Hawthorn Brae
Hawthorn Brae
Hawthorn Brae is a beautiful self-catering cottage in the village of Blair Atholl, providing unpaid carers and people with life-limiting conditions with a relaxing break from caring routines.
Hawthorn Brae is managed by VOCAL, through the donation of EMMS International Hawthorn Brae Fund and supported by a generous donation from the Swinton Paterson Trust. The cottage provides free breaks to carers and people with life-limiting conditions, and of limited means, living in Edinburgh or Midlothian.
Close to public transport and local amenities, in a tranquil and relaxing location, Hawthorn Brae cottage provides the ideal setting for carers, and those they care for, to take short breaks.
To book, please contact us on 0131 622 6666 or holidayhomes@vocal.org.uk.
Supporting the Hawthorn Brae project
Many carers can’t afford a break, particularly a longer trip away with family. In order to increase the number of breaks that can be provided free of charge, VOCAL seeks donations to our Hawthorn Brae project, where the funds raised will help subsidise or cover the full costs of breaks at the cottage.
If you are an individual and would like to make a donation, you can do so via our Just Giving page.
Funders and agencies who would like to get involved or discuss potential partnerships should contact VOCAL’s Partnership and Business Manager at fundraising@vocal.org.uk or call 0131 622 6666.
If you are not a carer, or you can afford it and would like to book a paid visit to Hawthorn Brae, please contact us on 0131 622 6666 or holidayhomes@vocal.org.uk. You can also look at our Visit Scotland or Embrace Scotland pages. Income raised from paid bookings is used to fund the operations of the cottage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us to discuss the potential opportunity of a break at centre@vocal.org.uk or call 0131 622 6666.
You will receive a digital guest book 2 weeks prior to your arrival, this should contain all the information about your Wee Break. If you need something answered before you make a booking or we have missed something please email Debbie at holidayhomes@vocal.org.uk with your questions.
You can choose a 3-night stay (Friday 4pm – Monday 10am) or a 4-night stay (Monday 4pm – Friday 10am).
The cottage has a flat gravel drive. There is one small 3” step on the front path and a 3” step into the cottage. There is a twin bedroom on the ground floor and an accessible wet room. For the full information on accessibility at Hawthorn Brae, please ask for the Accessibility Statement (PDF). Upon request we can provide any of the following equipment;
• Shower Stool
• Toilet frame
• Toilet height riser
• 4-wheeled walking frame with a seat
• Stair Guards
• Fire Guard
The Hawthorn Brae Cottage sleeps 6 (+ infants aged 0 – 1) in 4 single beds and one King size bed (+ travel cot if required). If the number of guests changes from your original booking please inform Debbie on holidayhomes @vocal.org.uk. Upon request we can provide you with;
• Travel cot
• Highchair
• Stair Guards (top & Bottom of stairs)
• Fire Guard
Only ADUK registered assistance dogs are permitted in the cottage (proof required).
Please note: Bringing an unauthorised pet may lead to you being asked to leave early and will jeopardise future funding from VOCAL.
No, we do not permit smoking of cigarettes, vapes, or any illegal substances inside the property. Guests who break this rule may be asked to leave early and will jeopardise future funding from VOCAL.
You’ll receive host contact details on the day you check in. For non-urgent questions, feel free to text or send a WhatsApp. For emergencies, please call.
Blair Atholl train station is a 10-minute walk from Hawthorn Brae cottage, or we can book a taxi for you. Pitlochry train station is also a 10-minute drive.
You’ll be sent directions to Hawthorn Brae in the Digital Guestbook. We will send this to you 2 weeks before your stay. You can also search for and find us on Google Maps.
No need! We provide bedding, towels, bath sheets (1 per person), bathmats, hand towels, non-slip shower mats, tea towels, toilet roll, kitchen roll, salt & pepper, tea, coffee, sugar, hand soap, washing-up liquid, washing machine tabs, and dishwasher tablets.
Check-in is from 4pm. Please don’t arrive earlier, as the property may not be ready.
Please check out by 10am. You will find a departure checklist inside the property and in the digital guest book to help walk you through checking out and leaving the property secure.
We ask that you observe the 10am check out time as our housekeeper will be waiting to service for our next guests.
There’s a key safe outside in the back garden. You’ll receive information on its location and a 4-digit code by text on the morning of your arrival. Feel free to use the key safe during your stay. Please return the keys to the safe when you check out. Charges apply for lost keys.
Yes, there is Wi-Fi and the smart TV has Sky and Netflix.
There are a number of different places to eat within a 15 minutes walk all of these can be found in your digital guest book that will be sent out to you 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
Yes, there is a lockable hut in the back garden which can fit 3 or 4 bikes.
Yes please, if you’re able. Just remove the outer covers—leave pillow and mattress protectors in place. A Check-out checklist can be found inside the cottage so the property is left safe and secure. Instructions can also be found in your digital guest book.
You may apply for an overnight break through Wee Breaks after 2 years.
Yes, as a carer registered with VOCAL you may pay for a break yourself and would be entitled to a discount. Contact Debbie at holidayhomes@vocal.org.uk for prices and availability.
You’ll receive a link to your digital guest book via text and email 2 weeks before your stay. It includes everything you need to know, alternatively contact Debbie at holidayhomes@vocal.org.uk
For more detailed information about staying at Hawthorn Brae, please visit our online Guest Book.
If you have any further questions, please contact us on holidayhomes@vocal.org.uk or 0131 622 6666.