Nine dog-friendly pubs in Scotland
Scotland is a wonderful place for a holiday. It has plenty of wild, rugged coastlines, breathtaking scenery and more than its fair share of whisky distilleries. It can offer a real adventure for the whole family - especially dogs! But after all that exploring, you might want to rest for a while in a traditional Scottish Inn. Here’s a guide to the best dog-friendly pubs in Scotland where you and your pet can be sure of a warm welcome.
1. The Stables
Location: Kirkintilloch, Glasgow
Address:Glasgow Bridge, Kirkintilloch,Glasgow,G66 1RH
Why dogs love it: Dogs are allowed in the friendly bar area
This charming Glasgow country pub, built in 1812, is set in a picturesque spot by the canal which can be seen from the lovely beer garden. The Stables is the proud holder of a dog-friendly pub award and is an excellent place to rest after a long dog-walk around Kirkintilloch. Dogs have their own special menu and the pub has a doggy station to clean up mucky pups.
2. St. Andrews Brewing Co.
Location:St. Andrews, Fife
Address:177 South Street St Andrews KY16 9EE
Why dogs love it:They love to give dogs a wee fuss and a treat
This is one of St Andrews Brewing Co’s two pubs in St Andrews, Fife in addition to the nearby brewery. They offer 18 taps of beer and cider including their own brews. Also, rare malt whiskies and bourbons, craft gins and a selection of great wines. They serve good Scottish pub food at reasonable prices. Dogs are most welcome, along with dog owners and friends. Tours of the brewery are available on weekend evenings.
3. Old Bridge Inn
Location: Aviemore
Address:23 Dalfaber Road PH22 1PU Aviemore
Why dogs love it:Cosy fire in the lounge to enjoy a post-walk snooze
Converted from a riverside cottage in 1982, the award winning Old Bridge Inn sits on the banks of the River Spey, Aviemore. This pub has become a destination for visitors to enjoy delicious locally sourced food, a thoughtfully stocked bar, regular live music & DJs, or a peaceful drink in the riverside garden. Food is also served in the lounge, by the wood-burning stove, where dogs are allowed.
4. Black Bull Inn
Location: Mid-Calder
Address:6 Market St, Mid Calder, Livingston EH53 0AA
Why dogs love it:Great place for a pit stop after a long walk
This award winning village pub enjoys a prime location in the small village of Mid Calder. Dogs are welcome in the lounge, public bar and the lovely beer garden. The Black Bull Inn is close to nearby rail links and a real coal fire crackles in the cosy lounge bar in winter. They offer decent portions of pub grub.
5. The Ship Inn
Location: Elie, Fife
Address:The Toft, Elie, Fife KY9 1DT
Why dogs love it: This pub is right next to a beach
The Ship Inn sits by Fife’s Elie beach in the Highlands, so your furry friend will deserve a rest after working off some energy. Dogs are very welcome in the cosy bar with its open fire and wood-burning stoves, as well as in the downstairs restaurant and lovely beer garden. Water bowls and treats are provided. For dog owners, the fish and chips comes highly recommended.
6. Bell Rock Tavern
Location: Tayport
Address:4-6 Dalgleish St, Tayport DD6 9BB
Why dogs love it: Dogs get as much attention as their owners
Bell Rock Tavern is named after the Bell Rock Lighthouse, Tayport, which was first lit in 1811. The Bell Rock Tavern boasts a contemporary Indo-Scottish restaurant (with different menus), a traditional bar, a beautiful beer garden and an event room. Dogs are made a fuss of with water bowls, treats and lots of attention.
7. Balloch House
Location: Balloch
Address: Balloch Road, Balloch, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8LQ
Why dogs love it: Well behaved dogs are rewarded with plenty of treats
This friendly traditional Balloch pub offers wonderful views of Loch Lomond. All canine friends are welcome in the bar area and in the beautiful garden. Fresh water is always available at Balloch House as well as treats for good doggies.
8. The Brig and Barrel
Location: Dunbar
Address: 8 High St, Belhaven, Dunbar EH42 1NP
Why dogs love it: The best-behaved dog visitor gets crowned ‘pup of the week’
This award-winning dog-friendly pub always gives four-legged visitors lots of attention. You’ll find The Brig & Barrelin the heart of the Historic Town of Belhaven right between the Famous Bridge to Nowhere in Dunbar and the 300-year-old Belhaven Brewery.
9. The Waterloo Arms
Location: Chirnside
Address:Allanton Road, Chirnside, TD11 3XH
Why dogs love it:Dogs are welcome in the bar on a lead
Coaching inn, The Waterloo Arms, offers a wide selection of spirits, single malts, beers and fine real ales.The restaurant serves traditional home-cooked pub classics and a decent Sunday roast. An outside seating area at the rear of the pub overlooks Chirnside’s ancient village Kirk.
