Scottish Cottages & Town Houses for Exploring Edinburgh

With the Edinburgh festival taking centre stage in August, plus fantastic shopping and a host of cultural sites of interest, the Scottish capital has plenty for everyone to enjoy on a self catering Scotland holiday.

Here at Mackays Self Catering Scotland we have Scottish cottages and apartments in the capital, plus several Scotland holiday cottages outside the city, in pretty villages that are an easy commute away from the cosmopolitan capital.

And you can find more information about Edinburgh and the areas mentioned in our Self-Catering Scotland Destination Guides.

Scottish Cottages Outside The City

If you’re looking for the best of both world’s – cottages in Scotland close enough to visit Edinburgh, but which are tucked away in the pretty rural villages outside the city, this cosy cottage for two in Peebles is perfect (property reference PB61). Edinburgh is just a forty minute drive away, whilst this self catering Scotland cottage has river side walks, great fishing and is a ten minute walk away from the market town of Peebles with its restaurants, pubs, shops and monthly farmers market.

Another one of our cottages in Scotland that is an easy 30 minute drive from Edinburgh is this delightful cottage in Humbie (property reference LT52), a small village nestling in the Lammermuir Hills. This property sleeps up to four people and like many of our Scottish cottages, it has world class golf and fishing available within ten miles of this self-catering Scotland holiday home.

Scotland Holiday Cottages & Apartments In Edinburgh

If you want to stay in Edinburgh itself, we have plenty of Scottish cottages and apartments to choose from, depending on the size of your party.

Of all our Scotland holiday cottages in Edinburgh, this one at Lady Stairs Close is saturated in history and the perfect location for a romantic break for two (property reference E1856). Dating from c.1688, the property shares its courtyard with the Writer’s Museum and can be accessed from The Mound or the Lawn Market which leads up to the Castle. Of course any self-catering Scotland trip is incomplete without a wee dram at the local pub and you will be spoilt for choice at this property with its excellent selection of specialty shops, interesting pubs and restaurants nearby.

If a car parking space is an essential, then these two Scotland holiday cottages or town houses in Edinburgh’s York Lane, sleeping up to 3 people in each, offer the perfect solution (property reference E1901b). Sleeping up to three people in each of these cottages Scotland, York Lane is conveniently situated just yards from York Place and a 5 minutes walk from Princes Street. If you are looking for Scotland holiday cottages and town houses with the festival in mind, these Scottish cottages are ideal with plenty of Festival venues within easy walking distance including the Playhouse Theatre, The Stand Comedy Club and the Assembly Rooms.

If you need a property to sleep 8 people in the city centre, this apartment on Cambridge Street (property reference E1745) could fulfill your self catering Scotland needs. Located in a prestigious location close to the Usher Hall and with wonderful views of Edinburgh Castle, it’s one of our favourite Scottish cottages in the capital for larger groups.

Activities near the Holiday Cottages at Scotland

Part of the joy of Scotland holiday cottages is the range of activities available. Whether you enjoy want to try to bag a Munro by foot, climb in the Cairngorms or raft down the river Tay you can always find Scottish cottages nearby. So why not choose your activity then look for a self catering cottage that is conveniently placed to reach it. Here is our pick of some favourites.

Ideal for the mountains of Glen Coe and Kinlochleven we have a pair of Scottish cottages wonderfully situated in a secret valley off the main glen. These two modern semi-detached cottages sit below Scotland's highest mountains amongst magnificent scenery in what must be one of the most imposing and impressive locations in the country. With one double bedroom and one bunk bedroom they are well placed to attempt the ascent of the pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor or even the highest peak, the great multi-summited Bidean nam Bian known as the 'Three Sisters. Should be hungry to bag yet more Munros onduring your stay you could also try the impressive ridge of the Aonach Eagach.

For the more adventurous you could stay at another of cottages in Scotland this time further north in Torridon. From the cottage you can follow the path to Lochain a Chaorann then Glas-toll Lochain. From here it is up Northern Pinnacles to the summit of Mullach an Rathain. This is really for the experienced climber though there are a range of other climbs and walks from the scenic valley of Torridon.

Mackays Self Catering Scotland has an attractive detached Scottish cottage under the imposing crags of Liathach. Enjoying spectacular views over Loch Torridon to the mountains of Wester Ross which surround this fertile inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. The cottage stands in enclosed sheltered gardens and a stream flows down from Liathach through the rear garden (care required with young children). The cottage is comfortably furnished in a simple, traditional way to offer an unpretentious but well-loved holiday home in an area of great natural beauty. With three bedrooms the cottage will be a comfortable base for five.

If you prefer to get your feet wet then why try one of the many spots in Scotland for white water rafting? There are many good centres but Aberfeldy offers a good range of experiences. Mackays has a range of cottages in Scotland but Cruck Cottage offers the ultimate in luxury. The Scottish cottage has stunning views to Ben Lawers and Glen Lyon and is set in its own private landscaped garden with a sunken patio and an amazing stone table made from a slab found in the floor of the cottage. The ideal spot to dry off!

Whatever your choice of activity we believe we can the right cottage in Scotland for you nearby.

Seaside Self Catering Holiday Cottages

Scottish beaches are beautiful and atmospheric at any time of year with their long sandy shores, rocky coastal walks and fabulous seafood fit to rival any Mediterranean coast. Here at Mackay’s Self Catering Scotland we have many Scottish cottages which are perfect for a romantic break or seaside family holiday.

And you can find more information about the areas mentioned below in our Self-Catering Scotland Destination Guides.

Scottish Cottages on the Ayrshire Coast
Ayrshire boasts some beautiful sandy beaches and we have cottages in Scotland within easy reach of this idyllic coastline.


Of all our Scotland holiday cottages in this area, these 4 Scottish cottages, sleeping up to five people each on this 20 acre working farm in Ballantrae, Ayrshire make for an idyllic family holiday (property reference AY132c). The farm includes a 1.5 mile stretch of private beach, perfect for walking and swimming and accessed by a short path from the main road below these Scottish cottages. And if that isn’t enough, the popular seaside town of Girvan is just a fifteen minute drive away from these cottages Scotland.

Another Ayrshire gem is this self catering Scotland holiday home for two in the heart of the small village of Skelmorlie near Largs (property reference AY149). Largs is a beautiful seaside resort and a two minute stroll from this self-catering Scotland holiday home will have you surveying the magnificent Clyde Coast in all its splendor.

Seaside Scotland Holiday Cottages in Carnoustie, Angus

We have several beautiful Scottish cottages in Angus and this one sleeping up to ten people is in a tranquil, elevated location amidst rolling farmland 2 miles inland from Carnoustie, with panoramic views to the sea (property reference AN40). Carnoustie is also famous for its golf course and this self catering Scotland holiday home is just a short drive away from the historic town of St Andrews with its famous coastal golf course and historic ruins.

Scottish Cottages in Ross-shire

If you are looking for traditional cottages in Scotland, we have a lovely this traditional croft house in North Erradale near Gairloch in Ross-shire, sleeping up to 4 people (property reference RC620). It's one of our Scotland holiday cottages that is situated in a scenic and peaceful location in the crofting community of North Erradale, just 6 miles from the coast and the charming little port of Gairloch with its pubs, restaurants, shops and fish market- something any self-catering Scotland seaside holiday would be incomplete without!

Tranquil Seaside Self Catering Cottages in Scotland

Of all our Scotland holiday cottages, this one sleeping up to four people in the small hamlet of Talmine in Sutherland, offer tranquility, beautiful beaches and fantastic sea views (property reference SU283). This traditional stone croft house is one of our cliff top Scottish cottages, and this one has the best views in the village towards the Rabbit Isles and along the North Coast. Talmine village itself has a beautiful sandy beach and the rocky outcrop that forms part of the harbour is studded with black and ruby garnets. This is also one of our cottages Scotland that is in a great location for touring both the North and West coasts.

Experience the grandeur of golf and Scotland's best holiday cottages

Long regarded as the home of golf, Scotland offers some of the best courses in the world and Mackay’s self catering Scotland includes Scottish cottages close to all of the top courses.

If you are looking for cottages in Scotland near St. Andrews famous golf course then Arncroach - Fife (Sleeps 10) in a pretty little conservation hamlet in the East Neuk of Fife, two miles inland from St Monans and Pittenweem, is a charming Scottish cottage. If you cannot get a round on the Old course then there are many excellent courses nearby.

Another of our Scottish cottage is Upper Largo in Largo - Fife (Sleeps 2). One of the prettiest positioned cottages in Scotland it is in a quiet winding street opposite the historic church, this charming studio apartment forms part of a restored 18th century terrace and offers a delightful holiday home for a couple. This pretty Scottish cottage it has been fully modernized and there are many golf courses and lovely walks to explore.

Should you be looking cottages in Scotland further north along the east coast then Carnoustie golf course may be your destination. Luckily then we also some beautiful Scottish cottages in Angus.

Nr Carnoustie - Angus (sleeps 10) and is one of the best cottages in Scotland from which to explore the Angus countryside.

In a beautiful, tranquil, elevated location amidst rolling farmland 2 miles inland from Carnoustie, this charming south-facing Scottish cottage enjoys panoramic views to the sea. It has been completely refurbished to a very high standard - all rooms are well-furnished and particularly spacious providing ample living space for extended families or groups. There is a safely enclosed garden with patio and garden furniture and the property is on a working farm.

Carnoustie has good local shops and pubs, a championship golf course and lovely beaches. Along the coast are sandy coves, picturesque fishing towns and villages, coastal paths and challenging links courses while inland lie the famous Angus Glens. Arbroath is 4 miles away and Dundee is 15 miles.

If you prefer your cottages in Scotland to slightly smaller then Friockheim - Angus (Sleeps 2) is a good choice. The Scottish cottage is ideally placed for exploring the coast with its quaint old fishing villages such as Auchmithie and Gourdon and miles of golden sands at St Cyrus and Lunan Bay or the spectacular Angus glens where trails lead into the magnificent scenery of the Cairngorm mountains. Though Carnoustie is not far away you have a choice of nearby golf courses, good angling, lovely walks and nature reserves. The village has a shop and two excellent pubs.

Wherever you choose to stay Mackays has Cottages in Scotland to suit your needs and your golf handicap.