasgow and Prestwick airports within an hours drive.