With the start of the 2014 Commonwealth Games yesterday, all eyes are on Scotland for what is sure to be a fantastic fortnight of  sport. To celebrate the buzz surrounding Scotland at the moment, we’ve put together a shortlist of some of our most spectacular Scottish holiday cottages for you to enjoy.

Beach Cottage, Sandend

Beach Cottage, Sandend, Ref. 12172

This beautiful holiday cottage is located in the small village of Sandend, on the north-east coast of Scotland. Standing in an elevated position overlooking the beach, this cottage boasts unrivalled views across the sand and sea; offering light, airy and spacious accommodation for a family or group of friends. There are plenty of coastal walks around Beach Cottage and if you’re a history buff, then you’ll love the nearby ruins of Findlater Castle which overlook the Moray Firth.

Brook Cottage, Falkland

Brook Cottage, Falkland, Ref. 16253

If you’re looking for peace and quiet amidst stunning countryside then you need look no further than Brook Cottage. This charming terraced cottage is just under a mile from the historic town of Falkland and offers guests incredible views of the Lomond Hills and Fife countryside. The outdoor decked area is the perfect place to relax on a sunny day and the living room, with its cosy woodburner, would be the ideal place to curl up on a winter’s evening.

Aurae, Cawdor

Aurae, Cawdor, Ref. 904499

Situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this bespoke log cabin has all you’ll ever need for a luxury holiday in Scotland. Sleeping 8, Aurae boasts facilities including a barrel sauna, large hot tub and floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the panoramic countryside views. Nearby, you’ll find Cawdor Castle which is most famous for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and Inverness, which is just 9 miles away.

Glenashdale, Dunoon

Glenashdale, Dunoon, Ref. 12582

The Cowal Peninsula in Argyll is one of the most spectacularly beautiful regions in the whole of Scotland. With plenty of glens, lochs and highland hills to explore, you’ll never be short of things to do at your Cowal holiday home. Glenashdale offers forest walks straight from its doorstep and the beach is just a few minutes’ walk away. The cottage boasts spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde from many of the rooms and is the perfect base for families who want to discover this part of the country.

Seaspray, Portknockie

Seaspray, Portknockie, Ref. 22242

Seaspray is a former fisherman’s cottage in the picturesque fishing village of Portknockie, which occupies a stunning elevated position on a cliff overlooking the Moray Firth. The cottage itself has been furnished to a high standard with stylish décor and sea views from the first floor. Local facilities are just a minute’s walk away and the Moray Firth coastline provides guests with fantastic walking and cycling opportunities, as well as the chance to see dolphins, seals and sea-birds in their natural habitat.

If you’d like to look at more of our fantastic cottages in Scotland then you can do so by visiting the Scotland holiday cottages page on our website.

By Louise O'Toole

Louise loves reading, shopping, baking and cosy country pubs with log fires. A nice cup of tea will never be turned down. She has spent many childhood summers on the beach in Cornwall and walking the hills of the Lake District.

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I think it’s safe to say that the eyes of the sporting world will have well and truly descended on Scotland as the Commonwealth Games finally get up and running. Over the next ten days, thousands of athletes will be competing across seventeen different sporting events from cycling right the way through to squash. However, it’s well worth remembering that it’s not just about the Commonwealth Games up in Scotland, in fact there are plenty of other sporting activities that you could try your hand at, so read on and see if there’s anything that you fancy.

Extreme Sports

via. Flickr

If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie then Scotland is most definitely where you want to be, after all there are so many options open to you! For example you could have a go at the ultimate thrill, a Bungee Jump! Bungee Jump Scotland offer you two options, the Highland Fling up in the beautiful Pass of Killiecrankie or the Urban Bungee which will have you leaping off the cantilever of the Titan Crane in Glasgow. Or, alternatively, you could always take in some of the beautiful countryside with a spot of mountain biking. If you’re a fan of cycling then Scotland is the place for you! No matter where you are you’ll be able to find a cycling paradise, from the borders right up to the Highlands, there’s always somewhere for you!

Water Sports

via. Flickr

Then there’s the water sports! With over 10,000 miles of coastline it comes as little surprise that Scotland is a haven for all types of water sports enthusiasts, from surfers to sailors, paddleboarders to canoeists, the list goes on. The rougher seas of the North coast have put places like Thurso well and truly on the surfing map, however if you’re a beginner you might be better suited to the slightly calmer waters further down the coastline. Or if you’re inland you can take a advantage of some of the fantastic white water rapids dotted around the country and have a go at one of the latest crazes, river bugging!

The Highland Games

via. Flickr

Or if you don’t fancy either of them then, why don’t you pop down to one of the Highland Games! Truly showcasing Scottish heritage at its finest from traditional sports such as the caber toss and the hammer throw, to bagpipe playing and highland dancing, the games make for a spectacle like no other! With events ranging from smaller, local affairs right the way through to the massive Cowal Gathering which brings together three and a half thousand competitors from all over the world, as well as countless spectators you’ll surely be able to find one for you!

So there we have it, some of the fantastic sports and events taking place around Scotland! If any of them have piqued your interest why not take a look at our Scottish cottages so that you have somewhere to put your feet up after a long day, or if you have any suggestions of activities that people should try out north of the border then let us know either over Twitter of Facebook!

By Jamie Tomkins

Jamie is a big fan of long weekend walks with the dog, especially when there is the chance to refuel with lunch in a country pub. Living in Lancaster for three years gave him the perfect opportunity to spend a lot of time in the Lake District.

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Here at Sykes Cottages, we love to take the time out of our busy schedule and head north to the beautiful country of Scotland. From the quiet villages in the highlands to the lively cities in the lowlands and all the coastal towns in-between, we know that Scotland is the ideal destination for a summer’s getaway. We’re rather smitten with Scotland and would hope that you feel the same way, but if you’re not yet convinced about this fabulous country then take a look at our top ten reasons to visit Scotland this summer and I’m sure by the end of the post you’ll have your bags packed ready to leave on a Scottish adventure!

1. It’s the Year of Homecoming! Scotland welcomes the world to celebrate Scottish history and culture this summer. 

Picture provided by Terry Norton

2. Glasgow is hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. With over 18 sporting events, Glasgow is a must for sports fans. 

Glasgow Harbour, picture via Flickr.

3. There’s 1,000 reasons to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo perform this year. That’s 1,000 musicians, drummers, pipers, singers and dancers entertaining the crowds in front of the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. 

Edinburgh Military Tattoo, picture via Flickr.

4. Elgin is hosting a spectacular  food and drink festival which will showcase a delightful selection of Scottish produce. 

Selection of Scottish seafood, picture via Flickr.

5. The world’s largest arts festival is held annually in Scotland’s capital. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe expects to welcome over one million visitors this year!

Edinburgh, picture via Flickr.

6. Just look at that beach! Did you know that compared to England and Wales, Scotland has almost double the length of coastline? 

Nairn Beach, picture provided by Terry Norton.

7. The world sheepdog trials will take place in Ross-Shire in September and will see competitors coming from as far away as Canada and New Zealand.

Picture via Flickr.

8.Throughout August, the seas around Scotland will be filled with whales, dolphins, porpoise and seals, perfect for wildlife lovers!

Whale watcher, picture via Flickr.

9. You can experience Scotland’s rich culture with the royal family themselves at  the Braemar Highland Games.

Picture via Flickr.

10. The  Ryder Cup returns to Scotland this year and is being played at the wonderful  Gleneagles Hotel.

Picture provided by Terry Norton.

It’s not too late to book your summer holiday to Scotland; we have a number of beautiful Scottish holiday cottages which would make ideal accommodation for a family escape, romantic retreat or a group getaway. Simply go to the Sykes Cottages website or give us a call to find out more.

By Nicole Westley

As a food lover Nicole can often be found in the kitchen, covered in flour and experimenting with new tastes! When not making a mess she loves to explore her Celtic roots by roaming the Scottish countryside or exploring the bays along the Anglesey coast with her fiancé.

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