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 check availability using the calendar below, and 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

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.

The cottage is offered for 3-5 nights depending on availability and season.

Only registered assistance dogs are permitted in the cottage.

The cottage sleeps 6 + travel cot.

Please inform Debbie on dgreenough@vocal.org.uk if your number of guests changes.

Check-in is from 4pm on your day of arrival and check out is 10am on the day you leave, unless you have been advised of a different time by text.

If you are able to, the beds can be stripped of outer covers, leaving all pillow and mattress protectors in place, but this is not essential.

There are four different places to eat within a 15 minutes walk: The Tulach, The Loft, The Atholl Arms and The Watermill.

Yes, there is a lockable hut in the back garden which can fit 3 or 4 bikes.

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 a showroom. The corner shower needs to be stepped into. We can provide a stool for the shower. There is also a toilet frame and a 4-wheeled walking frame with a seat.

For the full information on accessibility at Hawthorn Brae, please read our Accessibility Statement (PDF).

Yes, there is Wi-Fi and the TV has Sky and Netflix.

Contact us to discuss the potential opportunity of a break with you and complete a short application form. You can also use the calendar function on this page.

Edinburgh: centre@vocal.org.uk or 0808 196 6666

Midlothian: midlothian@vocal.org.uk or 0808 196 6666 (option 2)

Hawthorn Brae Cottage
Kitchen area with oven, hob and wooden countertops.
View through the doors into the kitchen / dining area, with a table with 4 seats.
Dining room area with a table and 5 chairs. On the left are the stairs going up a floor.
Dining area with a dinner table with 6 chairs, the stairs going up to the next floor, and a mirror on the wall.
Living area - sofa and armchairs. In the background is the dining area and the stairs going up to the next floor.
Living room - a big sofa against the wall. On the other side is a fireplace set into the wall.
Double bedroom upstairs in the cottage, with windows on the side wall.
Twin bedroom upstairs - 2 single beds and the bedside table. Window on the side wall.
Downstairs twin bedroom - 2 single beds, the bedside table and the window with the view out to the garden.
Bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
Bathroom with sink, toilet and corner shower (with stool to sit down in the shower).
Doors opening onto the patio, with garden chairs and table, and the green hills and trees in the background.

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.