Dog friendly Arran holiday cottage

We know how much it means to bring your dog on holiday. At Gille Ghagaich we welcome one well-behaved dog by prior arrangement, so your four-legged friend can enjoy the Isle of Arran alongside you.

Our cottage sits within beautiful gardens on the peaceful west coast, with walks from the door and the shore just a short stroll away. It’s a lovely place for dogs and owners to unwind together, as long as everyone follows a few simple house rules to keep the cottage comfortable for all our guests.

Bringing your dog

We have two friendly yellow Labradors ourselves, so we fully understand the pleasure of having your dog with you. To help us maintain the cottage to a high standard, there is a £60 charge for additional deep cleaning after a dog has stayed.

We ask that you let us know in advance if you plan to bring your dog, as we can only accommodate one well-behaved dog per booking and this is by separate arrangement.

House rules for dogs

To ensure that Gille Ghagaich remains welcoming for future guests – including those without pets – we have a few straightforward rules:

Please make sure your dog’s tick and flea protection is up to date before you travel. Around the cottage and garden, please pick up after your dog; there is a shovel by the outside door to make this easier, and waste should be disposed of considerately.

Dogs must not be left alone in the cottage at any time. The cottage and garden will be unfamiliar to them, and even the calmest dog can become anxious in a new place. If you are heading out for a meal or a longer excursion where dogs are not suitable, please plan so that your dog can go with you or stay with another member of your party.

We do ask that dogs are kept off all furniture and are not allowed upstairs or in the downstairs bedroom. There is a small entrance vestibule which makes an ideal sleeping area for dogs – cool, practical and easy to keep clean.

After a day on the beach or in the hills, please ensure your dog is clean and dry before coming back into the cottage. There is a tap and hose in the yard (where the owner’s car is parked) which you are welcome to use. Dogs must not be washed in the showers or baths inside the cottage.

Out and about with your dog

The west coast of Arran is wonderful walking country, but it is also farmland. If there is any possibility that your dog might chase sheep or other livestock, they must be kept on a lead at all times. This protects local stock and wildlife and ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy the paths and open spaces around Achavoulin.

Blackwaterfoot village is about a mile away, or a ten-minute walk across fields and along the shore, giving you an easy, scenic route for morning and evening walks. Many guests enjoy combining a dog walk with a visit to the village shop or a meal at the Kinloch Hotel.

A relaxing stay for everyone

With these simple guidelines in place, Gille Ghagaich can be a comfortable, homely base for both you and your dog. If you have any questions about bringing your dog, or would like to check whether the cottage will suit your pet’s needs, please get in touch before booking.