Luxury, Dog-friendly Highland Accommodation at Embo House

Our dog Nala loves the Highlands. It’s not just the endless opportunities to roam across mountain and moor. It’s also the opportunity to swim in lochs and burns, or doggy surf on the stunning beaches at Dornoch and Embo. We’re sure it keeps her in peak condition. And her coat is especially silky and sweet as a result of the soft, clean waters she enjoys bathing in.

It’s surprising how little luxury, dog-friendly, Highland accommodation there is. Being dog-lovers ourselves we thought it only fair that our four-legged friends be allowed to join in the fun. The garden at Embo House provides 8 acres to exercise in, and there are lovely walks from the house down to the sea or along the footpaths to nearby Dornoch or Embo. We provide baskets, feeding bowls and special dog towels, so dogs can enjoy a bit of a “cleansing massage” on their return from manoeuvres, and have some R&R! …And in the unlikely event that your pooch gets ill, there is an excellent vet in town.

Of course, we respect those who do not enjoy the company of our canine friends. So we are strict about asking that dogs remain downstairs and that any mess in the garden is removed immediately. Nala doesn’t seem to mind.

Then there is the issue of going out. Some of the pubs nearby – including the Trentham Hotel and the Coach House are happy for a dog to join you for a drink or bar meal. Cocoa Mountain coffee (& chocolate) house is also dog-friendly, and if you venture across the bridge to Tain, the restaurant & coffee shop, Platform 1864 also permits dogs.

There may be occasions when you want to use Embo House as a base to explore somewhere further afield (eg a trip to the Orkney islands or the west coast) and leave your dog at home. If so, there are a few options. With enough notice we can usually help you organise an experienced dog-sitter who can make sure that your hounds are exercised properly and fed whilst you are away.

So if you’re looking for a spot of luxury, dog-friendly Highland accommodation, look no further than Embo House! (And don’t be shy about asking your dog for a second opinion.)