Thistle Dhu Cottage

30/09/2026

Our guests had booked a birthday meal so Jack & I offered to keep Cooper company for a couple of hours. It’s something we like to do anyway but Jack & Cooper had a bit of a bromance going so I wasn’t needed - I just sat in the corner with a refreshing gin (thanks to Chris & Suzy) and noodled on the bass. An utterly lovely benefit of being a host of a Scottish country cottage rental.

13/08/2026

A visit to Montrose is a must for wildlife watchers and casual spotters (like me) - you don’t even have to be in the Basin. A few dolphins, a seal or two, and lots of birds. Less than 30mins from

07/08/2026

How dog friendly is Thistle Dhu Cottage? Well we enjoy hosting every one of our guests, but we especially love having doggies come to visit (more than hoomans, but don’t tell them). This was Lenny, one of our August guests, and his hoomans sent us these gorgeous pics to show how much he enjoyed his stay - and what an amazing review we received! Seeing these is what makes it all worthwhile. Apparently the only complaint was that didn’t visit enough, but he’s promised to address that on their next visit, which we hope will be soon.

28/07/2026

Where on Earth? We are right in the boundary between Aberdeenshire & Angus, on the east side of Scotland. We’re halfway between Aberdeen & Dundee and between the Cairngorms and the coast. A great base for exploring this part of Scotland, whether this is your only destination or you are on a road trip. . Visit

26/07/2026

Thistle Dhu Cottage is ready for our incoming guests. Every booking will have slightly different details such as bedding, cushion covers, throws etc, but this is pretty much what you’ll arrive to. We can also add special little touches like flowers and chocolates on request. There is always welcome shortbread for you, and biscuits for your dogs.

26/07/2026

We don’t always get it right, despite the best of intentions. Arlo will still get his birthday muffin - it just won’t be what I was aiming for. Hopefully he’ll still enjoy it. only got the bowl to lick.

26/07/2026

It’s our guest’s birthday during his stay so we’re baking today: dog-safe banana muffins with blueberries for him, and a raspberry & honey upgrade for his hoomans. One of the little touches that come with staying somewhere that’s properly dog-friendly. Muffin reveal vid to follow. meet

13/02/2026

From our wee cottage you can visit Stonehaven's premier mineral shop. We can print off the sign so you can check before you leave the cottage.

Sorry for any inconvenience 🚫

05/11/2025

Ok, so I don't NEED to taste it to know how good this will be, but I'm going to anyway. Maybe we can call it "market research for our discerning guests".

A little gem hiding in sleepy Laurencekirk, only 15 minutes from the cottage. Go for the food, enjoy meeting the host, and you can even take your own w**e (corkage applies).

For tomorrow, Thursday evening, we will have a Chicken Chasseur as a main.

22/05/2025

With Glen Clova Hotel & Luxury Lodges – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉