Up here in Scotland, it’s all about epic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, tranquil lochs, and secret glens. Our holiday cottages, from converted barns and coastal bothies to woodland lodges and former estates, immerse you in the wild beauty of the Highlands, Islands, and Lowlands.

Each has been personally inspected to ensure you feel the warmth, character, and soul of the region, whether you’re chasing waterfalls, tasting whisky on a remote beach, or exploring ancient cobbled streets in Edinburgh. Scotland is a place to reconnect with nature and heritage, and our cottages are the perfect way in.

Shortcut to special places

Carefully selected self-catering homes, hotels, pubs and B&Bs

Personally inspected

We've visited every place and chosen them for their warmth and character

UK & Europe

Our collection spans the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

No fuss from us

You book direct with the owners, with no fees or fuss from us

Our most loved holiday cottages in Scotland

 

Why book a holiday cottage with Sawday’s?

Every holiday cottage has its own story, and our team finds the best ones. We partner with owners who care about history, quality, and guest experience. The ones we accept into our collection love their local area and want to make sure you get straight to the best of it.

Wherever you stay, from the borders to the Outer Hebrides, you’ll find owner tips and local information making you feel, however briefly, a part of this glorious and storied country.

Explore all holiday cottages in the UK >

A few articles to inspire your next getaway to Scotland

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite off-the-beaten-track beaches, and the best places to stay nearby, with owner’s tips to help you dig a little deeper when you visit.

 

From the awe-inspiring views out of every vast window to the spoiling and hygge interiors, and the kind, generous owners who look after you with utmost care, these are the places to turn to when you require sanctuary, solitude and serenity. Leave feeling deeply refreshed and reinvigorated.

Scotland in summer is always a wonderful trip, with long days for hiking the highlands and calmer weather for bouncing over the seas to the western isles. Here are some of our top reasons to visit Scotland this summer.

We’ve rounded up a collection of gorgeous self-catering cottages with hot tubs – some wood-fired, some not. Return from your adventures to bubble your aches away, drink in hand, and gaze up at star-studded skies whilst deep in contemplation.

We’ve chosen a handful of dog-friendly cottages near the coast, so grab a lead and a pair of binoculars, pull on your boots (and maybe your waterproofs, this is still Scotland after all) o discover rugged coastal paths, white sands, hidden sea caves and many more treasures.

Our guide to the NC500, from our Scotland-based travel writer, Chris Elmes, is full of tips to help you explore this windswept and scenic area of the Highlands. As the NC500’s own website says, “it’s much more than a road.”

Choose from our collection of most remote cottages and you won’t be disappointed. Relish the hair-pin bends and bumpy single track roads that guide you miles away from urban life to be richly rewarded by extraordinary landscapes teeming with nature, and barely another soul in sight.

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.

Scotland is a land of many treasures: vast skies, imposing Munros, ancient castles, and large areas of wilderness that are a haven for animals. A self-catering holiday in Scotland means you can pull on your boots for glorious hikes in nature, as well as getting a hearty dose of culture, all on the same day.

 

About our holiday cottages in Scotland

 

When is the best time to visit Scotland?
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the best light, longer days, and blooming landscapes, perfect for exploring the Highlands or coast. Summer is ideal for outdoor adventures, though midgies can be a nuisance in rural areas, so come prepared. Winter brings its own wild beauty, with windswept beaches, snowy hills, and roaring fires. Whisky distilleries, crisp walks, and cosy cottages make it a magical time to visit. Whatever the season, Scotland offers something special for every kind of traveller.

Are Scottish holiday cottages good for remote getaways?
Very much so. Many cottages are huddled in remote glens, island fringes, or lochside woods. Expect privacy, dark skies, wildlife, and few distractions. Owners often leave guided walks or local tips, from spotting eagles to beachcombing. A true escape from the everyday.

What types of holiday cottages are available?
Our Scottish collection ranges from traditional bothies to converted fishing board cottages and luxurious lodges with open fires, saunas and loch views. And castles too, which are perfect for families, couples, walkers, and whisky lovers seeking authentic experiences.

Are Scottish holiday cottages dog-friendly?
Yes, a lot of them accept dogs, often with enclosed garden space, woodland access, and coastal trails. Our cottages are a great base for misty moor walks, loch swims, or post-hike snuggles by the fire. There’s plenty of both outdoor freedom and indoor comfort for you all to enjoy.