Our places to stay in Scotland range from remote bothies in the Highlands to grand country houses in the borders via stylish apartments in Edinburgh. It’s such a broad spectrum that it might make you question what we look for in the places we work with. The answer is, something special.  

All our places to stay are small-scale, independent businesses, run by people doing things their own way and letting their personality shine through. We personally inspect each one, to check the comfort and quality, but also to get a sense of who would love it. 

When they join us as members, we put you directly in touch with them, taking no commission from anyone, which saves them money and helps them survive in an industry that’s stacked in favour of huge, soulless chain hotels.    

So browse our collection of colourful, characterful places to stay in Scotland, knowing that not only could you end up staying somewhere great but you’ll be supporting someone great too.  

Featured places to stay in Scotland

Find inspiration with our favourite places to stay in Scotland

Scotland is blessed with some of the largest, most remote, areas of wilderness in the UK. Come to marvel at golden eagles swooping above lochs and mountains; basking seals, dolphins and minke whales plunging through squally waves; and find peace on breathtakingly beautiful islands fringed by white sands and turquoise waters.

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With the remote western isles, the beaches of North Berwick and the long coastline of the Firth of Forth, there’s a huge variety of experiences on offer from coastal cottages in Scotland. Some will take you days of trekking and boat trips to arrive at, some are a short hop from the city centre.

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In this hand-picked collection of rustic-luxe holiday cottages in Scotland we’ve highlighted places that allow the outside to do all the talking, where nature is framed in vast picture windows, leaving you with a feeling of peace and tranquillity no matter the weather.

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At our places to stay in Scotland with hot tubs, you’ll always find a generous supply of logs, scented potions and cosy robes, and perhaps an added sauna or treatment room. Feel your cares melt away under the ministrations of warm water.

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From slick and sleek contemporary spaces themed on pictish brochs to a masterfully renovated 14th-century defence tower, an 1800s tabernacle and a Scottish Baronial house, here is a surprising and unusual selection of places to stay in bonny Scotland.

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Scotland, including her scattering of myriad islands, can lay claim to a whopping 11,602 miles (18,672 km) of wild and rugged coastline. Come to gaze in awe at sea eagles, puffins, osprey, dolphins, seals and otters from this collection of coastal places to stay in bonny Scotland.

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Bags of style, huge comfort, spoiling treats and the warmest of welcomes is what makes each one of these places tip the scales towards a luxurious stay. The word luxury can feel overused in the travel industry but for us it simply means indulgent and cosseting.

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One of the largest of Scotland’s islands, Skye’s stunning scenery is heaven for walkers. The seafood is sublime, whether you’re cooking at your self-catering pad, being cooked for at your hotel, or treating yourself at Michelin-star Loch Bay. Discover it all at this handful of special places to stay on the Isle of Skye.

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Our family friendly places in Scotland have this and more. Find egg collecting and tractor rides for little ones, a PS4 console and Smart TV to keep teens happy, ping pong, tennis and croquet for all ages. And beyond the door, miles and miles of glorious wildlife-rich countryside. Each one is a recipe for success.

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About our places to stay in Scotland

What is the best month to visit Scotland? 

May and September are the best months to visit Scotland. In May, you get long days, blooming wildflowers and (usually) fewer midges. September brings golden light, purple heather and the start of autumn’s beauty. Visiting outside of peak summer helps ease pressure on Scotland’s wild places and communities, all part of travelling more thoughtfully in a country deeply rooted in nature. Every season has its charm, but those shoulder months let you experience the landscapes and hospitality at their most authentic.  

How many days in Scotland is enough? 

You can get a flavour of Scotland in three days, especially if you focus on one region – think a weekend in the Highlands, Edinburgh or the Hebrides. But to truly soak it in, five to ten days gives you time to drive scenic routes like the NC500 or the Argyll Coastal Way, and venture beyond the usual spots. It’s a country best experienced gradually, with space to linger by lochs, detour to whisky distilleries, and stumble upon hidden beaches or castle ruins. 

What should you do in Scotland? 

Scotland is for hikers, historians, foodies, and creatives alike. Climb a Munro, wander the Royal Mile, eat your way through local, homegrown produce, or lose an afternoon in a Highland bookshop. There are whisky tastings, wild swims, ceilidhs in village halls, and ferry trips to islands. The best experiences are often unplanned – seal spotting from a kayak, or the perfect bothy found just before nightfall. Come curious and you’ll leave with stories. 

What is the prettiest place in Scotland to visit? 

Scotland’s beauty is wildly varied, so it’s kind of impossible to choose just one. The Isle of Skye is legendary, with jagged peaks and otherworldly landscapes. The Cairngorms feel vast and still, full of lochs and quiet forests. Edinburgh’s skyline is beautiful, especially from Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat at sunset. Then there’s the dramatic coastline of the North West Highlands, or the pastel houses of Tobermory on Mull. If you want a local’s tip, try the underrated Assynt region. It’s hauntingly stunning and still under the radar. 

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