Sweet Donside Cabins & Sweetheart Cottage

19/09/2026

We would love to bring something extra special to Sweet Donside, to give you that extra relaxation. ✨

Every 8 weeks I get a facial treatment from Kaye — and it truly is a ritual, not just any old facial. After lots of conversations (and a fair few ideas thrown about!), we thought it would be lovely to offer this at Sweet Donside too.🤩

And if you don't already know — the beautiful Samantha is our daughter-in-law, and such a special soul. We've always wanted to do something together, so opening up space for her here is something we were always heading towards. 🌿

Before we run with it — would this be something you'd want when you stay with us, or if you're local and looking for a treatment? 👇

Drop a 🙋‍♀️ below or send us a wee message if this is calling your name — genuinely want to know before we build it!

17/09/2026

The Smourich 💋
Winter elopements at Sweet Donside

The path unfurls beneath bare branches, a piper’s tune drifting on the cold winter air — just the two of you, hand in hand, walking toward forever.

3 nights to call your own, in your own cabin or cottage. Fresh flowers filling The Bosie for your ceremony, or say “I do” beneath the trees, wrapped in nothing but each other. 2 guests, 2 witnesses — we’ve got that covered. Dogs welcome too, so your best friend can share in your big day 🐾

A kiss beneath the chandelier, champagne in hand, the world falling quiet around you.

Arrive to a luxury personalised welcome basket waiting for you, then wake to breakfast hampers at your door, two mornings running. Share a luxury board and champagne for your wedding breakfast, and afternoon tea another day — always at your own pace, never rushed. A wee naked cake to cut together, with everything you need already laid out. And when you want a little more, our trusted local suppliers are there to help.

As dusk settles, fairy lights flicker on, one by one — and the whole night still ahead of you.

Let us be the happy ever after to your story. 🥂

Licensed elopements from £1200. Link in bio to enquire.

15/09/2026

Swipe through 👉 my honest take on the whole "F*** Airbnb" debate that's been doing the rounds lately.

Are their fees high? Aye, no denying it. Do they own the let? Naw — they're a booking platform, and a good one at that for wee businesses like Sweet Donside trying to get found by folk all over the world.

Have we had the odd wobble with Airbnb, or the rare guest that tested our patience? Course we have. That happens on any platform, with any host, in any hotel. But 99% of the folk who stay with us are absolutely brilliant, and once they've stayed once, most book direct with us next time anyway.

So naw, I'll not be jumping on the bandwagon. I'm sticking with Airbnb — fees and all. 🤝

What's your experience been, hosting or booking? Genuinely curious to hear it below 👇

📍 Link in bio to book direct

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

Throwback to a wee elopement magic moment 🤍 Just after covid, one couple escaped to Scotland with nothing but each other and two witnesses (aye, that was me and Brent!). Rich () piped them down to the bridge where they said "I do," then later played their favourite tunes on sax over a private dinner just for the two of them. caught every second of it. Some days at Sweetdonside just stay with you.
ElopementWedding ScottishElopement

07/09/2026

We had the absolute pleasure of hosting for this couple in a million — Suzanne & Scott got married at The Lonach this weekend, and hired out most of the accommodation in the glen for their big day. We were extremely honoured they chose Sweetheart Cottage for their wedding night, and the cabins to house their nearest and dearest.💒💍👰
Over 270 guests made the trip to Strathdon to celebrate with them, filling the glen with laughter, kilts, and confetti — and giving a proper boost to the local community in the process. Businesses, accommodation, hospitality — that's what a wedding of this size means for a wee place like ours, and we're so grateful couples like Suzanne & Scott choose to bring their day here.🤩
A last-minute hiccup meant fireworks weren't possible, but Suzanne & Scott didn't let that dim their sparkle (pun very much intended) — sparklers lit up the road instead, and made for an even more magical send-off.
Huge congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs — thank you for choosing Strathdon, thank you for choosing us, and thank you for bringing so much joy (and 270 guests!) to our wee corner of the Cairngorms. 👰🤵❤️ Sam Pitt - Wedding Photography Aberdeen The Lonach Hall