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Scotland, with its breath-taking landscapes and storied history, offers a myriad of remote and unique accommodations for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you dream of staying in a secluded island cottage, a stylish shed on the edge of a loch, or even a quirky off-grid pod, there's a perfect retreat waiting for you. Here, we explore some of the most enchanting remote places to stay in Scotland, each providing an unforgettable blend of nature, tranquillity, escapism, and adventure.
It's easy to say somewhere 'seems straight out of a fairy tale' but Eilean Shona, with its population of 2 people, was the true inspiration for somewhere magical: 'Neverland'. The Island is only reachable by boat from Dorlin Pier, where you will have also left you car, as there are no roads on Eilean Shona. The boat ride is only around 15 minutes and once you arrive, your luggage will be taken by quad bike up to where you’re staying as you begin the challenge of navigating your way there yourself. Once you’re there, you truly are secluded. There are a few other cottages dotted around on the Island but, even if they’re filled, they chances are that you won’t spot another person for the remainder of your stay there. The Island has a small shop which stocks some essentials like milk, but otherwise, you’ll need to wait for the next boat trip across (this is only available on a Wednesday) so I can’t emphasise enough: Bring. Lots. Of food. This is a proper way to connect with nature and if you’re wandering what there is to do; everything that’s relaxing. The days are for exploring, building campfires, painting, writing, reading, crabbing and the like. It’s a magical place where J.M. Barrie retreated to to write the screenplay for Peter Pan, with his friend’s brothers inspiring ‘The Lost Boys’ and the enchanting surroundings of Eilean Shona to inspire everlasting ‘Neverland’.
This remote, yet stylish and luxurious- feel shed can be found on the Isle of Skye. Skye is renowned worldwide for its picture-perfect beauty and is home to Scotland’s most stunning scenery and views. Just 4 miles from Dunvegan, the Black Shed is nestled right on the edge of the Isle, making is the perfect location for a private glimpse of Skye. Decked out with chic, contemporary interiors, the wood decor brings a warm and cosy vibe to the shed, making it a lovely place to be no matter the weather conditions outside. The award-winning property boasts views of Loch Dunvagan, which you can enjoy with a glass of wine or mug of tea before heading back inside where the wood burner is roaring.
The Boathouse sits right in the center of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, in Rothiemurchus. The USP for this remote retreat is that despite being tucked away in a forest of red squirrels and the smell of pine, you’re still close to civilisation and can access some of Scotland’s most popular attractions and activities. With Aviemore only a matter of ten minutes away from Rothiemurrchus, you will still be able to access the shops where you’ll find everything you need for your self-catered, secluded experience. The Cairngorms has an abundance of walks and trails to explore so you won't be short of entertainment during your stay.
Aluminium pod, Airship 2, is a unique off-grid stay that can be found on the Isle of Mull. The area is truly tranquil and secluded, which adds to the mystique of this unusual property, with dragonfly windows at the front of the airship that offer stunning views of the South of Mull, and makes a perfect frame to view the shifting seasons from. Situated on a 4-acre estate, privacy is a guarantee, and you even have a view of the iconic Tobermoray (or as I knew it growing up, Balamory) where the main street of brightly coloured houses makes for unmatched aesthetics. The rental is decked out with a microwave, oven, toaster, and all you could need… but remember to stock up on food on your way there!- Lochaline is the nearest stop. (8 miles away) If there's a large group of you looking for a getaway, The Pilot House and Captains Cabin can also be booked together.
A perfect cabin getaway to see the best of the Scottish Highlands. Only half an hour from Glen Affrick and loch ness, you won’t be short of adventure, with an abundance of Munroes and lochs to find and explore. The interiors are clean, modern, and open-plan, combining the rustic of the outdoor with contemporary, comfortable living. The roof has been designed to be perfect for stargazing at night, and out on the private balcony, you’ll find a hammock where you truly connect with the natural world surrounding you.
The Treehouse at Caerlaverock can be found amongst the greenery and forestry nearby to Glencaple. This remote retreat has a real connection with nature, using the natural sunlight to create a sustainable haven for guests to enjoy, with simple, clean interior that doesn’t detract from the property’s majestic surroundings. With floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, you’ll be able to watch as the light and elements shift throughout the day, making each different season a unique stay. Caerlaverock Estate is home to an abundance of walks and paths to explore, and the chance to spot local wildlife up close will keep nature lovers and birdwatchers on their toes. 13th century Caerlaverock Castle also sits in the near vicinity for those with a keen history interest, making it a great off-grid retreat that still caters to the interests of a variety of guests.
If you’re looking to inject a touch of luxury to your trip to the Highlands, Lundies House is the place to go, found in the small village of Tongue in Sutherland. Renovated into a boutique hotel, the property was once the former church manse, and it still retains some of its original features and detailing as an ode to tradition and its history. The interior is inspired by a fusion of Scandinavian Hygge and Highland warmth, with work form notable Scandinavian artists dotted throughout the house. Very impressively, Lundies was added to the Conde Nast Traveller’s gold List 2024, which curates an annual collection of the international best hotels (so you don’t need to take my word for it… it’s an unbelievable place to stay!).With views that overlook the mountains and Kyle of Tongue, Lundies provides a great home-base whilst being able to explore wider areas beyond central Scotland, with an array of walks and Munroes to explore nearby. Lundies also has electric bikes which can be used by guests, as well as other opportunities of organised adventure such as paddleboarding and coasteering.
The Applecross Peninsula is an iconic part of Scotland’s Highlands, making a stay at the Applecross Inn a great home base for exploring the local (and very vast) array of places to explore and adventures to be had. The Inn offers a variety of rooms with en-suite bathrooms, some capturing the breathtaking views from the inn out towards the Isle of Skye and Rassay. Breakfast is something to look forward to… a selection of hot and cold, from Scottish smoked salmon to traditional Scottish fry-up. The Applecross Inn is a famed stop-off on the NC-500 route and there’s no doubt you’ll be a receiver of some top-notch grub during your stay there.
If you’re looking for a more unusual remote- stay, then yurts are a great way to create a totally unique experience for a memorable holiday. These yurts can be found within a working, private croft which means members of the public are restricted from infiltrating your privacy… only some sheep and a couple of ponies. When travelling to Mull, be sure to book a ferry across from Oban in plenty of time to avoid a booking-disaster, and when you have secured your trip, remember that if you’re more than 30 minutes late; they won’t hesitate to give your bot spot away. The yurt is self catered but has a stove for cooking and a solar-powered fridge for your food. Regular boat trips and excursions from Mull are a great way to see as much of Scotland as you can on your trip, including trips to the puffin isle and the isle of Iona, one of Scotland’s iconic spots.
As seen on Extraordinary Escapes with Sandy Toksig, you can stay on your own private island off of Skye, Eilean Sionnach. You’ll depart from the Isle Oransay Pier on a short boat ride to reach your stay, the Eilean Sionnach lighthouse cottage. As the tide dictates travel to the private island, the company will be in close contact with you prior to your arrival to ensure that the timings for travel are all in line. The property is self-catered, and the kitchen is decked out with high-quality, modern appliances to ensure you have an ease-filled trip away. Just around the bay is a traditional Highland pub if you want to take a break from meal-prep, or just fancy a drink. A private boat will cater for your travel on and off the island to explore but when the tide’s low, you can walk off it, which would make for a fab activity for at least one of the days you’re staying.
From the serene isolation of Eilean Shona to the luxurious charm of Lundies House, Scotland's remote accommodations offer something truly special for every traveller. These hidden gems provide the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories, connecting with nature, and experiencing the unparalleled beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. So pack your bags, stock up on essentials, and prepare for an extraordinary getaway... and don't forget to tag #everydayadventures so we can see what you get up to!
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