There are few places in the world that can offer the same raw beauty and natural diversity as Scotland for a dog-friendly escape. With more than 900 offshore islands, home to ancient forests, white-sand beaches, glassy lakes and time-forgotten villages, it’s a real paradise for dogs and their trusty human companions. Across the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, the sheer number of opportunities for relaxing, playing, walking and more will leave you both dizzy with excitement.
So why wait? If you are looking forward to your island retreat this year, delve into our list of the best dog-friendly islands in Scotland. With some new and some familiar names among our handpicked selection, you can piece together the perfect holiday for you and your best buddy and discover all that this amazing part of the world has to offer together.
Note: Scotland’s Covid-19 rules now allow visitors from other parts of the UK with some exceptions. Visitors to the islands are also encouraged to take two lateral flow tests before travelling. For the latest guidance, see VisitScotland’s advice page.
1. Arran
Often described as Scotland in miniature, the Isle of Arran is an ideal destination for dog-friendly holidays in Scotland. From scattering paw prints along the beautiful beaches of Strabane and Kildonan, to scampering up to the top of Goat Fell, to looping around the Machrie Stone Circles, walkies here will be a dream. You’ll also find great dog-friendly pubs, including the Pierhead Tavern in Lamlash and Crofters in Brodick. Top dog-friendly places to stay include Lamlash, Lochranza and Whiting Bay.
2. Colonsay
If your dog loves nothing more than running wild on the beach, then you should definitely turn your attention towards Colonsay. Situated off Scotland’s west coast, Colonsay not only boasts magnificent white-sand beaches but also benefits from record-level sunshine hours – the perfect combination for beach-lovers. For the best days by the sea, try Kiloran Bay and Balnahard Beach. On the latter, you may even stumble across the remains of the wooden steam ship ‘SS Wasa’, which sank in 1920.
3. Eigg
Found in the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Eigg is sure to set your dog’s tail wagging with the promise of adventure. Reached via ferry from Mallaig in Lochaber, it exudes the kind of remote wilderness that few other places in Europe can offer. Must-sees during your stay are Massacre and Cathedral Caves, An Sgurr hill and the abandoned village of Grulin. As for beaches, well, Singing Sands and Laig are simply unbeatable.
4. Iona
If you have a laidback pup who is happy to snooze by your side as you nature-watch, then Iona may be the place for you. Known to be one of the best destinations in Scotland for its breath-taking wildlife, just some of the species you can see around this Hebridean island include puffins, otters, seal, dolphins, basking sharks and even whales. For the ultimutt trip, pack some snacks, blankets and a good pair of binoculars and hit the island’s trails.
5. Lewis And Harris
Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides (otherwise known as the Western Isles) is another island that beckons for dog-friendly holidays. Famous for its Harris tweed, you can kit your pooch up in authentic tweed apparel and head out to embrace the elements. Whatever the season, the island’s rock-fringed shores and heather-tinged hills provide stunning walking opportunities. For dog-friendly eateries, there are some great places in Stornoway too, including the Crown Inn and the Woodlands Centre.
6. Muck
Around a 2-hour ferry ride from the mainland, a trip to the Isle of Muck offers a truly romantic escape. An idyllic destination for those who love the great outdoors, it’s the perfect place to switch off from the modern world and embrace the unspoilt setting. Choices of excellent walkies include Beinn Airein (the island’s highest point for paws at 451ft) and the Isle of Muck coastal circuit (an 8.5-mile route).
7. Mull
Dubbed Scotland’s Eagle Island, the Isle of Mull is one of the best places in the UK to see white-tailed and golden eagles. Home to many different habitats, from towering Munros to rugged sea cliffs, and from sprawling sandy beaches to multi-coloured fishing ports, it really does offer something for everyone. Take you four-legged best friend along one of the amazing beaches and listen out for the tell-tale cry of eagles soaring above, or head to Tobermory, the island capital, to taste some of the island’s fresh seafood.
8. Orkney
An archipelago off Scotland’s north-eastern coast, Orkney has no shortage of places to visit with your dog, boasting over 70 different islands. That said, a trip to Orkney mainland is very much recommended to begin your discovery. Pop your pup on their lead and set off to discover the mind-blowing landscapes, 500 native plants, stunning wildlife, historic cultural sites and world-class beaches side by side.
9. Raasay
Raasay Island is a magnet for walkers, nature-lovers and tranquillity seekers of both the pink-toed and padded-pawed variety. With something for all the pack, you can choose from ambles along wooded trails, former railway lines, moorland tracks and coastal paths. For more of a challenge, the 1500ft volcanic Dun Caan offers spectacular views from the summit towards the Cuillin on Skye and the Outer Hebrides beyond.
10. Rùm
An important National Nature Reserve in the Inner Hebrides, Rùm is another of the best dog-friendly islands in Scotland. From the imposing peaks of the Cuillin mountains to the wildflower-peppered grasslands, and from the island’s icy-cold lochans to the secret bays hidden between weather-beaten cliffs, the scenery here is nothing short of mind-blowing. With something to see at every turn, getting back to nature with your canine companion will have never been so appealing.
11. Shetland
The home of Shetland ponies, Shetland is a thriving archipelago surrounded by the wild North Sea. Set between Great Britain and Norway, it is so far north that in the summertime, the islands here experience nearly round-the-clock light, while in deep winter, the night skies are sometimes graced with the dancing Northern lights. The archipelago also offers you and your dog some of the UK’s best coastal walks, showing off impressive natural arches, sea stacks, blowholes, caves and more.
12. Skye
The Isle of Skye is arguably one of Scotland’s most famous islands. Often used as the backdrop for movies and TV series, its stunning natural aesthetics and iconic formations have rightly earned it widespread attention. For the best dog-friendly adventures, we recommend hitting the coast along Staffin Beach, exploring the dog-friendly gardens of Armadale Castle, venturing out to Neist Point Lighthouse and, if you’re both experienced hikers, walking in the Cuillins. For some well-deserved fodder, the island capital of Portree is the place to go.
Book Your Island Getaway in Scotland
There are so many wonderful islands to visit in Scotland with your dog. Find your dog-friendly holiday accommodation in the Scottish Isles at the Scotland search page.
