Scotland self catering Dolphin Cottage near Spey and Findhorn

Dolphin Cottage
Kingston on Spey
Moray Coast of North East Scotland

Sleeping 4 (maximum 6)

Kingston on Spey is a little erstwhile fishing village right at the end of the road where the River Spey flows into the sea on Scotland's famous Moray coast.

The word Spey will strike a chord both with fishermen and lovers of Scotch Whisky the world over. (A less well-known fact is that the Spey and the nearby River Findhorn are also excellent for canoeing.) Dolphin is situated just a few hundred yards from that famous salmon river and about the same distance from the beach (pebbles in the immediate area) from where dolphins and seals can regularly be spotted. There is a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Visitor Centre and coffee shop just across the river mouth at Spey Bay. Ospreys are frequent visitors to the estuary, there is an RSPB nature reserve which begins just at the end of the street, and a golf course - one of many quiet and excellent courses in the area with most reasonable green fees - on the edge of the village.

The cottage itself was built around 1850 by one of the founders of the shipbuilding industry in the area. When his family had expanded to 9 children (!) and the cottage was not surprisingly bursting at the seams, he built the adjoining house, now lived in by the current owners.

When renovating the cottage, they retained many of the older features, such as the fireplace in the sitting room and the old range in the spacious and recently refitted kitchen. (There are also modern cooking facilities!) With partial central heating it is now a cosy and very comfortable holiday home for families who would enjoy the seaside, wildlife and the many interesting features of the surrounding area.

Walkers will appreciate the Speyside Way, (join it at Spey Bay) with its attractive mix of mountain, river, wildlife and whisky. You can also follow the National Cycle Network around the area. The pleasant town of Elgin (all facilities) is even closer at 10m, with its lovely ruined cathedral and rail links to Inverness and Aberdeen. A further 6m to the south, the Benedictine foundation at Pluscarden Abbey is well worth a visit.

There is a pub serving excellent meals and a shop with Post Office within 10 minutes walk of the cottage along a picturesque path. Children will love the large orchard garden which is shared with the owners and where they can happily run wild.

Heating is by oil-fired central heating (included) and open fire (starter pack of logs included - more available for purchase at the local shop). Bed linen and towels are included. Up to two dogs are welcome by arrangement.

Accommodation (sleeps 4, maximum 6):

Downstairs:

Sitting room with TV/VCR/DVD and open-fire.
Kitchen/Dining room with microwave, cooker, fridge-freezer and washing-machine, etc.
Double-bed room.
Bathroom with bath, shower, WC and basin.