Our holiday cottages in Scotland open you up to a country where towering Munros, diverse islands, lochs and ancient Caledonian forests all compete for attention. Follow winding Highland Roads, watch puffins gather along the coast, or discover tiny harbours where seafood lands fresh each morning. 

Across Scotland, we’ve got stays that feel inseparable from their surroundings. You’ll find cosy, romantic cottages for two, remote cottages and family retreats in extraordinary locations. Thoughtful owners, beautiful interiors and a strong sense of place have guided our collection for decades, so every holiday cottage feels rooted in the landscape and the people who know it best. 

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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

Every one of these holiday cottages has earned its place through exceptional guest reviews, welcoming owners and unforgettable locations that make taking the scenic route feel entirely justified.  

The Woodshed - Gallery

The Woodshed

Penicuik, Edinburgh

 

Personally inspected, thoughtfully chosen

Choosing a holiday cottage in Scotland shouldn’t feel like hard work. That’s why every place we feature has been personally inspected by our team before joining the Sawday’s collection. We’ve walked up the drive, nosed around inside, explored the surrounding area and met the people who’ve poured care into creating somewhere worth travelling for. Every visit helps us understand what makes each stay genuinely different. 

Owners introduce us to favourite walks, hidden cafés, island ferries and viewpoints that never appear in the guidebooks. That local knowledge shapes our collection just as much as beautiful interiors, helping you discover a Scotland that’s richer, quieter and far more rewarding than the one most visitors experience. 

 

Why choose a holiday cottage in Scotland with Sawday’s?

✓ Some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery, right outside your door. Our holiday cottages put walking trails, coastal paths, island ferries and mountain roads within easy reach, making it simple to spend less time driving and more time discovering. 

✓ Holiday cottages with real Scottish character. Expect converted bothies, croft houses, former estates and beautifully restored cottages that celebrate Scotland’s architectural heritage while offering all the comforts of home. 

✓ The best recommendations don’t come from a search engine. Book directly with our owners and discover the scenic picnic spot, family-run smokehouse or hidden loch that locals quietly keep to themselves. 

A few articles to inspire your next getaway to Scotland

Sawday’s guide to holiday cottages in the UK

Browse our holiday cottage guide to discover new corners of the UK and find the kind of cottage that fits the way you love to travel.

Dog-friendly holiday cottages in seaside Scotland for epic coastal walks

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.

The slow lane of the NC500: How to travel responsibly on Scotland’s wildest road trip

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.”

 

Holiday cottages in Scotland FAQ’s

 

What are the best places to stay in Scotland? 

Scotland has something for every kind of holiday. The Highlands are ideal for dramatic scenery and walking, Skye and the Hebrides offer unforgettable island escapes, while the Scottish Borders, East Neuk of Fife and Argyll provide quieter alternatives rich in history, wildlife and coastal beauty. 

Can I book a coastal holiday cottage in Scotland? 

Absolutely. We feature holiday cottages along Scotland’s coastline, including peaceful beach retreats, harbour villages and island escapes where sea views and coastal walks begin right outside your door. 

Are your Scotland holiday cottages dog friendly? 

Many of them are. You’ll find dog-friendly holiday cottages with enclosed gardens, countryside walks from the doorstep and easy access to Scotland’s beaches, forests and open landscapes. Just tick our ‘pets welcome’ filter when searching to find them.  

Do you have holiday cottages with hot tubs in Scotland? 

Yes, our collection includes holiday cottages with hot tubs across Scotland, perfect for unwinding beneath dark skies after a day exploring the Highlands, coast or islands. 

Can I book directly with the cottage owner? 

Yes, every Sawday’s holiday cottage is booked directly with its owner, giving you a more personal booking experience with no booking fees from us. 

Do you have holiday cottages for couples? 

Yes, we have romantic holiday cottages for two across Scotland, including cosy bothies, lochside hideaways, island retreats and peaceful countryside escapes that are perfect for short breaks or longer stays. 

What is the best time to visit Scotland? 

Scotland is rewarding year-round. Spring and summer bring long daylight hours and excellent walking weather, autumn offers colourful landscapes and quieter roads, while winter is ideal for cosy cottage stays, crisp coastal walks and evenings beside the fire.