Portessie Cottage
Buckie
Banffshire

Sleeping 4

Portessie is a little erstwhile fishing village just outside Buckie on Scotland's sunniest north east coast. In the village, right on the shore, is Portessie Cottage, a traditional fisherman's house, which has been completely refurbished internally to make a delightful holiday home for four people.

From its windows, you may see dolphins, seals and even an occasional whale, not to mention a wide range of seabirds, while double glazing, gas central heating and an electric stove-effect fire keep the cottage cosy all year round.

50 miles from Inverness and 60 from Aberdeen, Portessie is right in the centre of this beautiful and unspoiled coastline, which has some dramatic cliff scenery, beautiful beaches, and is punctuated by picturesque villages such as Gardenstown, Pennan and Crovie. On a fine day, you can follow the coastal path to the east, towards the villages of Findochty and Portknockie or, inland, there are plenty of waymarked trails from Speymouth leading to the long distance Speyside Way itself.

Families will enjoy the extensive beach at Cullen (5m) and a footpath leads from Cullen to a tiny secluded beach at Sunnyside, inaccessible to vehicles, and to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Findlater Castle.

There are five golf courses within a 10 mile radius (Strathlene is within walking distance of the cottage), riding 3 miles away at Drybridge, while birdwatchers will want to visit the RSPB Reserve at Spey Bay, where ospreys are regular summer visitors.

Nearby Buckie (all facilities) is still a thriving fishing town and a visit to the morning fish market is a fascinating experience. There is an interesting fishery museus in the town and regular boat trips go from the harbour on dolphin-watching expeditions along the coast.

Further afield, the Strathisla distillery at Keith (12m) is the nearest point on the Whisky Trail. Baxter's, the famous soup and preserves producer, have their headquarters 15 miles away in Elgin and both these places offer tours for visitors.

Central heating, electricity and bed linen are all included and towels may be hired. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the cottage.

Accommodation (sleeps 4):

Downstairs:

• Sitting/Dining room + TV.
• Kitchen/Dining area + cooker + fridge-freezer + washing-machine + microwave, etc.
• Double-bed room.
• Twin bed room.
• Bathroom with bath/shower, WC and wash basin

Upstairs:

• Attic room with drying area.

Tariff (Weekly Rental):

Portessie Cottage, £ per week:

245

285

325

395