17 Unique Accommodation Options In Scotland To Stay In

There are many unique accommodation options in Scotland. From shepherds huts to eco cabins, and lighthouses to narrow boats, there is something that will make your trip extra memorable. 

Many of the options listed below offer a taste of off-grid living which is very easy and enjoyable. It makes it easy to see what romantic nights in the past would have been like.

There are plenty of affordable, comfortable and cosy accommodation with excellent views across various parts of the country. 

Marigold Sunset, 1 Kelpies Marina

Have you ever thought about staying in a narrowboat? In Scotland, you can. 

There is a characterful narrowboat at the base of Kelpies in Helix Park, Falkirk. The front of the boat is 25 metres away from the base of the nearest Kelpie. 

The boat features a balcony and a bar, access to a terrace and free private parking. Inside there are lovely facilities including one bedroom, an oven, a microwave and a kettle. 

There is a log burner in the lounge which is perfect on chillier nights. Also, the Marigold Sunset is dog-friendly and provides doggy towels, bowls and treats. 

It is very quirky and in a beautiful location, you can see the Kelpies at different times of the day which is magical. The Kelpies are 100 feet tall and are the largest equine structures in the world.

Visit the Horsebox which is near the narrowboat. This is a row of cabins which offer food such as pizza, savoury snacks, hot drinks and ice cream from The Milk Barn. 

The Helix Park is 350 hectares of underused land between Falkirk and Grangemouth, now a vibrant park, with a canal. Guests can enjoy the path and cycle routes as well as fishing and hiking in the area.

The Marigold Sunset is a good location to base yourself for exploring the Forth Valley and to visit nearby cities including Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Barns Ness Lighthouse Cottage, Dunbar

Barns Ness Lighthouse Cottage is a large modern holiday home which sleeps up to 12 people. The holiday home is located near Dunbar and is one kilometre from Whitesands Beach. 

This fascinating cottage is tucked underneath an actual lighthouse. The accommodation features one double bedroom with an ensuite, 3 x twin rooms and a twin bunk room. 

There are breath taking views of the rocky coastline and deep blue North Sea.

In 1899, the building of the lighthouse began, and two and half years later the construction finished. Dunbar is the nearest settlement and it once had a busy port exporting grain and potatoes and once had a large fishing fleet. 

In the Second World War, the lighthouse was machine-gunned but no damage occurred to any of the buildings. The lighthouse was in operation for many years then discontinued in October 2005. 

The Burns Ness Headland attracted migrant birds, and you can see rare species along this stretch of coastline. Burns Ness is a great place to base yourself for exploring the East Lothian’s coast, specifically, Dunbar, John Muir Way, or Eyemouth and the Scottish Borders. 

Broomholm Glamping, Langholm

Broomholm Glamping has three luxury tents on offer. The site is located near Langholm, in Dumfries and Galloway near the Scottish Borders.

This is a unique experience and there is a lot to explore. The tents are set in forestry or in a field and are located near a river.

Broomholm Glamping is set in a nice, quiet secluded area. This accommodation is a great place to base yourself for exploring Dumfries and Galloway, heading to the Lake District or the Scottish Borders. 

Ketburn Shepherds Hut, Dumfries and Galloway

Ketburn Shepherds Hut is located at Balnab Farm. The hut features a kettle, toaster, bed and sitting areas in one area. There is a lovely log fire and the room has a rustic charm to it. 

Outside, guests can utilise a seating area, a hot tub, a shower and a toilet. From the hut, there are lovely views across the field and you can see the shetland ponies. 

Balnab Farm is located near Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. You can explore the many attractions in the area or on the South West Coastal 300 long-distance driving route.

There is a great number of Glamping pods to stay in across Scotland.

Shepherds Hut, Dumfries and Galloway

This self-catering Shepherds Hut accommodation which has stunning coastal views and views of the Galloway Hills. Each hut includes a kitchenette, bed, outdoor shower hut and log burners. 

Also, there are lovely views across the Galloway Hills and the Galloway Forest Park is nearby. The hut is nicely decorated and makes a splendid rural retreat.

This is the perfect place to go for a quick getaway, you will feel very secluded as there are few people around which makes it very relaxing. Having a small drink as it gets dark around the wood burner is very relaxing. 

Kelburn Yurts, Kelburn Estate

The Kelburn Yurts are located near the Kelburn Castle and Estate, in the Fairlie region of Ayrshire. There are lovely seaside views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran.

The yurts sleep between four to six people. Each cosy outdoor yurt comes with a wood-burning stove and is perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family holiday. 

There is a communal building known as ‘The Bothy’ where you see panoramic views. Also, there is a wood burner, a shared kitchen and a living space, plus showers, toilets and plug sockets.

Staying in the yurts allows you to have access to the beautiful gardens and woodland walks in the Kelburn Estate. There are great trails nearby for hiking and cycling. 

You can explore the local area on The Shiel (The Coig) road trip.

The Tall Pines Yurt

The Tall Pines Yurt is located in Helmsdale on the east coast of Scotland, a famous stop on the North Coast 500. Staying in a yurt is a great option for those who want to live outdoors but enjoy home comforts.

Tall Pines is a Mongolian-styled yurt. It is well-isolated and will protect you from the harsh Scottish weather. Helmsdale is a great place to base yourself to explore the northeast coast of Scotland or join on the North Coast 500.

The interiors are quirky decorated with large tapestries and colourful rugs and duvet sets. Also, there is a wood-burning stove inside. 

Outside there is outdoor seating, a patio, BBQ facilities and its own garden. Also, the yurt has stunning sea views in a peaceful area with a bird’s eye view of Helmsdale.

Birkenshaw Shepherd’s Hut, Dornoch

Birkenshaw is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Scottish Highlands. Dornoch is located north of Inverness on the east coast of Scotland.

There are wonderful forest walks, great wildlife, historical castles, spectacular waterfalls and northern light spotting all available in this isolated part of the country. 

The off-grid shepherd’s hut is a lovely place for those who love the outdoors but still need their home comforts. The hut provides sleeping facilities for two people with an eco shower for washing facilities.

The hut is nicely decorated with really nice added touches, creating a rustic feel. You can relax in the hammock or in the outdoor seating area while observing the wildlife.

Eco Crofter Wagon, Oldshoremore

Stay in a rustic eco-friendly wagon on the northwest coast of Scotland. The Eco Crofter Wagon is in a perfect location with grand sea views across the north-west of Scotland.

Some of my favourite west coast beaches in Scotland (Oldshoremore Beach and Polin Beach) are on your doorstep. This is an excellent place to base yourself for completing the west side of the North Coast 500. 

There are many thoughtful touches produced and is a great way to experience off-grid living. During your stay, you might see some wildlife including highland cows, stags, eagles, Canadian geese or badgers. 

Also, the walk to Sandwood Bay is not far from this hut. Sandwood Bay was one of my favourite beaches on the North Coast 500. 

Moreover, the famous waterfall in the sea cave in Durness is only a 40-minute drive away. 

Strathy Point Lighthouse, Strathy

Strathy Point Lighthouse is located on the tip of a peninsula between Cape Wrath and John O’Groats. From the lighthouse, there are awe-inspiring views across the north coast of Scotland.

Strathy Point was the first lighthouse in Scotland specifically built to be electrically operated. The lighthouse was initially planned in 1953 and was completed by 1958. 

Strathy Point was decommissioned in 2012 and is now a holiday accommodation.

There are two accommodation options in the lighthouse building. You can stay in a studio (sleeps two people) or an apartment (sleeps four people). 

This is another great unique accommodation stay along the North Coast 500. The units come with a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen and oven, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer.

Finally, the lighthouse is located near plenty of marine birds.

Skye Eco Bells, Dunvegan

Skye Eco Bells offer an eco-friendly Glamping experience on the Isle of Skye. There are choices of tents and cost cabins which sleep up to a family of four. 

The site is located 20 miles from Portree and there are three cabins available. The cabins are set in moorland and two acres of wood. 

You can sit under the stars, around the fire pit in the BBQ area. There is a social camp kitchen called The Hub which is decorated with cosy lanterns and a wood-burning stove.

There is an additional communal space called The Shack. On-site there is a unique greenhouse shower and a composting toilet that reduces the impact on the environment.

The accommodation is absolutely stunning and the hosts are passionate about the planet. This is a great stay and you are guaranteed a cost, tranquil and clean experience.

The Drift Shepherds Hut, Melvaig

The Drift Shepherds Hut is a stunning accommodation with the bonus of a wet room shower. This accommodation is a bijou handcrafted shepherd’s hut which combines some modern elements. 

You will be staying in a beautifully crafted space which has a warm, cosy, peaceful environment. There is a TV, DVD player, electric wood-burner style heater and modern kitchen facilities. 

As the hut is located quite high, there are excellent views across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis and Harris and the Isle of Skye.

You can witness the sheep walking through the local fields. This is another excellent stop along the North Coast 500.

Gairloch village is only a short drive or cycle away and you can get everything you need from the well-stocked convenience store.

Cultybraggan Camp, Perth

At Cultybraggan Camp you can stay in one of the Nissen huts where POWs were kept. This is a very cool historical location, which was previously a prisoner-of-war camp in World War II. 

You can learn about the interesting history of the camp from plenty of information boards and museums on site. After the Camp was used in World War II it became an Army training area and then the Ministry of Defence used the area. 

Also, there is a cafe which sells delicious homemade food. The hut is very spacious, comfortable and well-equipped. The interiors have a minimalist style and everything you need is in the hut.

Cultybrgaan Camp is a five-minute drive from Auchingarrich Wildlife Park and is a good place to base yourself to explore the Munros of Perthshire and the attractions near Crieff. 

Manuel Haugh, Linlithgow

The interior is nicely decorated and it is very modern and clean. The location is superb it is very quiet and the walk to Linlithgow is not too far. 

The peaceful Shepherds Hut has lovely garden views across the countryside The accommodation comes with a terrace, BBQ facilities, a kitchen with an oven and a microwave as well as a coffee machine.

Also, a regular bus runs from Linlithgow to Edinburgh. This accommodation is a perfect option for those who are walking along the John Muir Way.

Moreover, staying at the Shepherds Hut in Manuel Haugh is a great place to base yourself to explore many attractions in the Forth Valley including Falkirk. 

Roslin Glamping, Kirkettle Farm, Roslin, Edinburgh

Stay in a luxury tent equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kettle. Each tent sleeps up to 4 people.

You will feel that you are in a rural place but Edinburgh and the attractions in Roslin are driving distance away. The site has two bell tents with their own bathroom, BBQ and outdoor dining area.

Riverwood Farm, Galston

This is a unique stay as you will be staying in an Airstream. The Airstream is a rounded and polished trailer set up with a small wood burning stove inside. 

Outside the set-up is even more remarkablean and you will feel private and secluded. There is a tiki bar with all the mixology equipment and tiki cups to drink from, outdoor hot tub and a seating area with hanging chairs. 

The interior has a modern touch and there are bold and colourful decorations to brighten the trailer up. Moreover, the property is a short walk from everything you need in Galston. 

Many attractions are nearby, and Kilmarnock is only a 15-minute drive away. You can visit Dean Castle Country Park, drive the Shiel or the Shire or spend some time in Ayr or Glasgow. 

Farr North Lodge, Wick

This accommodation is a small modern shepherd’s hut. This quirky little cabin is equipped with a lovely kitchenette, a living room and a flat-screen TV. 

There are great views over the garden from the terrace and patio. 

This is a great stop if you are doing the North Coast 500 just a 15 minute drive from John o’Groats. The coast and cliffs are nearby, you can visit a few attractions including the Tinker’s Cave, The Trinkie and the Castle of Old Wick.

You might get the chance to see orca pods. Also, the accommodation is close to the Old Pulteney Distillery and Wick Harbour, the largest herring port in Europe.

Final Note

There are many unique and unusual accommodation options in Scotland. There is a wide selection of yurts and shepherd huts across the country which is perfect for those who love the outdoors but still need their home comforts.

Also, if you are looking for something a bit more unique you can stay in a narrow boat, a Nissen hut or a lighthouse. The accommodations have splendid views and are located in remote and peaceful locations. 

The prices for the unique accommodation in Scotland range from £20 per night to £150 per night. Some accommodations require you to book a few nights’ stay.

There are a wide variety of accommodation options in Scotland. Visitors can stay in castles, spend a night in a hostel, relax at a spa hotel, chill in a Glamping pod or stay in a log cabin.