The paw-fect escape in the Borders

One of Scotland’s most stunning hotels, in the Scottish Borders, has opened 35 new dog-friendly self-catering cottages within its grounds. 

The Schloss Roxburghe Hotel, which stands in 300 acres just over an hour from Edinburgh, has announced the new openings just in time for International Dog Day on Monday.

The 5 star manor house hotel even offers a range of pup-perks including a dedicated doggy menu created by the hotel’s chefs and a dog shower for muddy post-walk paws.

Dog-friendly rooms and communal spaces mean that the four-legged family members can even join for afternoon tea in the Drawing Room.

The Schloss Roxburghe boasts of being one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the country, set in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders.

An ideal base for dog-walking, within 300 acres of land including parkland, gardens and 2.5 miles of the River Teviot, Schloss Roxburghe has responded to a growing desire among owners to enjoy time away with their pets.

Bedrooms inside the hotel are dog-friendly, including individual baskets and rugs and homemade treats for the family pooch, while dogs are also welcomed in Charlie’s restaurant as well as in the bar, drawing room, guest lounges and golf clubhouse.

The dedicated dog menu includes treats ranging from “Yappertizers” like “Bow-wow” bacon bites and “Paw-licious” butternut squash rice balls to “Doggy Dinners” such as “Tail Wagging Eggs” with scrambled eggs, ham, carrots and peas and “Poochie Poultry” with poached chicken breast, carrots, broccoli and gravy. 

Marketing Manager Michael Mann said: “At Schloss Roxburghe we know that for many dog-owners, travelling without their pets just isn’t an option — either they’re unable to find a suitable pet-sitting service or they just don’t feel right leaving their dogs at home while they travel. 

“We’ve gone to great lengths to make Schloss Roxburghe one of the dog-friendliest hotels in Scotland, with a carefully crafted menu for canine friends, acres of woodland to explore, and manicured lawns to unwind on.

“Here, dogs are welcome throughout the grounds and in the communal areas and restaurants. We’re very clear in advance with guests that they should expect to see dogs throughout the hotel, and our dog-owning guests are respectful of other guests’ preferences — as well as the furniture.”