This deluxe self-catering houseboat is moored in the Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal, right in the heart of the Scottish capital.This deluxe self-catering houseboat is moored in the Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal, right in the heart of the Scottish capital.
This deluxe self-catering houseboat is moored in the Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal, right in the heart of the Scottish capital.

What shores: Magical Scottish staycations to float your boat

After a hard year of being cooped up in our homes with curbs on travel and socialising, most of us are dreaming of getting away from it all as soon as coronavirus restrictions allow.

At the same time, however, many people don’t want to venture too far away.

Luckily in Scotland we have no shortage of interesting and beautiful places to visit without stepping on a plane.

And for those seeking something a bit different for their staycation there are also plenty of unusual holiday accommodation options, with everything from lighthouses to railway carriage and treehouses on offer.

Here we have collected a selection of snazzy waterborne premises guaranteed to float your boat – and you don’t even need to be a sailor.

There’s a luxury longboat moored in the heart of Scotland’s capital city or a converted fishing boat on the Caledonian Canal near Loch Ness.

Or perhaps you would prefer to stay on a converted ferry, a classic tall ship or even a former lifeboat, each offering a unique base for exploring Argyll and the west coast.

All these floating properties are available to book, from around £200 a night, through QuirkyAccom.com.

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