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Make a holiday rental cottage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands your home away from home

It is hard to describe the pure beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands to someone who has not seen the area with their own eyes. It seems that every twist in the road brings you to a new landscape or new little community to explore. Wildlife and nature play a large part in life in the Highlands and Islands, and there are few places in Europe where you can go on holiday in such unspoilt surroundings. Most people looking for self catering accommodation in the Highlands and Islands will already know a huge amount about the area and the possibilities for walking holidays, golfing breaks and fishing trips, but there is always more to see and do in the far north of the UK!

Things to do on holiday in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

Gaelic culture is still strong in the Highlands and Islands, and although the small communities which adorn the landscape have had to adapt to survive, there are still distinct features of Gaelic culture in music, food, arts and sport, which all come together perfectly at the frequent Highland Games competitions which occur throughout the summer. If the local games are on when you are staying in a holiday property in the Highlands and Islands, you are in luck. They provide a wonderful day, brimming with entertainment and Scottish delicacies! Local folklore is hugely regional, and there are some magnificent stories and tales to investigate, which really capture the imagination.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands have had a rough and highly innovative history, resulting in the landscape being covered with fascinating places of interest from huge, humbling castles and ancient monuments to whiskey distilleries and original steam engines.

Walkers, hikers and climbers who fancy a challenge and unrivalled peace will be in their own personal heaven whilst staying in a property in the Scottish Highlands. You could walk and climb for days without having to walk across a road, and there are an enormous variety of marked trails to embark upon, from the dramatic coastal paths to the timelessly secluded forest trails. Riding and mountain biking holidays thrive from Highlands accommodation too.

There are over 40 golf courses to choose from when staying in a cottage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Golfers will already know of courses like Nairn, but wherever you decide to take self catering accommodation in the Scottish highlands and Islands, you are sure to be able to find a local course for a round.

The untainted rivers and lochs of the Highlands and Islands teem with fish, and although conditions may vary from the optimum conditions you are used to, finding someone willing to pass on a little local knowledge should not be too hard in the Highlands! Fishing permits are required, but are easily purchased from most towns. The waterways and coast of the Scottish Highlands and Islands are perfect for water sports, although wet suits are strongly advised for much of the year. Sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are among the most popular.

During the winter, the Scottish Highlands and Islands are the best place in the UK for skiing. The skiing in Scotland is highly enjoyable, with rewarding runs for beginners and experts alike. There are three main skiing centres which all provide everything you need for a fun skiing holiday or weekend break. These are to be found in the Nevis Range, (near Ben Nevis, and offering Scotland’s highest pistes), Cairngorm (the most popular) and Glencoe (which offers the longest runs in Scotland).

Anyone staying in a self catering holiday in the Scottish Highlands and Islands towards the southern region should also concider a quick exploration of the Aberdeen and Grampion region.

Weather in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

The weather in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is famously unpredictable, largely due to their position on the edge of the European landmass. The weather is not as bad as it may appear by the number of jokes made, but it is nonetheless hard to predict! As long as you have a jacket ‘just in case’, there should be no problems!

Travel to the Scottish Highlands and Islands

There are numerous options for reaching self catering accommodation in the Highlands and Islands. Some of the more remote cottages will have specific instructions for arrival, but in general, Inverness Airport (INV) is the main entry point, with flights from London taking just over an hour. Alternatively, road and rail networks are surprisingly good across the region, but having the freedom to explore by car is a real luxury.


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    Wonderful! 4.9/5
    (67 reviews)
    £90
    avg/night
    • 2 BR
    • 2 BA
    • Sleeps 4
    House #8166008
    67
    Viewed 174 times in the last 48 hours
      Wonderful! 4.8/5
      (5 reviews)
      £61
      avg/night
      • 4 BR
      • 2 BA
      • Sleeps 7
      House #898508
      5
      Viewed 65 times in the last 48 hours
        Exceptional! 5/5
        (26 reviews)
        £125
        avg/night
        • 3 BR
        • 3 BA
        • Sleeps 6
        Cottage #6789331
        26
        Viewed 63 times in the last 48 hours
          Excellent! 4.6/5
          (28 reviews)
          £67
          avg/night
          • 1 BR
          • 1 BA
          • Sleeps 3
          Apartment #1767166
          28
          Viewed 30 times in the last 48 hours
            Exceptional! 5/5
            (58 reviews)
            £145
            avg/night
            • 2 BR
            • 2 BA
            • Separate Toilet
            • Sleeps 5
            House #720112
            58
            Viewed 41 times in the last 48 hours
              Exceptional! 5/5
              (44 reviews)
              £127
              avg/night
              • 5 BR
              • 2 BA
              • Sleeps 12
              House #1039674
              44
              Viewed 67 times in the last 48 hours
                Exceptional! 5/5
                (61 reviews)
                £66
                avg/night
                • 1 BR
                • 1 BA
                • Sleeps 3
                Cottage #711010
                61
                Viewed 52 times in the last 48 hours
                  Excellent! 4.6/5
                  (11 reviews)
                  £128
                  avg/night
                  • 5 BR
                  • 4 BA
                  • Sleeps 10
                  House #486570
                  11
                  Viewed 45 times in the last 48 hours
                    Excellent! 4.7/5
                    (29 reviews)
                    £100
                    avg/night
                    • 2 BR
                    • 1 BA
                    • Sleeps 4
                    Cottage #1767167
                    29
                    Viewed 38 times in the last 48 hours
                      Wonderful! 4.9/5
                      (15 reviews)
                      £55
                      avg/night
                      • 2 BR
                      • 1 BA
                      • Sleeps 4
                      Cottage #8170588
                      15
                      Viewed 69 times in the last 48 hours
                        Exceptional! 5/5
                        (21 reviews)
                        £77
                        avg/night
                        • 3 BR
                        • 1 BA
                        • Sleeps 5
                        Cottage #6732649
                        21
                        Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                          Wonderful! 4.9/5
                          (19 reviews)
                          £113
                          avg/night
                          • 3 BR
                          • 2 BA
                          • Sleeps 6
                          Cottage #8151457
                          19
                          Viewed 18 times in the last 48 hours
                            Wonderful! 4.8/5
                            (19 reviews)
                            £107
                            avg/night
                            • 4 BR
                            • 2 BA
                            • Separate Toilet
                            • Sleeps 8
                            Cottage #870553
                            19
                            Viewed 24 times in the last 48 hours
                              Exceptional! 5/5
                              (28 reviews)
                              £98
                              avg/night
                              • 2 BR
                              • 2 BA
                              • Sleeps 4
                              Cottage #412184
                              28
                              Viewed 46 times in the last 48 hours
                                Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                (55 reviews)
                                £65
                                avg/night
                                • 3 BR
                                • 1 BA
                                • Sleeps 5
                                Cottage #8146034
                                55
                                Viewed 53 times in the last 48 hours
                                  Excellent! 4.7/5
                                  (12 reviews)
                                  £190
                                  avg/night
                                  • 4 BR
                                  • 3 BA
                                  • Sleeps 8
                                  House #1994102
                                  12
                                  Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                    Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                    (52 reviews)
                                    £66
                                    avg/night
                                    • 2 BR
                                    • 1 BA
                                    • Sleeps 4
                                    Cottage #722905
                                    52
                                    Viewed 58 times in the last 48 hours
                                      Excellent! 4.7/5
                                      (21 reviews)
                                      £78
                                      avg/night
                                      • 2 BR
                                      • 2 BA
                                      • Sleeps 4
                                      Cottage #8077168
                                      21
                                      Viewed 9 times in the last 48 hours
                                        Very Good! 4.2/5
                                        (11 reviews)
                                        £58
                                        avg/night
                                        • 3 BR
                                        • 1 BA
                                        • Sleeps 6
                                        Cottage #1087426
                                        11
                                        Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                          Exceptional! 5/5
                                          (23 reviews)
                                          £160
                                          avg/night
                                          • 4 BR
                                          • 3 BA
                                          • Separate Toilet
                                          • Sleeps 8
                                          Villa #6516884
                                          23
                                          Viewed 31 times in the last 48 hours
                                            Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                            (23 reviews)
                                            £50
                                            avg/night
                                            • 1 BR
                                            • 1 BA
                                            • Sleeps 6
                                            Cottage #6562530
                                            23
                                            Viewed 60 times in the last 48 hours
                                              Exceptional! 5/5
                                              (44 reviews)
                                              £100
                                              avg/night
                                              • 2 BR
                                              • 3 BA
                                              • Sleeps 5
                                              House #838862
                                              44
                                              Viewed 42 times in the last 48 hours
                                                Exceptional! 5/5
                                                (38 reviews)
                                                £92
                                                avg/night
                                                • 3 BR
                                                • 2 BA
                                                • Separate Toilet
                                                • Sleeps 8
                                                House #8146207
                                                38
                                                Viewed 24 times in the last 48 hours
                                                  Exceptional! 5/5
                                                  (27 reviews)
                                                  £64
                                                  avg/night
                                                  • 1 BR
                                                  • 1 BA
                                                  • Sleeps 3
                                                  Cabin #1985041
                                                  27
                                                  Viewed 57 times in the last 48 hours
                                                    Exceptional! 5/5
                                                    (23 reviews)
                                                    £67
                                                    avg/night
                                                    • 1 BR
                                                    • 1 BA
                                                    • Sleeps 2
                                                    Cottage #8105476
                                                    23
                                                    Viewed 21 times in the last 48 hours
                                                      Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                      (44 reviews)
                                                      £120
                                                      avg/night
                                                      • 3 BR
                                                      • 1 BA
                                                      • Sleeps 6
                                                      House #8128161
                                                      44
                                                      Viewed 11 times in the last 48 hours
                                                        Good! 3.8/5
                                                        (9 reviews)
                                                        £52
                                                        avg/night
                                                        • 3 BR
                                                        • 1 BA
                                                        • Sleeps 7
                                                        Cottage #1708296
                                                        9
                                                        Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                                                          Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                          (7 reviews)
                                                          £65
                                                          avg/night
                                                          • 2 BR
                                                          • 1 BA
                                                          • Sleeps 4
                                                          Cottage #1037977
                                                          7
                                                          Viewed 26 times in the last 48 hours
                                                            Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                            (53 reviews)
                                                            £83
                                                            avg/night
                                                            • 3 BR
                                                            • 3 BA
                                                            • Sleeps 6
                                                            Cottage #1511061
                                                            53
                                                            Viewed 44 times in the last 48 hours
                                                              Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                              (28 reviews)
                                                              £191
                                                              avg/night
                                                              • 5 BR
                                                              • 4 BA
                                                              • Separate Toilet
                                                              • Sleeps 9
                                                              House #8162672
                                                              28
                                                              Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                (24 reviews)
                                                                £91
                                                                avg/night
                                                                • 3 BR
                                                                • 2 BA
                                                                • Sleeps 6
                                                                Bungalow #1613033
                                                                24
                                                                Viewed 20 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                  Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                  (6 reviews)
                                                                  £42
                                                                  avg/night
                                                                  • 2 BR
                                                                  • 1 BA
                                                                  • Sleeps 4
                                                                  House #6523458
                                                                  6
                                                                  Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                    Excellent! 4.6/5
                                                                    (9 reviews)
                                                                    £110
                                                                    avg/night
                                                                    • 2 BR
                                                                    • 2 BA
                                                                    • Sleeps 4
                                                                    House #8129914
                                                                    9
                                                                    Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                      Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                      (29 reviews)
                                                                      £121
                                                                      avg/night
                                                                      • 3 BR
                                                                      • 1 BA
                                                                      • Sleeps 7
                                                                      House #1680917
                                                                      29
                                                                      Viewed 16 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                        Exceptional! 5/5
                                                                        (18 reviews)
                                                                        £100
                                                                        avg/night
                                                                        • 3 BR
                                                                        • 2 BA
                                                                        • Sleeps 6
                                                                        Cottage #8161993
                                                                        18
                                                                        Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                          Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                          (12 reviews)
                                                                          £63
                                                                          avg/night
                                                                          • 2 BR
                                                                          • 1 BA
                                                                          • Sleeps 4
                                                                          Bungalow #433453
                                                                          12
                                                                          Viewed 40 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                            Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                            (8 reviews)
                                                                            £46
                                                                            avg/night
                                                                            • 1 BR
                                                                            • 1 BA
                                                                            • Sleeps 2
                                                                            Cottage #8142806
                                                                            8
                                                                            Viewed 20 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                              Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                              (12 reviews)
                                                                              £54
                                                                              avg/night
                                                                              • 2 BR
                                                                              • 1 BA
                                                                              • Sleeps 6
                                                                              Chalet #1957019
                                                                              12
                                                                              Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                Good! 3.9/5
                                                                                (12 reviews)
                                                                                £50
                                                                                avg/night
                                                                                • 3 BR
                                                                                • 1 BA
                                                                                • Sleeps 5
                                                                                #8103933
                                                                                12
                                                                                Viewed 27 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                  Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                  (8 reviews)
                                                                                  £99
                                                                                  avg/night
                                                                                  • 3 BR
                                                                                  • 2 BA
                                                                                  • Sleeps 6
                                                                                  Cottage #6023204
                                                                                  8
                                                                                  Viewed 17 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                    Excellent! 4.7/5
                                                                                    (19 reviews)
                                                                                    £110
                                                                                    avg/night
                                                                                    • 3 BR
                                                                                    • 2 BA
                                                                                    • Sleeps 5
                                                                                    House #1514578
                                                                                    19
                                                                                    Viewed 6 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                      Excellent! 4.4/5
                                                                                      (7 reviews)
                                                                                      £85
                                                                                      avg/night
                                                                                      • 3 BR
                                                                                      • 1 BA
                                                                                      • Sleeps 6
                                                                                      Cottage #6003166
                                                                                      7
                                                                                      Viewed 20 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                        Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                                        (6 reviews)
                                                                                        £57
                                                                                        avg/night
                                                                                        • Studio
                                                                                        • 1 BA
                                                                                        • Sleeps 4
                                                                                        Cottage #1734228
                                                                                        6
                                                                                        Viewed 17 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                          Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                          (10 reviews)
                                                                                          £57
                                                                                          avg/night
                                                                                          • 3 BR
                                                                                          • 1 BA
                                                                                          • Sleeps 6
                                                                                          Cabin #8093802
                                                                                          10
                                                                                          Viewed 59 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                            Wonderful! 4.8/5
                                                                                            (20 reviews)
                                                                                            £79
                                                                                            avg/night
                                                                                            • 2 BR
                                                                                            • 3 BA
                                                                                            • Sleeps 4
                                                                                            Apartment #8120870
                                                                                            20
                                                                                            Viewed 18 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                              Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                              (10 reviews)
                                                                                              £26
                                                                                              avg/night
                                                                                              • Studio
                                                                                              • 1 BA
                                                                                              • Sleeps 3
                                                                                              Chalet #830955
                                                                                              10
                                                                                              Viewed 23 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                Excellent! 4.6/5
                                                                                                (5 reviews)
                                                                                                £88
                                                                                                avg/night
                                                                                                • 3 BR
                                                                                                • 2 BA
                                                                                                • Sleeps 6
                                                                                                Cottage #6546317
                                                                                                5
                                                                                                Viewed 10 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                  Excellent! 4.6/5
                                                                                                  (26 reviews)
                                                                                                  £63
                                                                                                  avg/night
                                                                                                  • 3 BR
                                                                                                  • 1 BA
                                                                                                  • Separate Toilet
                                                                                                  • Sleeps 5
                                                                                                  Cottage #8143737
                                                                                                  26
                                                                                                  Viewed 15 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                    Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                                    (9 reviews)
                                                                                                    £86
                                                                                                    avg/night
                                                                                                    • 4 BR
                                                                                                    • 3 BA
                                                                                                    • Sleeps 10
                                                                                                    House #78657
                                                                                                    9
                                                                                                    Viewed 25 times in the last 48 hours
                                                                                                      Wonderful! 4.9/5
                                                                                                      (20 reviews)
                                                                                                      £87
                                                                                                      avg/night
                                                                                                      • 3 BR
                                                                                                      • 3 BA
                                                                                                      • Sleeps 7
                                                                                                      Cottage #8072390
                                                                                                      20
                                                                                                      Viewed 19 times in the last 48 hours

                                                                                                      Highland Holiday Cottages & Homes (300+)

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                                                                                                      Recent Reviews

                                                                                                      View property

                                                                                                      Lovely cosy, clean and comfortable cottage

                                                                                                      5 of 5
                                                                                                      Fantastic stay again in one of Tony and Mairi's cottages. This was the first time in "Dalcraig" cottage and it had everything one needed and more. Fantastic huge TV set in the living room which was just right for wimbledon on a rainy afternoon. The view of Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe from the living room window were just breathtaking. We found the cottage to be very comfortable and very clean and would recommend this cottage to anyone. Tony and Mairi always gave us the feeling that they were always available at the end of a telephone in case of any problems which was reassuring. Glencoe is a fantastic area to explore and we will be back!!
                                                                                                      ... continue reading
                                                                                                      • Review Submitted: Jul 21, 2017
                                                                                                      • Date of Stay: Jul 2017
                                                                                                      View property

                                                                                                      Stunning house in a great location

                                                                                                      5 of 5
                                                                                                      We loved our stay at The Backrest, the house is modern, very comfortable, quirky and in a lovely location. We visited with our 5 year old son and found plenty to do in Skye to keep him occupied - climbed the Quarraig, walked to Neist Point, Coral beach, Fairy Pools, Aqua Explore boat at Elgol was great fun. There's also a nice local walk/cycle at Orbost. We enjoyed going back to the comfort of The Backrest each day, it's was so relaxing with the beautiful views. Would recommend The Backrest to anyone. The last time we stayed in Skye we were based in Sleat and felt that being near Dunvegan was a much better location for places to visit.
                                                                                                      ... continue reading
                                                                                                      • Review Submitted: Jul 20, 2017
                                                                                                      • Date of Stay: Jul 2017