The Cross Keys

Main Street, Kippen

SatNav: FK8 3DN

Web: www.kippencrosskeys.com

Tel: 01786 870293

AT 300 years old, The Cross Keys is the oldest continuous licensed premises in Stirlingshire, with deeds dating back to 1707.

It's a traditional and comfortable inn situated in the small village among some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery and just south the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with the ancient city of Stirling only minutes away.

Being the oldest inn of its kind in Stirlingshire, The Cross Keys is as traditional as it gets, making it an ideal getaway destination or a great stop-over for those going further north or returning south. Also perfect for walkers, cyclists, golfers and anglers. The pub has log fires in winter and the beer garden has great views in summer – and even boasts its own resident dog, Jessie.

Food at the Cross Keys is traditional modern with standards and specials side by side, served until 9pm in the bar, lounge and restaurant, which merge together into a large eating and drinking space.

Sundays are roast day with two types of roast prepared that morning.

The Dog House

54 Balloch Road, Balloch

SatNav: G83 8LE

Web: Find on Facebook

Tel: 01389 607300

For dogs – and their owners – who have been exploring all that the Loch Lomond area has to offer, this is a traditional pub located on Balloch Road.

The lounge bar is the perfect venue for a relaxed night out and boasts a lively traditional bar – a great place to watch the game with a cool pint or a glass of wine.

The pub boasts six large-screen TVs and shows Scottish and English premier league games, plus big European tournaments and all major rugby games.

If live music is more your thing, then the Dog House plays host to some of the best musical talent around on Thursday nights every week.

Fresh water is always available and for well-behaved dogs the pub says it has "plenty of treats" to hand.

The Glen Lusset

67 Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick

SatNav: G60 5DA

Web: www.glenlussetbar.co.uk

Tel: 01389 890898

Billed as a family-friendly community bar, the Glen Lusset serves food seven days a week, shows most major sporting events and has regular live music events.

It is located in the historic village of Old Kilpatrick, directly under Erskine Bridge and a short drive from the centre of Glasgow. The pub is close to the Forth and Clyde canal – where dogs can stretch their legs in tranquil surroundings – and the Antonine Wall.

It has a large conservatory, a beer garden, new canalside decking area and parking.

Formerly known as The Grape, the pub is named after the Lusset Glen, a small forrest area which faces on to the pub.

A 10-minute walk through the glen will lead you directly to the foot of the Old Kilpatrick hills and a veer to the right will reveal the local whisky distillery, Auchentoshan.

Directly outside the pub there also stands a war memorial which commemorates the residents of Old Kilpatrick who were killed or missing in World War I (49 names) and World War II (30 names).

Cottiers Bar

93-95 Hyndland Street, Glasgow

SatNav: G11 5PU

Web: www.cottiers.com

Tel: 0141 357 5825

Cottiers is a popular and unique gathering place in the city's West End.

The bar has a rich character, highly decorated in keeping with the rest of the building. The setting is perfect for pre-theatre drinks or an informal meal. The ambience is relaxed, fun and makes Cottiers a popular venue all year round.

Upstairs through the turret from the outside terrace is Cottier’s Upstairs Restaurant, Leiper's Attic. In the former church next door is Cottiers Theatre.

The beautiful extensive outside terraces provide a leafy setting for food and drink from midday to late on.

The bar is dog-friendly and children under 18 are permitted until 8pm.

The Canal Station

1 Stow Brae, Paisley

SatNav: PA1 2HF

Web: www.canalstation.co.uk

Tel: 0141 848 1362

Housed in the original canal railway station in the historic old town, the venue combines beautiful original features and open airy spaces with chic contemporary furnishings and decor.

The Canal Station opened its doors to dogs in January and says it has been inundated ever since. It now runs a a "Dog of the Week" competition on its Facebook page and posts numerous pictures of four-legged visitors throughout the week.

The pub also has an Instagram account where it highlights "Canal Dugs".

The Canal Station holds a range of events throughout the year including private dining experiences, summer barbecues, charity casino nights, and spirit tastings.

The venue is family friendly, offers disabled access and caters for the sensory impaired.

Rose Street Brewery

55-57 Rose Street, Edinburgh

SatNav: EH2 2NH

Web: www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Tel: 0131 220 1227

Rose Street Brewery sits on Rose Street just minutes from Edinburgh’s New Town, which was built when a competition was held back in 1766. The challenge went out to architects: “Let us boldly enlarge Edinburgh to the utmost.” It was won by a 23-year-old named James Craig.

Thistle Street and Rose Street were built originally for the artisans of the New Town, although in an inferior style and of rougher workmanship than the main streets. But by the mid-1800s, Rose Street had established itself as a drinking oasis and this reputation is proudly upheld today.

Step in to discover a traditional pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its quality pub food.

Famous for brewing “Auld Reekie Ale” on the premises but only for the inhabitants of Rose Street because apparently it didn’t travel well!

Clachan Inn

Drymen Square, Drymen

SatNav: G63 0BL

Web: www.clachaninndrymen.co.uk

Tel: 01360 660824

"Sometimes it's like Crufts in here," the pub boasts as it says it is the oldest licensed pub in Scotland that allows dogs in the bar, where they are treated to water and nibbles.

Located in the village square, the pub offers beautiful food, much of which showcases locally sourced ingredients, along with an extensive range of Scottish whiskies, gins and beers.

The location is a popular rest spot for walkers and tourists, but is also a familiar stomping ground for locals.

The first licensee of The Clachan was Mistress Gow, one of Rob Roy’s sisters. (Just across from The Clachan Inn is the start of the Rob Roy Way).

Today, the pub is owned by Gordon and Elaine Strang and is very much a family business.

Lion & Unicorn

Main Street, Thornhill, Stirling,

SatNav: FK8 3PJ

Web: www.lion-unicorn.co.uk

Tel: 01786 850204

The Lion & Unicorn welcomes locals and visitors with a range of beers and ales, a selection of wines and spirits and a games room with darts, pool and a jukebox.

Warm yourself beside the large open fire and enjoy the friendly atmosphere – dogs are welcome and an outside smoking area and beer garden are available to use.

The Lion & Unicorn is one of Thornhill’s oldest and most famous pubs, dating back to 1635, and was once called The Commercial Hotel. It became the Lion & Unicorn again in 1951 and the old bas-reliefs of a lion and a unicorn still exist on the front.

Birds & Bees

Easter Cornton Road, Causewayhead, Stirling

SatNav: FK9 5PB

Web: www.thebirdsandthebees-stirling.com

Tel: 01786 473663

Voted the DRAM Gastropub of the Year, the pub claims you won’t find a more friendly welcome anywhere in central Scotland.

Housed in a converted farm steading a stone’s throw from the historic Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, the pub boasts award-winning food, real ales and an extensive wine list.

The restaurant has a range of dishes based on locally sourced ingredients and includes daily seafood market specials and traditional brasserie favourites.

Relax by the roaring fire in the cosy bar, enjoy a coffee in the lounge or sip a refreshing glass of wine in the garden terrace.

Birds & Bees scooped a Top Notch Award from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and was voted one of the Best Places to Eat in Central Scotland in the FX Tourism Awards.

St Andrews Brewing Company

177 South Street, St Andrews

SatNav: KY16 9EE

Web: www.standrewsbrewingcompany.com

Tel: 01334 471111

(Other locations in 32-34 Potterrow, Edinburgh, and Dundee Caird Hall)

The brewery prides itself on sourcing the best possible ingredients as locally as possible for its beers and food, and works with independent companies and partners "as much as possible".

In the pub, it has a doggie bar set up with dog bowls, a water dispenser and a jar of dog biscuits, complete with dog beds stacked up for your canine companion to take a quick cat nap.

The pub boasts an eclectic mix of locals, tourists and students and a friendly atmosphere.

It says: "We love to give dogs a wee fuss when they come in and a treat if that is allowed."

Railway Inn

1 Station Wynd, Lower Largo

SatNav: KY8 6BU

Web: www.railwayinnlargo.co.uk

Tel: 01333 320239

The Railway Inn is very dog -friendly and has great real ales and local gins – it's a great stop-off after a day exploring the East Neuk of Fife or the miles of beaches in the area.

This traditional village pub has been an established public house since 1749. Situated near the Fife Coastal Path, it is a firm favourite with ramblers, dog walkers and locals. The current owners, Alistair and Oormi Rae, took over in December 2013.

There are five Scottish guest ales available which are updated on a weekly basis and they come from all over Scotland from Orkney to the Borders Brewery as well as from the local Eden Mill Brewery in Guardbridge.

There's also a selection of more than 25 malt whiskies as well as a large array of craft gins, so there's no shortage of choice.

There's also a weekly quiz night on Thursdays or Spanish class on a Tuesday, both run by locals.

Forth Inn

Main Street, Aberfoyle

SatNav: FK8 3UQ

Web: www.forthinn.com

Tel: 01877 382372

This traditional inn is smack-bang in the centre of Aberfoyle and is the perfect place for a bite after you and your canine companion enjoy the great outdoors at the David Marshall lodge – gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

Winner of Dog Friendly Pub of the Year 2018, the Forth Inn serves Scottish cask marque awarded ales plus selected craft beers and fine wines.

Traditional pub grub is on offer – haggis burger, fish and chips and steak pie come highly recommended – and there are a selection of board games in the bar so you can squabble over Scrabble while you sample a local ale with your best friend at your feet.

 

Read more articles in our dog-friendly Scotland series:

The Herald:

​Dog-friendly cafes

The Herald:

Dog-friendly pubs

The Herald:

Dog-friendly hotels