My Scottish Travel blog
Scotland with the Wee White Dug is a Scotland travel blog packed with useful information on places to stay, eat and things to see and do in Scotland. Written by a Scot, this Scottish travel blog can be used to help you plan a trip to Scotland, or read for a virtual escape.
Everything featured on ‘Scotland with the Wee White Dug’ comes fully endorsed by me. This is a positive and honest Scottish travel blog that showcases the best of Scotland through my eyes.
About me and my love of Scotland
So, now you know a little about the blog, here’s some info about me.
I’m Samantha (Sam), a Lowland Scot from Edinburgh. I’m married to Alex (Mr G), a Highlander from Clan Grant territory. We share our home with our Westie Casper aka the Wee White Dug. He’s the star of this operation.
My blog takes us all over the country, so we’re always on the road. Travelling around Scotland gives us such an incredible buzz. I don’t think we’ll ever tire of exploring our beautiful country.
Our travels have given me a really in-depth knowledge of Scotland as a visitor destination.
I’m a proud history geek who loves the history, language, literature, customs and myths of Scotland. I studied Scottish History and Literature at Edinburgh University and my interest in those subjects has never waned.
The great outdoors is my happy place. I adore hiking and have been known to summit a Munro or two. I’m happiest when surrounded by lochs and mountains, or wandering on a remote Scottish beach. Fortunately, Mr G and the Wee White Dug are equally enthralled by outdoor pursuits.
Photographing Scotland
I became a hobby photographer after downloading Instagram in 2011. Scotland quickly became my muse, prompting me to stray further and further to photograph the country’s spectacular landscape. It was my love of photography and my desire to share a more detailed account of Scotland, that prompted me to write this Scottish travel blog.
In 2014, my Instagram feed @bean_nighe featured on Instagram’s suggested user list – the stuff of dreams for Instagrammers.
In 2013 I set up an Instagram feed for Casper – @theweewhitedug. The feed, which shares our Scottish travels from his perspective, took off quickly. Casper now has more followers than I do and gets waaaaaaaay more likes.
The boy and I have featured in articles by The Scotsman, Matador Network and Visit Scotland recommending the best Scottish Instagram accounts to follow.
Last to join the party and document our Scottish travels on Instagram was Mr G – chauffeur, occasional photographer and part-time itinerary planner at ‘Scotland with the Wee White Dug’. He went from reluctantly indulging my love of photography, to getting hooked on the hobby too. He now gets up at 6am on our road trips for early morning photography hikes. You’ll find him at @a_d_granty.
I share our Scottish travels on Facebook Twitter and TikTok too, so if you’re on those platforms, stop by and say hello.
Thank you for visiting my Scottish travel blog. I hope it inspires you to visit Scotland, helps you to plan a trip, or makes you reminisce fondly about a past visit.
If you’re a business who’d like to feature on my blog, you’ll find information about working with me here.
Sam
what a cute dug!! I wish I were Scottish!!
😃
I think this is superb, we have an English Springer. I lived in a Dunoon for many years and now in wales. My partner wants to see more of Scotland and this info will help enormously 👍
Happy travels – you’ll have so much fun exploring with your four-legged friend.
Lovely photos of Scotland…I’ve been to the Isle of Arran and Edinburgh, and want to travel around Scotland a lot more.
How lovely to discover your blog, from all the way across the pond (and a good deal of dry land) in Colorado. I was supposed to do a one-month writing fellowship at Hawthornden Castle, outside Edinburgh, just when COVID hit…alas, no joy. My wife had planned to join me afterward for a road trip through the Highlands, something I last did in 1980. Now the residency is rescheduled for 2023, so we have plenty of time to plan further and explore all the possibilities. I think you’ve convinced us that Tiree must be on the list, particularly as we **have to** pass through Oban en route…
How great to have your blog as a guide…though I must confess that it’s made our German shepherd, Cousteau, agitate to come along, seeing what fun dugs can have over there.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog and finding lots of inspiration for your visit next year. There’s so much to see and do, that wherever you end up you’ll have a wonderful time.
I’m sure Cousteau would love the beaches and doggy biscuits on offer in many cafes, bars, shops and hotels. 😃
Brilliant reading and plenty informative stuff for anyone hoping to travel in Scotland. Being a local I learnt a lot and here was me thinking I knew it all
Keep up the brilliant work. Will give a shout out as feel many others will want to pop in for a read.
So glad you’re enjoying the blog and thanks for your support.
I greatly enjoy your blog!! But more I love your Dug Casper. I also have a Male Westi 4 yrs old Murphy. How did you train him not to be a runner? If I let my Murphy off the lead he’s gone. ? Also he hates to get his picture taken. What did you do?
Casper was trained off lead at an early age in an environment we knew we’d be able to catch him in if he ran. His recall is good and he’s a mummy’s boy so doesn’t stray far from me. The photos, he’s a pro at. They take seconds. He sits when I ask and I snap as quickly as possible. 😃
So adorable!!!
Hello Samantha,
My wife loves your travel log and Instagram acct. Our daughter has two Westies. We are cheese makers in SE Wisconsin. I learned to make cheese in Achmore nr Plockton. I’ve been to Scotland many times and love every inch (you remember inches) of it. Keep up the trips with all of the pictures. I usually go to Grasmere in Cumbria every year but COVID has quashed that so your photos brings it all back.
Cheers,
Terry & Denise Woods
Highfield Farm Creamery
Lake Geneva, WI
Hello Sam, Alex & Casper 👋 greetings from Philip Wouters in Antwerpen, Belgium. I have never been to Scotland yet but it’s high on top of my bucket list to do so, one day 🤞 My Scottish friends Kerr & Selina from Bonnybridge were so kind to inform me about your blog site. I enjoy reading about your travels & admiring the great pics tremendously ! Many Thanks for this opportunity to learn more about your beautiful home country of Scotland, it’s truly awesome !🙏 Best Regards, Philip.
Hello Philip, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog and discovering my beautiful homeland. I hope you get to visit soon to see for yourself how wonderful Scotland is.
Take care
Sam
Hi Sam
I have been on loads of hols to Scotland and in June I will be on a wildlife week near Fort William and a few days thereafter in the Cairngorms, Dunkeld and Perth. Scotland is my favourite part of the UK.
I am a hobby photographer – landscapes and anything going, including pooches. So I will email you to let you know what wildlife etc I will see – definitely pine martens.
I love the wee white dug! He should be awarded a CBE – Canine of the British Empire! Take care, Janet Turner
Aww that sounds like a wonderful trip. I hooked you’re lucky with the wildlife spotting. Ha ha I think the boy would like that award. 😂
Hi Sam,
I do so enjoy your blog. I’ll be visiting next month and look forward to hiking and hopefully seeing a lot of Westies! I’m ready to get another Westie. I miss my Cooper every day.
🌸 Mary
It’s so hard when you lose a four-legged friend. They’re all such different characters that getting another will be a whole new experience. Plus Cooper will always live on in your memory. I hope you have an incredible time in Scotland. 😊
Oh my heaven I am so happy to have found your blog. My husband, my son and I are planning a month-long visit starting early in June and I am so looking forward to it. As many have done, I started being interested and fell in love with Scotland through the series Outlander but I certainly realize there is so much more. We are starting our trip in London but plan a road trip up through Wales to search out some of my husband’s family and eventually toScotland. I am looking forward to visiting several of the Outlander filming sites , but would also love any other suggestions that you might have on what not to miss. My son’s wife has relatives in Glasgow so we’re going to finish our trip there. Cannot wait!
That sounds like a fabulous trip. I have an Outlander post you may enjoy if you’ve not already seen it. It shares some of my favourite Outlander filming destinations in Scotland. I also have a couple of Glasgow blogs with ideas for things to see and do in the city. Pretty much everything that makes it into the blog ai’d recommendation. You’ll have a ball whatever you do and a month will give you a change to see lots. Enjoy 😊
I love your dog! I would love to get a westie one day and seeing Casper travel around Scotland never fails to cheer me up! 🙂 Im from Edinburgh and defiantly think there are loads of beautiful places in Scotland people don’t realise are at their doorstep
You’re so right. Scotland is full of wonderful places. Westies make great companions so I’d definitely recommend getting one. 😊
So happy to have discovered your site! My husband and I just visited Scotland for the first time in October and loved it! We spent a day near Pitlochry and then a week on Skye. We are hoping to take our parents, who also have a wee white dug, to Scotland as a surprise since our mom’s family is from Scotland. She has never been there herself. Do you have any suggestions on the best area we should take them to for 5-7 days? We could just repeat Pitlochry and Skye since we loved it. Or do you think there is another area that would give them more of a feel for Scotland, such as the Lothians, Scottish Borders, Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway? Thank you very much for any suggestions.
Thank you – so glad you enjoy the blog. I’d see somewhere new if you can. Pitlochry is pretty but there are places out there that will absolutely knock your socks off. Aberdeenshire is stunning. Lovely villages, great beaches and majestic castles. There’s a new scenic driving route there called the NE250 you could comfortably do it in 5-7 days. Google NE250 for a full itinerary. Also the roadtrip NC500 is out of this world. Roads like the Bealach na Ba have to be seen to be believed. Again just google NC500 and you’ll find a website and full itinerary plus accommodation suggestions en route. Both routes are very scenic and perfect for wee dugs and humans. If you look at my Aberdeenshire posts you’ll see a lot of the NE250 route plus I have some NC500 content too. 😊
Thank you so very much! I will definitely check these places out. Aberdeenshire was a place I was wondering about since I have seen so many photos of stunning castles in that area. Thanks again!
Cheryl, this may be way too late and I don’t know bloggind… but, 1 take your mom if possible home villages of her family too!! I did that in Germany in ‘16 , found 3 1700’s still standing and occupied and one was occupied Still by a 4th cousin!! Never knew!! Going back in 3 weeksbeginninh June to see and stay a few days each (village) which they call “cities”. But I hope you get this in time and slso.. to EVERYONE!! I have had a Total of 6 Westies. Usually at least 2 and up to the last 4. “4” was a “foster failure”. Had my last Big White Knight from 6 months in St Louis MissouriUSA to Florida USA and he Danced over the Rainbow 🌈 Bridge at around age 15 yrs. would love ❤️ 1-6 more but my active time has passed so am looking foe a Senior but light enough I can pick up to cuddle. Good Luck!! WeeWhiteDugs are just the Best!!😍😊♥️❤️🌹😘
I am so happy to have discovered your blog. I went to Scotland once and I really want to go back to visit more of this beautiful country. I am sure I will find a lot of interesting post on your blog.
Thank you, and welcome. I hope you manage to visit Scotland again soon.
Hi Samantha,
I love your blog, the photos and your dog! We too happen to have a Westie, and my folks are now on their third wee Westie…… all little dogs with strong personalities! My wife and I have now made 5 trips to Scotland in the past 3 years, and I’m absolutely enthralled with the history, archaeology, culture, food, people and the raw beauty of Scotland. We’ve made it to Orkney several times, as well as Shetland, the Outer Hebrides and much of the mainland area, all very fascinating. This upcoming May we take a small boat (12 passengers) for two weeks around the southern area of the Inner Hebrides, so I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these islands for the first time.
Keep up your blog, it’s always fun to visit your site!
Hi David, so glad to hear you love the blog. Westies are great little dogs. The boy has made our lives so much richer since he came along. It sounds like you’ve enjoyed some wonderful trips to Scotland in recent years. You’ll love the southern Hebrides. Islay or Jura are spectacular and I have a huge soft spot for Gigha. 💕
I believe Gigha is on our itinerary for May, and I must admit, I know very little about it – but now I’ll definitely be looking forward to our visit! Many thanks!
You’ll love it – I’ve written a blog about it if you look at my Inner Hebrides posts you’ll find it.
Love your blog and your special westie ambassador! I visited Scotland (Edinburgh) in August from Canada, I only had 4 days there as we travelled on for 2 more weeks to England and France. Scotland is one of those places that stays with you, I want to return again for a more extensive visit following some of your gems. My 17 year old son was so inspired by Edinburgh and St. Andrews he wants to pursue university education there.
Looking forward to following more posts
Jen
I’m glad you loves your visit and want to return. Scotland is full of delightful places to discover which you can spend a lifetime exploring. Your son has good taste – I hear all the finest people study at Edinburgh. 😉
Hi Sam, so enjoyed meeting you, Casper and your husband in Kinross as Casper gave me my doggie fix, I miss my Wee Jock so much Casper made my remaining days in Scotland much easier!! It was lovely to meet all of you, you were all delightful! And I love what you are doing with your blog, you have new fans in Canada we’ll being following your every trip. Great to meet you all,love to Casper, what a sweet little guy!!! Sincerely, phyllis fox
Hi Phyllis – lovely to hear from you. It was so nice to meet you too and I’m glad to hear the boy helped with a wee doggie fix until you got home to Wee Jock. I bet he was delighted to see you. They boy’s been on the road again so will be back soon with some new adventures in Torridon. 😊
You have a beautiful and interesting blog and I decided to follow you to learn and see more.
I found you through Paul at Learning from Dogs.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you found me though Paul’s wonderful blog. 😊
You are welcome. We agree about Paul’s blog.
Sam, I’m a Brit living out in Southern Oregon and the author of the blog (and book) Learning from Dogs. Every Sunday on my blog I publish a Picture Parade and my picture parade Two Hundred and Ten coming out tomorrow features your fabulous photographs as carried on the BBC News website on June 3rd. Only late in the day did I find this blogsite of yours – too late to ask your permission to republish those photos.
Go across to learningfromdogs.com on Sunday and take a look. If you want the pictures removed then drop me an email to paulhandover@gmail.com and they will be removed without hesitation.
Hi Paul, I’ll check out your website, it sounds interesting. I’m happy for my photos to be used in your post as long as the article is clear that they feature ‘the Wee White Dug’ and links back to or names my website ‘Scotland with the Wee White Dug’. I don’t need my full name to be referenced, just the source.
King regards
Sam
Sam, how would you feel if I republished in full this About Me page over on Learning from Dogs? I sense I have a number of readers who would like to learn more about Scotland.
Hi Paul, if you feel your readers would enjoy finding out more about one wee dugs travels
In Scotland then please feel free to share. It’s a wonderful dog friendly country to travel in. 😊🐶
Love your blog, and love Scotland too so following!
Thanks – it’s the perfect country for road trips 💕
I love your photography…makes me sad I’m not there, but here instead in Canada, and I just love that wee dug, Casper…I thoroughly enjoy your blogging.
Thank you so much. Canada looks stunning. I’d love to visit some day.
Feeling a bit homesick for Scotland reading your blog Sam. Haven’t been back in ages. I need to remedy that soon. Lovely photos and lovely wee dug. Thanks for dropping by my blog. Juliet
Likewise, your latest post made me smile. Words I know well. Hope you mange to visit Scotland again soon. 😊
Sam, Thanks for liking my post. Your blog looks great… Scotland & dogs, what’s not to like 🙂
Regards
Nigel
Hi Nigel, You’re welcome. I really enjoyed it. I love catching up with Scotland related blogs and am always looking for new places to explore.
Love your blog your photos are beautiful often of places we have visited but of course you have the advantage of the wee white dug absolutely adorable !
Aww thank you – he certainly brightens up our trips with his antics. 😊
Your blog is amazing! To be honest, I did not know much about Scotland before. But after reading some of your posts, I think I should include Scotland into my future travel plans (and soon) 🙂
P.S: your dog is so adorable, he really knows how to pose 😉
Thank you – so glad you enjoyed reading. You should definitely add Scotland to your list of places to see. You won’t be disappointed. 😊
Just love that Wee White Dug and your photos are fantastic. It feels like we are travelling around my Bonnie Scotland with him.
Thank you – glad you enjoyed reading. 😊
Great blog, Sam. Looking forward to reading your posts to plan our future trips to Scotland (with our BIG dog). MuddyMam 🙂
Thank you – I look forward to reading all about your future Scottish adventures too. 😊
My mummy loves Scotland Ayrshire she was born there we go to Scotland every few months 😊 Beautiful place thank you for sharing your blog love Mitzee and Nancy 💕💕
It’s a beautiful part of the country. We love it there too. Glad you get to visit lots. Thank you for joining us on our adventures. 😊
Thanks for visiting my blog and liking my post about Eigg as it means I now know of your blog! I am passionate about Scotland so I am excited to read more of your blog!
You’re welcome – I always love to find new posts about Scotland and travel. It’s lovely to see where other people visit.
Just found your blog. Had the pleasure of owning two wee white dugs so this is perfect. I love Scotland and westies so looking forward to your posts! 🐶😍
Thank you so glad you like it. Wee white dugs are an absolute pleasure. 😊
I love looking at your wonderful pictures. They make me feel homesick for Scotland. I didn’t appreciate it’s beauty whilst I lived there.
Thank you – so glad you like them. Scotland is beautiful. 😍
Loved to read your blog , brings back many fond memories of all our Glenmore Cottage holidays with our grumpy Lou who is no longer able to do the long 1200 km drive .
Thank you – so glad you enjoyed. I’m glad I brought back some happy memories for you too.
I’m very pleased to meet you.
Likewise 😊
Your country is beautiful and so romantic. I wish I could go there at least once again 🙂
I hope you get to visit again. We are so spoiled here in Scotland. 😍
Loved reading your blog, keep up the good work. Lets shout about our Bonnie wee Country!
Indeed we have so much to shout about and thank you. 🐶
your dog’s adorable!
Aww thank you 🐶
Hi Sam,
I’d like to chat to you about an opportunity with VisitScotland. Please could you email me on amy.saunders@whitespacers.com and I will send on some information?
Thanks,
Amy