Scottish coastline, islands and beaches

Scotland's coastline is beautiful and unspoilt with many a picturesque fishing village with its own harbour and the nets hung out to dry. Numerous rocky islands lie off the Scottish west coast.  These are marvellous safe habitats for birds and wildlife.  Some like Mull, Arran and Skye are popular with visitors in their own right.  Others like the Orkneys and Shetlands are a little more remote.  Recent TV programmes like 'Castaway 2000'  filmed on Taransay and '2000 acres of sky' have highlighted the attractions and slower pace of life found on such islands.

The majority of counties in Scotland have a coastline with the exception of land locked counties predominantly in central Scotland. 

Parts of Scotland particularly renowned for their coastline include: 

Argyll and Bute The Isle of Skye The Western Isles

With so many places in Scotland having an unspoilt coastline, there is plenty of choice from the very North of Scotland, to Scotland's West Coast and the Scottish islands.  For the full choice of cottages near the coast throughout Scotland take a look at:

• Coastal cottages in Scotland

Self-catering holiday accommodation on the West Coast of Scotland

A smart bedroom at Melfort Pier and Harbour in Kilmelford by Oban	For a holiday by the water how about Melfort Pier and Harbour 5 star luxury holiday homes in Argyll and Bute?  Situated near Oban, these lodges are all located around Loch Melfort near the Melfort hills.  There is also a private harbour and beach here.  For a tranquil Scottish self-catering holiday with loch views a stay in one of these lodges could be an ideal choice for you.  Although in a tranquil part of Scotland, Glasgow airport is just 2 hours away by car and the pretty town of Oban is just 16 miles away.  There are 15 properties on this luxury development and this is a great place to unwind, relax and enjoy taking it easy if you wish although there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, horse riding, walking and mountain biking should you wish to. The cottages are also pet-friendly which is very unusual for five star accommodation. Argyll is a beautiful location, where each turn in the road opens onto some of the most spectacular scenery. It's an ideal base for hill-walking, cycling, canoeing, horse riding, golf, boat trips, watersports and bird watching. Guests have free use of  the owner's rowing boat and Canadian canoe. There is also free fishing from the private pier.
One of the luxury bathrooms
	Telephone: +44(0)1852 200 333
Telephone 01369 820 377 or view details in the menu on the left under Highlands and Islands.

There are beautiful beaches to be found all around the mainland of Scotland.  Although the sun cannot be relied upon to shine, the beaches are clean with golden sands.  Aberdeenshire has some fantastic beaches.  Beginning at Aberdeen, mile upon mile of golden sands stretch north to Peterhead and on to Moray.  Most of these beaches are edged with sand dunes which provide sheltered spots from the wind.

Balmedie beach and Country Park is recommended for great days out with the children.  Lots of fun is to be had paddling in the sea, collecting shells, making sandcastles, even when fully clothed.  The sand dunes are great for games of hide and seek.

Swimming in the North Sea is for the brave - it's always cold, even on the warmest day.  Better to swim in one of the local indoor or outdoor pools, some of them are built alongside the beach.  Stonehaven, south of Aberdeen has a brand new, heated, open air, Olympic sized, salt water pool.  It even offers midnight swims under the stars.

The Leisure pool at the beach in Aberdeen has shallow areas for small children, flumes and a wave machine. Most of the larger north east towns have their own public baths.

Find self-catering holiday cottages near beaches and the coast by either browsing using the menu on the left or searching by clicking on Accommodation.

    Holiday Ideas for short breaks and holidays in self-catering cottages in Scotland and the UK and Ireland

• cottages near Scottish lochs
• small cottage in the country
• self-catering luxury 5 star holiday cottages,
• pet friendly country cottages
• farmstays,
• rural retreats 
• value for money
• award winning cottages
• cottages with beautiful interiors
• country cottages with a swimming pool
• cottages with a tennis court
• self-catering accommodation near a beach
• golfing holidays
• holiday cottages in  Scotland, Wales
• spacious or secluded holiday cottages