Lan Mara. Where the highlands meet the sea.

A cosy shepherd’s hut at the edge of a sheep farm by the sea, where muddy boots and sandy toes happily co-exist .

A hand holds up a dried starfish in front of a sunny blue sky and a sandy beach

The perfect stopover on your Scottish Highlands trip.

Wake up to a glorious sea view in a beautiful shepherd’s hut, situated with views over a working sheep farm. Conveniently located directly off the A9 between Brora and Helmsdale.

A unique shepherd’s hut experience

Enjoy a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and your own cooking facilities in this whimsical little highlands hideaway at the edge of a working farm. This cosy shepherd’s hut is the perfect place for two to snuggle up and enjoy some down time.

Situated on the North Coast 500 route

We are located halfway between Brora and Helmsdale. If you’re on a schedule, you won’t need to divert far from the A9 to park up then simply rest and relax in our cosy shepherd’s hut. When you’re ready to continue your journey, you’ll be back on route in no time.

A stargazers haven

We have very little light pollution, so whether it’s a star strewn night sky, the beauty of the northern lights or the ISS passing overhead, there is usually plenty to see if you just look up. The shepherd’s hut is set facing east, perfect if you love to watch a sunrise.

Easy access to beautiful Crakaig Beach

Take a trip down the farm lane to Crakaig Beach, just a 15 minute walk, or a 3 minute drive. A wild and beautiful sandy beach, part of the Scottish Jurassic coast, where fossils and shells nestle together in the rock pools and the sound of skylarks fills the air.

Access to tourist trails, restaurants & shops

There is a choice of good local shops, and an array of restaurants and cafes close by. All this on top of being directly on the North Coast 500, with a wide selection of local distilleries, golf courses, tourist attractions and simply stunning scenery.

Surrounded by nature

Nestled under an old holly tree, with views across a working farm, you’re usually guaranteed to see sheep, hear gentle birdsong and occasionally the neighbourhood peacock and guinea fowl might drop by.

A little piece of heaven

With stunning Glen Loth in the hills behind us, and the spectacular Moray Firth ahead of us, it really is the best of both worlds.

Whimsical yet practical

  • A self contained shower & WC as standard.
  • Kitchen facilities including hob cooker & microwave.
  • A stocked log burner and infrared heating to make evenings instantly cosy.
  • Private garden space with dedicated parking
  • Dog friendly
Big blue skies with sculpted clouds over a rural landscape.
A weak sun in a bright cloudy blue sky over a beach with waves lapping the shore. The sun is silver on the water.

Booking opening soon

  • Get the best prices direct.
  • Easy lock box check in.
  • Abundant guest information to help you get the best out of your trip.
  • Sign up to our email list to get notified when booking opens and to see early sneak peeks of the accommodation.


β€œStaying is easy, leaving is hard. Haste ye back to the highlands.”

A blonde woman and a blond man together in a closely cropped circular image

Rene & Ged

Lan Mara Hosts

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