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Scotland is an amazing destination in the UK for a coastal getaway with your dog. You can enjoy a wide range of options, from wide sandy shores and dune-backed beaches to rugged rock pools and cliffs. Plus, in many areas, accessing the beach is much easier compared to some parts of England and Wales. However, just because a place is labeled “dog-friendly” doesn’t mean you can let your dog run wild.
Scotland has specific outdoor access rights that require you to keep your dog under control. There are certain times of the year and sensitive areas where you need to be particularly careful. The Outdoor Access Code in Scotland offers clear guidelines for dog owners, such as keeping dogs on a short lead or close to you during the bird breeding season (typically from April to July) in places like the coastline.
In this guide, we’ll showcase some fantastic dog-friendly beaches throughout Scotland, point out important restrictions and exceptions, and provide helpful tips for finding nearby accommodations that make your dog-friendly coastal holiday in Scotland a breeze.
How Dog Access Works on Scottish Beaches
1) Outdoor access rights (with responsibilities)
In Scotland, you can walk dogs on most land — including much of the coast — as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and keep your dog under proper control.
What “proper control” looks like in practice:
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Your dog returns reliably when called
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Don’t allow your dog to run up to other people, dogs, livestock, or wildlife
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You prevent your dog chasing (especially birds and farm animals)
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You clean up after your dog in public spaces
2) Seasonal sensitivity: birds (April–July)
Even on beaches where dogs are welcome year-round, Scotland’s access guidance is clear: during the breeding season (usually April–July), keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel in areas such as … the sea shore, to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds.
This is especially important on:
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dune systems
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machair (in the Hebrides)
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estuaries and saltmarsh
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quieter, wildlife-rich bays
3) Local exceptions exist (and they can be very specific)
While many Scottish beaches are dog-friendly, some councils do apply local rules on certain beaches or specific “designated areas”.
A clear example: Dundee City Council’s management rules state that dog walking is not allowed on a designated area of Broughty Ferry Beach from 1 May to 30 September.
So, the golden rule is:
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assume beaches are generally dog-friendly, but
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always check signage on arrival, and
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if you’re visiting a busy resort beach, do a quick council-site check first.
Dog-Friendly Beach Regions in Scotland
Below are some of the best regions in Scotland to base yourself for your next dog friendly coastal holiday, including beaches nearby that are popular with dog owners. (Where any local restrictions exist, they are noted.) In addition, it may also be worth checking out our dog friendly coastal holiday guide which talks about other top locations for a pet friendly break including tips on what to look out for and where to stay. And if you are looking to try new coastal activities when next you travel to this beautiful part of the UK, then you may want to give wild swimming in Scotland a go, an exhilarating way to experience the Scottish coast.
1) Edinburgh & the Lothians
If you like the idea of combining restaurants, cafés and culture with a seaside stroll, Edinburgh’s coast and nearby East Lothian make a great pairing.
Best Beaches
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Portobello Beach (Edinburgh) – With its wide sandy shore and lively promenade, this is one of Edinburgh’s most welcoming beaches for dogs. Nearby cafés and pubs are happy to accommodate pets, and some local shops go the extra mile by stocking dog treats.
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Yellowcraig Beach – Located near North Berwick, this beach allows dogs throughout the year and offers designated walking areas and nearby woodland trails. It’s a great destination for families wanting to enjoy coastal views, sandy beaches and relaxed walks with their dog.
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Tyninghame Beach (East Lothian) – Welcoming dogs all year, this is a wide sandy beach with nearby woodland paths and rolling dunes, making it well suited to long walks and off-lead exercise.
Accommodation
2) Fife
Fife is ideal for dog-friendly holidays because you can mix classic beaches with pretty fishing villages and sections of the coastal path.
Best Beaches
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West Sands (St Andrews) – Dogs are allowed for most of the year, with a summer restriction in place from 1 May to 30 September on the section nearest the town. Dogs can access the remainder of the beach and dunes anytime.
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Tentsmuir Beach – A year round dog friendly beach providing extensive sandy stretches alongside forest trails in Tentsmuir Forest. Given the local wildlife and the occasional low-flying aircraft from RAF Leuchars, it’s advisable to keep dogs on a lead.
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Elie Beach – The beach is dog friendly for much of the year, though a seasonal restriction applies on the main beach between 15 May and 30 September, when dogs are not allowed from 10am to 6pm.
Accommodation
3) Angus & Dundee
Angus gives you lovely beaches and cliff-backed coastal scenery, with easy access to coastal towns.
Best Beaches
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Carnoustie Beach – A long sandy beach which is dog friendly and ideal for walks. Dog owners should follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and be mindful of local bylaws, particularly near play areas and during peak periods.
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Lunan Bay (Angus) – This beach is a firm favourite with dog walkers, offering wide sandy spaces where dogs can roam free throughout the year. The nearby Lunan Bay Diner, which welcomes dogs, is a handy stop for a drink, adding to the beach’s popularity with pet owners.
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Montrose Beach (Angus) – Dog friendly offering miles of golden sand and a circular walk. Note there’s a designated “dog restricted area,” (sign-posted) so keep your dog on a lead in certain parts, especially near the main facilities.
Accommodation
4) Aberdeenshire & Moray
This stretch of coast is often overlooked — which is exactly why it works so well for dog owners.
Best Beaches
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Newburgh Beach – welcomes dogs throughout the year, although owners should keep them well away from the seal colony and the protected sections of the Forvie National Nature Reserve.
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Cruden Bay – Allows dogs for most of the year and features expansive sandy beaches, coastal paths and far-reaching views, making it well suited to dog walks by the sea.
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Fraserburgh Beach – Dogs are welcome year-round at this spacious sandy beach, where designated dog bins make visits easy. Backed by dunes and popular with surfers, it’s a great place for long walks.
Accommodation
5) The Highlands
The Highland coastline offers that “end-of-the-road” feeling in the best way. Beaches can be enormous, and it’s often easy to find a quiet stretch even in peak season.
Best Beaches
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Dornoch Beach – Often cited as one of Scotland’s best beaches for dogs, it’s a wide open beach with dogs permitted year-round. There are no seasonal bans, although leads are recommended on surrounding trails.
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Nairn Beach – Allows dogs throughout the year and offers plenty of sandy space for walks and play. Dogs should be kept on leads in sensitive areas such as Culbin Sands, part of an RSPB reserve, between April and mid-August.
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Applecross Beach – Dog friendly throughout the year, with plenty of scenic shoreline to explore. Dogs should be kept on leads near livestock and owners are asked to clean up after their canine.
Accommodation
6) Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute is excellent for dogs that prefer calmer water and varied terrain — woodland trails, pebble beaches and sea-loch shores.
Best Beaches
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Westport Beach – This beach in Argyll welcomes dogs throughout the year, with no seasonal restrictions in place. Its six-mile stretch of sand and dunes offers plenty of space for long walks.
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Ganavan Beach – Dogs are allowed year-round where beautiful coastal views and open shoreline make it a popular choice for dog walkers. The scenery alone makes it a rewarding place for a seaside stroll.
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Camusdarach Beach – Known for its relaxed, dog-friendly feel, offering generous sandy stretches for exploring on foot. A network of nearby coastal walks links the beach to several other scenic spots along the shoreline.
Accommodation
7) Ayrshire & the Isle of Arran
This is a great region for mixed groups: ideal for beach walks, with plenty of nearby cafés, harbours, and sights to see.
Best Beaches
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Seamill Beach – Dog friendly all year, with sandy and rocky areas ideal for walks and scenic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.
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Saltcoats Beach – The beach is dog friendly all year, with spacious sandy areas and shallow water perfect for energetic walks and paddling.
- Barassie Beach – Dog friendly year round and offering ample space for off-lead runs, though South Ayrshire Council advises keeping dogs on a lead when near other people.
Accommodation
8) Dumfries & Galloway
The region known as Dumfries and Galloway is ideal if you enjoy quieter beaches, rugged coastal scenery and a more relaxed pace.
Best Beaches
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Rockcliffe Beach – Dog friendly all year, offering sandy shores, scenic coastal walks and tidal access to Rough Island. Village facilities, including cafés and toilets, are nearby.
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Sandyhills Beach – There are no dog restrictions, allowing dogs on the beach all year round. It is a popular destination for dog owners due to the large expanse of sand, especially at low tide.
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Southerness Beach – This beach welcomes dogs all year and features clean sandy stretches, rock pools and attractive views over the Solway Firth. It’s a favourite with families and dog walkers alike.
Accommodation
9) The Islands: Hebrides, Skye
Scotland’s islands can be heaven for dogs who love beaches — but they’re also places where wildlife and sensitive habitats are part of the experience.
Best Beaches
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Staffin Beach – This Isle of Skye beach welcomes dogs throughout the year. Boasts impressive views towards the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.
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Luskentyre Beach – This beautiful beach on the Isle of Harris welcomes dogs throughout the year, with no seasonal restrictions in place. Known for its sweeping sands and peaceful setting in the Outer Hebrides.
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Sandwood Bay – Dog friendly all year, though dogs should be kept on leads along the access route and at the beach to protect livestock, nesting birds and local wildlife.
Accommodation
What to Look for in Dog-Friendly Accommodation
To make beach days more easy, look for accommodation features that complement you travelling with a dog:
The practical essentials
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Secure garden (even a small one helps)
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Hard floors / tiled entrance
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Outdoor tap or hose
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Parking (especially for popular beaches)
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A shower or utility room for rinsing off sandy paws
The “nice to have” extras
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Wood burner (great for shoulder-season breaks)
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A local dog-friendly pub/café within walking distance
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A drying cupboard or heated towel rail
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A stay near more than one beach (perfect for variety and flexibility)
Scotland Is Made for Dog-Friendly Coastal Holidays
If you’re looking for a place where dog friendly beaches are easily accessible, scenic and refreshingly spacious, Scotland is hard to beat. From the wide sandy beaches of the east coast to the remote shores of the Highlands and islands, there’s an incredible choice of beaches where dogs can enjoy the coast as much as their owners do.
The key is to travel responsibly: keep dogs under proper control, pay attention to signage, and be particularly wildlife-aware during spring and early summer. Do that, and you’ll have the kind of coastal break that’s plenty of fun, restorative, and fabulously dog-friendly. Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive collection of dog friendly coastal cottages in Scotland, helping you to secure the ideal base for your next sandy-pawed adventure.