Highland Yurts

The hand-crafted yurts at Highland Yurts, are modelled on original designs from Central Asia where the sturdy structures have been used for thousands of years by nomadic people. Durable waterproof canvas replaces the traditional felt outer shell to take account of Scotland’s climate, but they retain a snug and cosy feel, especially when the wood burning stove is lit. The yurts also have windows to allow guests to enjoy natural light and the beautiful surroundings.

Each yurt is individually finished, furnished, and equipped to ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. Yurts available for rental include Holly Yurt, Aspen Yurt, Rowan Yurt, Willow Yurt, Juniper Yurt, and the Hazel Geodome. Holly yurt has a wood burning stove and basket of firewood, comfortable beds, duvets, pillows, bed linen, and towels. There are also table and chairs, two-hob gas cooker and grill with pots, pans, a kettle, cutlery and crockery. There is a lockable door and outdoor seating area.

As Holly yurt is off-grid, they are free from mains power and water supply. Instead, there is solar/hand powered lighting units and a refillable container of water. For guests who prefer it, bottled mineral water is available for sale at The Hub.

The Hub is the shared area that is a few minutes walk from your yurt. It is equipped with a shower, toilet, and washing up facilities. From The Hub, guests can also enjoy breath-taking views of the Moray Firth. The Hub, which also serves as Highland Yurts' reception, linen storage, and office area, is found just below our carpark. Here, if required, guests can get a wheelbarrow to assist in transporting luggage from the car to the yurt. There is a free Wi-Fi connection available at The Hub. 3G networks may be available from the yurts, depending on the mobile network.

Dogs are welcome, provided they are well-behaved and kept under close control. Easter Hillockhead is a working farm and there are animals in nearby fields. But this is an ideal holiday place for well-behaved dogs and there is plenty of space for walks in the woods and on the beach. There is a high standard of cleanliness in the yurts, so please also check that dogs are reasonably clean before letting them inside. We understand that not everyone shares a love of dogs, and some people have allergies to dog hair, so Holly Yurt will remain “dog free” at all times.

There is a one-off charge of £20 for dogs to take account of the extra cleaning time/effort required to service the dog-friendly yurts.

Highland Yurts is located on a working farm so it is important that guests take care around farm machinery and livestock. Fire is the other potential hazard so yurts are equipped with fire extinguishers and candles are advised against inside the yurts. No smoking is permitted inside the yurts or The Hub. Please dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly if you do smoke outside.

Upon arrival, guests will find a folder of recommended local attractions and a complimentary map of the area to take on adventures and to keep as a souvenir of your stay.

Guests can discover the unique geology and ecology of the adjacent site of special scientific interest (SSSI) as roughly 1/3 of the land is part of the protected coastal SSSI that runs all the way from Rosemarkie up to Shandwick. Explore routes and trails through semi-ancient native woodland to Brownhill – a wonderful panoramic viewpoint. Follow a spectacular cliff path down to a secluded sandy beach where guests can watch out for the famous Moray Firth Bottlenose dolphins and explore the rock formations and caves. Early risers may even be rewarded with a glimpse of otters. Other activities include horse riding, golf, cycling, pottery, exploring a local cathedral and harbour, and many local museums.