While no other part of the UK celebrates New Year with the same gusto as Scotland, Hogmanay celebrations don’t have to mean fireworks, street parades and all-night ceilidhs that your dog will cower at. We love spending New Year Scottish-style with the dog in tow, with wild mountain and waterside walks, and dog-friendly days out ending up in cosy inns where Fido can flop beside the roaring fire while you eat and drink into the wee hours.
Here are some of our favourite places to celebrate Hogmanay with your dog in Scotland.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Best for: Scenic walkies
From serene lochs to majestic mountains and woodland valleys, the stunning Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is home to some of Scotland’s most captivating scenery, criss-crossed by an abundance of dog-friendly trails. This makes it an ideal destination to stomp into the New Year on breathtaking walks with your canine companion, paw-sing at cosy pubs in picturesque villages such as Balmaha and Luss.
Where to stay: Glenfinglas Dam Cottage, Brig o’Turk, Stirling
Sleeps 5 + 3 dogs
Nestled within the raw beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs nature reserve, this delightful dwelling with a log burner is a great base for an action-packed New Year’s adventure with your dog.
Isle of Skye
Best for: Island adventures with your dog
Boasting wild landscapes from the rugged coastline to rocky peaks, the magical Isle of Skye is a haven for Hogmanay with your hound. Summit Blà Bheinn for panoramic views of the island, explore charming Portree and the historical hotspot of Dunvegan Castle and seek out the spectacular fire festivals held in villages across the island on New Year’s Eve.
Where to stay: Camus Cruise Retreat, Isle of Skye
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Retreat to the quiet little crofting township of Camuscross in the southern part of Skye, where you can walk on secluded sandy bays, kick back beside the crackling log fire, and bring in the New Year with a dram of whisky in the local pub.
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The Scottish Highlands
Best for: Off-grid Hogmanay with the dog
Hogmanay in the Highlands is a paradise for dog owners, offering endless opportunities for hiking from the peaks to the valleys, with pit stops in cosy, dog-friendly pubs. Stay off-grid and greet the New Year in a rural retreat, or step into traditional Hogmanay celebrations at the likes of Loch Ness and Fort William.
Where to stay: Invergarry Escape, Highlands
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Enjoy a New Year’s digital detox in this remote hideaway where deer roam on the doorstep, or venture into Loch Ness and Fort William if you’re looking for lively Hogmanay celebrations after a hike into the hills.
The Scottish Borders
Best for: Bracing New Year’s beach walks and dips
Steeped in history and natural beauty, the Scottish Borders provides a tranquil escape for New Year’s Eve celebrations with your dog. Discover the ruins of ancient castles, explore stunning garden wonderlands and stroll along scenic riverbanks with your canine companion. You can also take a scenic drive along the Scottish Borders Coast, stopping to bound along beautiful beaches and plunging into the frigid waters at Coldingham Bay or Pease Bay for a New Year’s Day dip.
Where to stay: Near Bank Cottage, St Abbs
Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
After a day exploring The Scottish Borders, light the fire and relax into the New Year surrounded by nature in a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Edinburgh
Best for: A dog-friendly city retreat
We know you might not want to stay out all night and party at Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations. But unfortunately, it’s not very dog-friendly. However, there is plenty to do in one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations before the fireworks and revelries kick-off. Soak up the vibrant ambience in canine-welcoming parks and pubs, visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, waltz along the waterfront, and then retreat to a cosy, out-of-town abode where you can bring in the New Year in peace and quiet. If you’re feeling brave, head out to South Queensferry on New Year’s Day for the traditional Loony Dook dip.
Where to stay: Gate Lodge, Philpstoun, West Lothian
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Set within the grounds of a National Trust Estate, this luxurious, cosy cottage is the perfect place to pop the fizz and retreat just a few miles from Edinburgh’s festivities.
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Book a Dog Friendly Holiday Cottage for Hogmanay in Scotland
Use our search tools to find a range of dog-friendly retreats available for Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland. Or, if you’re looking for somewhere else to see in next year with your hound at your heels, check out some more of our favourite places in the UK for a Dog Friendly New Year’s Break.
