POOCH PARADISE
If you have a fur-baby or two that you wouldn’t dream of leaving behind when you travel then check out SF’s perfect breaks for those with four legs or two
Our subscribers and their four-legged friends review some petfriendly hotels
Isle of Shuna Farm Cottages REVIEWED BY THE BOOTLAND FAMILY FROM ROSLIN
Marooned. Whether in a positive or negative context, being stranded on an island is an abidingly fascinating theme, from Robinson Crusoe, through Desert Island Discs to Castaway.
When the opportunity arose to stay on the isle of Shuna, just off the coast of Argyll, I jumped at the chance. Although the lack of TV or WiFi struck fear into the hearts of the younger Bootland’s they waited excitedly at Arduaine Pier for Rob and Kathryn (who along with their baby daughter are the island’s only human occupants) to collect us and the supplies we would need for the duration of our stay. A 20-minute boat trip and the first of many sightings of the resident otters saw us berthed and looking up at The Boat House, an eco-friendly (power from turbines and solar panels and warmth from wood you gather yourself for the stove), comfortably kitted out property with glorious views to the mainland from huge windows and a balcony.
Visitors staying in any of the seven cottages on the island have the use of their own 17ft assault craft and following a training session we made full use of this to circumnavigate the island and take in its many coves (including one with a shipwreck) and the wildlife. Seals; fallow, red and roe deer and soaring sea eagles punctuating our adventures. For those who prefer a more tranquil mode of transport a fleet of canoes await.
Shuna is a natural playground for visitors to roam around and explore. A paradise for children, who live in their wellies, and for dogs. Exhausted at the end of a day outdoors sleep brings dreams of tomorrow’s adventures. This is indeed paradise.
Trigony House Hotel REVIEWED BY IAN AND ELEANOR DALLING FROM GULLANE
Trigony was once a shooting lodge and home to Scotland’s oldest woman who died at the grand old age of 107. We stayed at this delightful and comfy hotel in January and although the weather was cold, our welcome could not have been warmer.
We and our two Corgis were shown to our palatial room, that could be described as a mini-suite. It was well appointed and comfortable. The dogs had their own bowls and treats. Part of the welcoming committee was ‘Roxy’ the resident golden retriever who wagged his tail and promptly fell back asleep.
The hotel is set in lovely mature gardens and grounds. Spa facilities are available with organic Ishga treatments. Trigony prides itself on using the best produce from the local community and the walled garden. Breakfast was arguably among the very best we have had. Dinner is equally good value at £25 for two courses prepared by the very talented chef/ owner who also bakes his own bread.
Staff are very friendly and can’t do enough for you and the dogs, who get offered a sausage at breakfast. Housekeeping is first-class with quality ‘Ishga’ toiletries in every room.
The area has several good walks and back at the hotel is a dog wash bay. Trigony has a peace that envelopes you on entering. Great food, very comfy rooms in an unfussy country style with period features in a wonderful garden. This is one of very few pet-friendly hotels where dogs are not just allowed, they are actively welcomed.
Caberfeidh REVIEWED BY THE THORBURN FAMILY FROM MIDLOTHIAN
The Cairngorms have so much to offer in winter, in fact a trip to Caberfeidh, a recently (and beautifully) refurbished lodge in the village of Kincraig brought much excitement to three generations of my family and our four-legged friends.
Caberfeidh sleeps 10, it’s spacious yet cosy, with two wood burning stoves and ample logs adding to the winter break ambience. One of them is located in the grand lounge where you can gather around the piano for an evening sing-song. The house is really well-equipped and we wanted for nothing during our stay. The kitchen is large with an adjacent dining area with doors leading out to the garden. I’d imagine they would have been open for most of our stay had we visited in summer.
The garden is huge, secure for children and dogs and perfect for a BBQ. One of the highlights of our stay was watching two red squirrels hopping around the trees from the kitchen window. And the games room provided ample entertainment for the children as the rain came down.
Walks are right on your doorstep at Caberfeid and the dogs enjoyed a good tear around on a lovely, if damp, wander by the river Spey.
There’s lots to do in the area around Caberfeidh, with the Highland Wildlife Park just a stone’s throw away and there’s the excellent Old Post Office Cafe across the road. It’s a short drive to all that Aviemore has to offer, making it an excellent base to explore the Cairngorms.
Airhouses - The Ramsay REVIEWED BY SANDRA AND JONATHAN BANNISTER FROM PERTHSHIRE
We arrived at Airhouses on the brightest, coldest and crispest day of January 2020. Our lodge, ‘The Ramsay’, which sleeps four, was warm, welcoming and full of special treats from local suppliers: sausages, haggis, apple juice, tablet and biscuits.
There was no need to leave the lodge on the first night as we picnicked on our goodies before relaxing in the hot tub on the deck to view the stars. On arrival, Connie, our spaniel, was keen to explore the large field and surrounding woodland which is directly accessible from the lodge.
The working farm with its Shetland and Belted Galloway cattle, sheep, llamas, pigs and chickens are close by, yet the sympathetic positioning of the lodges ensures anyone with a dog can view the farm and all its occupants, yet stay clear of the livestock.
There are many walks around the farm that are accessed direct from the lodge and just a short journey away are hills and coastline which provide more dog walking opportunities. Our lodge faced east, and we were treated to three fabulous sunrises through the double height windows.
The quality of the lodge bathrooms, furnishings, linens, large comfortable bed, Arran Aromatics toiletries was more reminiscent of a good hotel than a self-catering property. The large library of books and DVDs encourage you to slow your pace, take stock and enjoy the peace and quiet of a fabulous location with those that are important to you.