RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Celebrate National Pet Month in Scotland this April

14th April 2011 Print
National Pet Month

Supporting responsible pet ownership as part of National Pet Month (April 2011), VisitScotland has brought together some of the most unique and surprising experiences for well behaved pets and responsible owners.
 
From dogs and cats to horses, there are lots of accommodation providers throughout Scotland that cater for the needs of those planning a break closer to home with their animals.  From stargazing in the UK’s only Dark Sky Park or visiting one of the UK’s most remote locations to trying some mountain biking, there’s a wide range of things to see and do on a holiday in Scotland with your pet.
 
Below are some of the Scotland’s most surprising pet friendly breaks to enjoy this spring and summer.  For more information go to: visitscotland.com/surprise
 
Experience one of the most remote locations in the UK on horseback
Highlands Unbridled, Scottish Highlands
Visit the Knoydart peninsula, one of the most remote locations in the UK.  Home to Britain’s remotest pub and usually only accessibly on foot or boat, Highlands Unbridled have launched The Wild One, their new trail ride for 2011. An experience to remember, visitors will take in some of the wildest Scottish scenery with their horse as a travel companion, with evenings spent in both hotels and under canvas. This eight day trail is tough and recommended for confident riders and fit horses.
Highlands Unbridled runs a variety of packages and trips throughout the year for owners looking to explore Scotland with their horses.  The Wild One is an all inclusive trail and runs from 21 - 28 August.  £1200 per person.
 
Stargazing with the dog in the UK’s only Dark Sky Park
Kirroughtree Country House Hotel, Dumfries and Galloway
Set within the beautiful Galloway Forest Park, the only gold tier Dark Sky Park in Europe, this 17 bedroom hotel has magnificent public rooms and spacious bedrooms.  Dine in the hotel’s award winning restaurant, which hold 2 AA rosettes for the quality of its food. Discover walks, bike trails and local literary and arts connections with your canine companion.  Four bedrooms within the hotel are available for guests visiting with their dogs on the lower level.
Please note that dogs are not allowed upstairs and in the public areas. Please call in advance for further information.
Prices start from £95 per person per night. No extra charge for canine guests.
 
Enjoy an eco break with the horse in Big Tree Country
The Retreat at Trinity Gask, Perthshire
This 5 star self-catering property is set just outside Auchterarder, and is located within a private estate. Explore Big Tree Country, where visitors will find Europe’s oldest trees and the world’s tallest hedge.  With access to extensive private woodlands, this eco-friendly holiday cottage is also close to the Gleneagles Hotel, famed for its world-renowned golf course.  The property has a large fenced in garden and can accommodate a maximum of 2 dogs sleeping in the purpose built, under floor heated outhouse. With equestrian facilities, visitors are also able to bring their horses, with a superb grazing paddock close to the property.
Prices start from £495 per week. When visiting with pets, there is a charge of £25 per week for up to 2 dogs, and £50 per week for a horse. Short breaks are available.
 
Mountain bike the 7stanes with you canine companion
Trigony House Hotel, Dumfries and Galloway
With over 4 acres of woodland and garden, a relaxed style and fabulous food, Trigony House Hotel is a wonderful base to explore this corner of south Scotland.  The hotel has a policy of not just allowing dogs, but welcoming them.  Every visiting dog receives a welcome pack, and the hotel can provide drying towels, a dog bed and food on request.
Ae mountain bike centre, one of the 7stanes, is situated just 4 miles from the hotel and provides visitors the opportunity to take in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders from a unique perspective. The hotel can arrange bike hire for those visitors keen to build up an appetite during their stay.
Prices start from £105 per room per night.  £5 per night is charged for canine guests.
 
Discover the Scottish Seafood Trail while the cat relaxes in a historic cottage
Halftown Cottages, Argyll
Celebrated for the quality of its seafood, Argyll’s Seafood Trail is foodie heaven.  With nine establishments in the area, tour the route to taste some of Scotland’s freshest seasonal produce.  Home to the Mull of Kintyre, made famous by in the song by Paul McCartney, Argyll is also the perfect base for some island hopping, with Islay, Jura and Gigha short boat rides away.
The historic Halftown Cottage is pet friendly and will accept visiting cats as well as dogs.  Leave the cat to relax in a cottage while you explore Argyll and the Isles.
Prices start from £350 per week
 
Searching for Pet Friendly Accommodation
Making the search for pet friendly accommodation in Scotland easier, VisitScotland’s Pets Welcome scheme includes a range of accommodation including hotels, camp sites and self catering properties across the country, from Scotland’s six cities to Kirkwall in Orkney and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

For more information visit: visitscotland.com/surprise

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

National Pet Month