Few places in the world can inspire the same awe as Scotland: a land of snow-battered mountains breaking the skyline, pristine white-sand beaches juxtaposed with freezing turquoise North Atlantic waters and heather-strewn moorland veined by gushing rivers. In this country drenched in history, myth and legend, castles stand forbidding and proud overlooking mirror-like lochs while eagles pierce the silence with hair-rising cries and regal stags appear from the mist like beautiful apparitions while towering pines nudge the clouds. 

In this incredible country, pure in its rugged beauty, you can lose yourself to the natural world in the Highlands, immerse yourself in the enchanting historic city of Edinburgh and throw yourself headfirst into the nightlife of Glasgow. Whatever your perfect holiday looks like, Scotland is sure to provide the answer, made more memorable with a stay in one of our luxury cottages. Take a look at our 5-star self-catering accommodation and find the place for you, letting the excitement build for dreamy lie-ins, sea swims, forest walks, ceilidh dances, boutique shopping, fine dining, drams of whisky and more. 

As rich and varied as its landscape, Scotland’s culinary repertoire is a reason to visit the country in itself. Boasting some truly heavenly national dishes, you can fill your luxury holiday with mouthful after mouthful of deliciousness. Of course the national favourite of haggis is a must try, as Robbie Burns penned in Address to a Haggis: “Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!”. Then there is the lovely, buttery accompaniment of tatties and neeps, the ever-popular Scottish salmon, the feel-good favourite of porridge (great for pre-walk fuelling), sticky toffee pudding, Scottish tablet… Dribbling yet?

If you can’t wait to be wined and dined, Scotland is home to more tasteful bistros, traditional pubs, Michelin-star restaurants and cosy tearooms than you could spend a lifetime visiting. If you are saving your list for the crème de la crème, choose from some of the many multi-awarding winning establishments near your luxury holiday cottage. From Edinburgh’s Paul Kitching’s 21212 and Restaurant Martin Wishart to Fife’s Peat Inn to Dalry’s Braidwoods, treat yourself to Michelin-level food, service and atmosphere.

Whether curled up in front of the fire in your Scottish hideaway, holding fort at the bar in your new favourite pub or wrapped up on a Lochside perch, nowhere provides more atmospheric settings for a drink than Scotland. While you may already have your favourites sussed out, you should definitely be prepared to tease your buds with new tastes during your stay. With some well-known names as well as some surprising appearances, enjoy a measure of national favourites Irn Bru, Drambuie, the Botanist Gin, Dark Matter Spiced Rum and, of course, a whole range of Scottish Whiskys. 

If you are looking for a unique venue to write home about, the Sheep Heid Inn is thought to be the oldest pub in Edinburgh (quite possibly the country, too) with origins dating back to 1360. In Perth, the oldest pub is believed to be the Ship Inn, in Glasgow it’s the Old College Bar, in Dumfries it’s the Globe Inn and in Aberdeen it’s Ma Cameron’s – all offering a cosy corner for a swally. If you are a fan of Billy Connolly, a trip to the Saracen’s Head (Sarry Heid) is definitely in order, while the Applecross Inn in Bealach Na Ba offers glorious views.

Home to the UK’s highest mountain, largest lake, tallest tree, woven with rugged landscapes and surrounded by countless islands, Scotland is a vast playground that calls to even the most seasoned of adventurers. Challenge your wild-side and conquer the mighty Ben Nevis or scour the shores of Loch Ness looking for a sign of a certain allusive beastie… On the Hebrides, discover some of the world’s most glorious beaches and on the Isle of Skye escape to a land rivalling Iceland for its raw beauty. If you are interested in history, there are over 2000 castles to explore while wildlife-lovers will be enchanted by the huge array of life, from basking sharks to pine marten. 

From the Highlands to thriving cities, Scotland has something for everyone and a holiday here isn’t just about getting back to nature. From the orchestral walls of Fingal’s Cave to the 12th century St Giles’ Cathedral and from the Falkirk Wheel to the Callanish Standing Stones, every interest can be explored. Head into the cities for boutique shopping or venture into coastal hamlets for salt-kissed escapes and spend each moment exactly as you please, before returning to your luxury holiday cottage to unwind.