1 Knockinaam Lodge

nr Portpatrick, Stranraer

SatNav: DG9 9AD

Web: www.knockinaamlodge.com

Tel: 01776 810471

A luxury boutique hotel on the rugged Galloway coast, looking out over the Irish Sea, with three AA rosettes and plenty of history – not only did it feature in John Buchan’s The 39 Steps but it was also the secret meeting place for Churchill and Eisenhower as they planned the D-Day landings. Bunker down – as they did – not to do some high-stress planning, but to enjoy the peace of the private cove and landscaped grounds, and wood-panelled rooms. Pets, they say, are welcome by prior arrangement, and for £25 a night you are allowed one dog to stay in your room. However, dogs are not allowed in the restaurant and lounge areas.

2 Glenapp Castle

Ballantrae, Girvan

SatNav: KA26 0NZ

Web: www.glenappcastle.com

Tel: 01465 831212

This 19th century baronial-style castle, all turrets and sandstone battlements, is surrounded by woodlands and gardens that make perfect dog-walking territory – here you can discover the walled garden with tea room, mini lake, croquet lawn and tennis court. For more ambitious strollers there’s the Ayrshire Coastal Path, which passes the hotel, or the beach, minutes from the doorstep. As soon as dogs arrive they are given a check-in gift of doggy biscuits and – perhaps more of a hint than a present – some poo bags. The castle has two dog-friendly suites, both on the ground floor, with close access to the gardens and grounds. Dogs stay free of charge and, they say, “well-behaved dogs can be left in the bedrooms". Like Knockinaam Lodge just down the coast, it was visited by Winston Churchill when he was plotting the D-Day landings.

3 Trump Turnberry

Turnberry, Girvan

SatNav: KA26 9LT

Web: www.trumphotels.com

Tel: 01655 333991

There’s a touch of Trump bling to this luxury golf resort hotel – with its glittering chandeliers, dazzling opulence and gold taps – and if that’s what you like, it truly delivers. And it's not just the humans –that are looked after here. The Trump Pets programme is all about hosting a good canine experience – from gourmet treats to plush dog beds, ceramic water bowls, a dog walking service and even toys to keep your pooch entertained. Plus, there’s the golf course, where you can re-enact the Duel in the Sun, the historic, epic battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, or enjoy the stunning views over to Ailsa Craig. The Wee White Dug website visited, appreciated the treats and toy, and described it as “grand without being ostentatious” and “calm”.

4 Steam Packet Inn

Harbour Row, Isle of Whithorn, Newton Stewart

SatNav: DG8 8LL

Tel: www.thesteampacketinn.biz

Web: 01988 500334

Good pub grub, hearty breakfast, real ales and distracting views of the comings and goings of fishermen in the harbour are all part of the formula of this great, award-winning, family-run quayside hotel right at the southernmost tip of south-west Scotland. Dogs are welcomed in both bars and in the conservatory dining area as well of all of the bedrooms. “We have,” the hotel says, “a large number of regular four-legged customers, both local and regular visitors.” Plenty of great walks, including the magical stroll down to St Ninian’s Cave, right on the windswept beach on the Machars of Galloway.

5 Trigony House

Closeburn, Thornhill

SatNav: DG3 5EZ

Web: www.trigonyhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01848 331211

Set in woodland and serving up “rustic”, locally-sourced cuisine, this is a country house that really knows how to deliver for our canine friends. "Dogs,” they say, “are not just allowed but welcomed.” All pet owners are provided with a welcome pack which includes “a map of the land around our hotel with all the best walks in the area as well as gourmet doggy treats”.

Dog sitting is available on request, as well as free dog bowls, towels and beds – and canine companions are offered a sausage for breakfast. It’s possible to even book a dog Reiki session while you’re there, to help your pooch relax or get over the emotional adjustment to this life of luxury. You might even like to indulge in one yourself at the Trigony Garden Spa, or chill in one of the wood-fired hot tubs.

6 Blackaddie Hotel

Blackaddie Road, Sanquhar

SatNav: DG4 6JJ

Web: www.blackaddiehotel.co.uk

Tel: 01659 50270

On the banks of the River Nith, secluded and yet just an easy walk away from Sanquhar town, Blackaddie is really as much about the dining as the stay. Chef Ian McAndrew, who was, a good few years back, the youngest Englishman ever to gain a Michelin star, and, more recently, Scottish Chef of the Year in 2016, has a passion for provenance and delivers serious, highly-rated gastronomy. Dogs are allowed in most bedrooms although not all – some are kept dog-free for people with allergies – as well as all of the public rooms with the exception of the restaurant and breakfast rooms.

7 Tontine Hotel

High Street, Peebles

SatNav: EH45 8AJ

Web: www.tontinehotel.com

Tel: 01721 720892

At the heart of the picturesque town of Peebles is an establishment that was awarded Dog Friendly Hotel at last year’s Scottish Hotel Awards. Run by mutt-loving owners Gordon and Kate Innes, who bring their dog, Kali, to work, many of its rooms welcome dogs. “We provide,” they say, “a dog blanket, bowl and a few treats for resident dogs.” A supplement of £10 per dog per night is added to the room, with a maximum of two dogs per room.

Dogs can join their owners as they eat in their bistro, bar or garden area – where they are provided with water and hypoallergenic treats. But they are not allowed, unless they are guide or assistance dogs, in the lounge or their Adam Room restaurant. Clean cloths are provided at the rear entrance of the Riverside Lodge for owners to dry or wipe away mud from paws and fur after a walk. They also promote local doggy businesses – including Fetch & Flash pet photography, Dug & Bitch's organic doggy toiletries and Happy Dug premium dog food.

8 Cringletie House

Edinburgh Road, Peebles

SatNav: EH45 8PL

Web: www.cringletie.com

Tel: 01721 725750

Just outside Peebles, this boutique, baronial mansion and popular wedding venue sits in perfect lawns and sweeping woodland. Dogs are welcomed in most of the bedrooms and in the garden room bar area. “We have,” say staff, “28 acres of estate for dogs to walk, with lots of interesting smells, as there are deer, pheasant, sheep, Highland cows, chickens, horses and other wildlife around our nature trail.” Four-legged friends are not only greeted with a little treat on arrival, but also given a farewell present when they leave.

9 Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Newtown St Boswells, Melrose

SatNav: TD6 0RQ

Web: www.dryburgh.co.uk

Tel: 01835 822261

Owned by dog lovers the Wallaces, this elegant country house hotel with swimming pool, right next to the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey itself, welcomes four-legged friends in ground-floor and second-floor bedrooms. Though they are not permitted in the restaurant or bistro, it is possible to dine, with canine, in the hotel lounge. Water bowls, complimentary snacks and litter bags are provided at reception. The hotel has an 11-acre private estate, a great place to walk and exercise dogs of all shapes and sizes. Don’t be surprised if you see a whole host of mutts around the place – the local dog agility class uses the grounds for training, and it has been known to host the odd dog breed championship, including the cocker spaniel championships last January.

10 Burts Hotel

Market Square, Melrose

SatNav: TD6 9PL

Web: www.burtshotel.co.uk

Tel: 01896 822285

In the centre of Melrose, right on the market square, dog-friendly Burts Hotel is a cosy former coaching inn that delivers great two-AA-Rosette food. The bar also has a range of 90 malt whiskies. A great base for walks, including the hike up the Trimontium or the three Eildons, taking in Thomas The Rhymer country.

11 Balcary House Hotel

Buccleuch Road, Hawick

SatNav: TD9 0EH

Web: www.balcary-house-hotel.com

Tel: 01450 372858

The owners of Balcary House Hotel are pet lovers who have four King Charles cavalier spaniels themselves, so when they set up the house, a lovingly restored Victorian mansion, in 2016, they were keen to welcome guests with dogs. Set in 3.5 acres, with a paddock out front that is ideal for walking dogs, it has two dog-friendly rooms, one of which has direct access to the outside. Dogs are allowed in the bar, where breakfast can be served.

12 Ednam House Hotel

Bridge Street, Kelso

SatNav: TD5 7HT

Web: www.ednamhouse.com

Tel: 01573 224168

On the edge of the town of Kelso, once described by Walter Scott as “the most beautiful” town in all of Scotland, but also surrounded by beautiful parkland and with stunning views of the River Tweed, Ednam House is an ideal haven from which to explore the Borders, try out a spot of salmon fishing or take to the cycle trails. Dogs are charged at £20 per dog per night subject to availability and cannot be left in the room unattended.

 

Read more articles in our dog-friendly Scotland series:

The Herald:

​Dog-friendly cafes

The Herald:

Dog-friendly pubs

The Herald:

Dog-friendly hotels