The vibe:
Ten magnificent luxury log cabins near Glen Affric, offering dog-friendly stays, wildlife on your doorstep and access to some of the best walks in the Scottish Highlands—a Highland hideaway unlike anywhere else.
Welcome to Eagle Brae
In an ancient Caledonian forest, perfectly positioned between two of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, sits Eagle Brae, ten handcrafted cedar lodges.
For those seeking luxury self-catering accommodation in Scotland, Eagle Brae delivers a rare blend of high-end comfort, sustainable design, peace & quiet and genuine warmth in welcome.
Raise a glass on your private deck and listen to the soundtrack of the glen—red deer moving quietly along the hillside, grouse calling over the moor, and birds of prey circling high above.
Let’s check in.
We were invited to stay on a complimentary basis, but all thoughts, as ever, are our own.
Luxury log cabins in Scotland
Perched on a steep hillside above the River Glass on the 8,000-acre Struy Estate in Inverness-shire, Eagle Brae’s cabins are built by Pioneer Log Homes of Canada, famed for their monumental craftsmanship.
Their scale is astonishing: vast interlocking cedar trunks rising into cathedral-like spaces scented with warm cedar and sandlewood.
Outside, the cabins blend seamlessly into the mountainside with Scandinavian-inspired grass roofs and timber decks positioned for sunrise views over Strathglass.
Inside, soaring cedar walls, Himalayan carvings and Pictish and Celtic touches create a characterful atmosphere, far removed from the identikit log cabin experience.
Owners Mike and Pawana Spencer-Nairn met in India, and their love for art, craft, and culture is woven into every cabin.
Choosing your luxury lodge at Eagle Brae
It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite among Eagle Brae’s ten log cabins.
We’ve stayed in three of Eagle Brae’s cabins and each has its own character.
Loxia sits beside its own lochan and might just be the most photographed cabin in Scotland.
Aquila, a family cabin with a broad, elevated view across Strathglass, which is perfect for groups.
Most recently, we stayed in Cinclus with our dogs, a one-bed hideaway ideal for romantic Highland breaks, complete with its own private sauna.
Whoever you are travelling with, Eagle Brae’s cabins are ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends on a Highlands holiday or short break in Scotland.
Eco-friendly luxury in the Scottish Highlands
Eagle Brae combines five-star comfort with environmentally conscious design, biomass heating, grass roofs and carefully considered low-impact operations. We loved the:
- Underfloor heating and log burners for cosy evenings and wet days.
- High-quality hotel-style bathrooms, some with saunas with Arran Aromatics toiletries and fluffy towels.
- Fibre-optic Wi-Fi and smart TVs, DVDs and books, and
- The welcome hamper of local Scottish produce.
Our dogs loved Eagle Brae as much as us
Dog-friendly cabins in Scotland
With Shanti, the resident Eagle Brae Bernese Mountain Dog, setting the tone, Eagle Brae is proudly dog-friendly.
All cabins welcome pets, with Aquila, Ardea and Cinclus offering enclosed balconies for added peace of mind. It’s one of the most thoughtfully designed dog-friendly luxury escapes in Scotland.
➜ Planning a trip with your four-legged friend? Discover more places like Eagle Brae in my guide to the best dog-friendly places to stay in Scotland.
Local Scottish produce & self-catering at Eagle Brae
Food lovers will adore Eagle Brae’s locally sourced welcome hamper – Black Isle Brewery beers, local gin, shortbread, tablet, oatcakes, chutneys, jams and Pawana’s fragrant homemade elderflower cordial.
For easy evenings, the concierge team can stock your fridge with estate-reared venison, pork and lamb, or arrange a selection of home-cooked meals.
Prefer to cook? The fully equipped kitchens can handle everything, even a full Sunday roast.
Life at Eagle Brae
You’ll find days at Eagle Brae move at a slow pace. When the rain pours, linger by the fire, a book in hand. When the weather’s good(ish), it’s time for adventure.
On the estate you’ll find camera stalking by Argocat, pony trekking and fly fishing on the River Glass and River Farrar.
Wildlife is ever-present: red deer grazing the slopes, owls at dusk, the occasional shadow of a golden eagle sweeping across the hillside.
Explore Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar
Eagle Brae sits just minutes from two of Scotland’s most celebrated glens.
Glen Affric, often hailed as the country’s most beautiful, offers ancient Caledonian pine forests, mirror-still lochs and magnificent mountains.
Glen Strathfarrar, quieter and more private, feels like a secret: serene, protected and staggeringly picturesque.
The best way is to explore on foot, here are my favourite walks in Glen Affric near Eagle Brae:
- Dog Falls – A short woodland circuit with waterfalls, ancient pines and lochans.
- Plodda Falls – A dramatic 46-metre waterfall with a platform suspended dramatically above the drop.
- Loch Affric Circuit – An 11-mile loop regarded as one of Scotland’s finest walks, weaving through ancient Caledonian forest and along the river and loch.
- Athnamulloch Bothy & Strawberry Cottage – A remote, atmospheric walk along the Affric to Kintail Way.
- Glen Affric Viewpoint – A short ascent for a classic postcard view of the glen.
In Glen Strathfarrar, walking and cycling are permitted year-round, but drivers require an access permit, with only 25 cars allowed daily.
In spring, summer and autumn, simply stop at the gatehouse and request a permit from the keeper. In winter, the team at Eagle Brae can assist with access, though conditions may limit parking for safety and conservation.
➜ Looking for more inspiration? Explore my full Guide to Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, including easy lochside rambles, viewpoint trails and the area’s most iconic long-distance routes.
Explore wider Loch Ness & Inverness
Eagle Brae is just a short drive from Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus, and the Highland capital of Inverness.
Make the most of your time near the loch. Here are the best walks near Loch Ness, from waterfall circuits to scenic shoreline paths.
➜ If you’re adding a city stop to your Highland adventure, take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Inverness, from food spots to river walks and museums.
When to visit Eagle Brae
Eagle Brae is beautiful all year round.
Autumn – for colourful forests & quieter hikes
The glens turn gold as the birch and pine forests burst into their autumn hues. Autumn in Scotland is a dream for photographers.
Winter – for cosy cabins & snow-dusted peaks in Glen Affric
Winter at Eagle Brae might be my favourite time to visit. Think roaring log burners, crisp star-filled nights, snow-capped mountains and access to the Highlands at their quietest.
Spring – for wildlife encounters as Scotland comes alive
Spring at Eagle Brae offers some of the best wildlife viewing of the year. Expect red deer roaming the glens, vibrant wildflowers, and milder weather ideal for exploring Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar.
Summer – for long days for Highland adventures
With daylight stretching late into the evening, summer is perfect for long walks in Glen Affric, kayaking, pony trekking and evenings spent on the deck.
How to get to Eagle Brae
By Car
Eagle Brae is around 45 minutes west of Inverness on the Struy Estate. Follow signs for Beauly and Struy; detailed directions are sent after booking for the final single-track approach.
Winter conditions can vary in Scotland; check forecasts and allow extra time during snowy periods. Travel insurance is always recommended in winter, when conditions can be unpredictable.
By Train
Beauly station is 25 minutes away, with regular connections from Inverness. From there, a taxi or pre-arranged transfer can take you straight to Eagle Brae.
By Air
Fly into Inverness Airport (INV); car hire and taxis are available for onward travel.
Eagle Brae FAQs
Are the cabins suitable for families?
Yes, family-friendly layouts and hand-carved beds make them ideal for all ages.
Are the cabins suitable for couples?
Absolutely. One-bed cabins like Cinclus and Ardea are perfect for romantic escapes.
Do the cabins have hot tubs?
No. Instead, several cabins offer private saunas.
Is Eagle Brae dog-friendly?
Yes, exceptionally so. All cabins welcome dogs, and the surrounding landscapes are a dream for walkers.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, fast fibre-optic Wi-Fi.
Is Eagle Brae accessible all year round?
Yes, though winter conditions may require extra travel time.
Is Eagle Brae suitable for remote working?
Yes. Quiet surroundings and reliable Wi-Fi make it an inspiring spot to work from, if you can resist the lure of the outdoors.
Book your stay at Eagle Brae
We fall a little more in love with Eagle Brae each time we visit. It captures everything we adore about the Scottish Highlands: raw beauty, deep peace, thoughtful luxury, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to leave behind.
Eagle Brae is Highland Scotland at its most magical—wild, welcoming and wonderfully unforgettable.
Explore availability, book direct for the best rates and follow Eagle Brae on social media for updates, offers and daily Highland inspiration.
Kate at Love From Scotland x