In the heart of the Scottish countryside close to the sea lies the Arbuthnott Estate, home of the Arbuthnott family for over 900 years and more than thirty-five generations. Arbuthnott Holiday Cottages are a perfect base to explore this area of fascinating history. Situated just 3½ miles from the coast and with easy access to Royal Deeside, guests can have energetic or relaxing holidays here – the choice of activities is endless! The road network is very good, making it an ideal location from which to explore much of Scotland.
Comfortably furnished, they make a great choice at any time of the year, to enjoy the peace and solitude of this unspoilt area. Cloud Howe is one of three cottages situated in the Old School, which has been sympathetically restored to provide cosy cottages, and are named after the renowned novels of local author Lewis Grassic Gibbon. The cottages are less than 10 minutes in the car to Inverbervie. Arbuthnott house is officially open to the public 10 days a year, although the owners are delighted to book in small groups to the house and gardens, appealing to many enthusiasts – email arbuthnotthouse@gmail.com to arrange a time.
Wood pellet central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Travel cot and highchair by request.
Small sitting-out area. Large enclosed lawned garden (shared with other properties on-site). Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking.
Aberdeenshire offers over 150 miles of coastline, ancient fishing harbours, and rolling hills of countryside which provide a stunning backdrop in which to discover birds and wildlife.
The dramatic cliffs of the Bullers of Buchan, just 27 miles north of Aberdeen, are a popular nesting site in spring for colonies of puffins and guillemots. Grey seals and dolphins can also be spotted in the area.
Cambus o’May, a tranquil pine woodland about an hour’s drive west of Aberdeen, is a great place to see ground forest birds such as black grouse and capercaillie, and if you’re lucky a golden eagle soaring overhead. If you want a guaranteed siting of this majestic bird though, head to Huntly Falconry Centre in Cairnie, where you can interact with birds of prey and watch stunning flying displays.
The RSPB reserve, the Loch of Strathbeg, is Britain’s largest dune loch, and home to thousands of wintering wildfowl, including a fifth of the world’s pink-footed geese. In spring look out for breeding terns, gulls, and warblers. Spoonbills have also been reported on the loch.
Another dune reserve is Forvie National Nature Reserve, a place of stark beauty that has been compared to the Sahara Desert. It’s particularly renowned for its birds, including a breeding colony of eiders. There is also a seal haul-out nearby on the mouth of the Ythan.
