Marble Lodge, Blair Atholl

The U-shaped Glen Tilt is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic examples of the effects of the last ice age. Although the glaciers have gone, there’s definitely a lingering sense of more primeval times, enhanced all the more by the sparse human population of this precipitous, deer-filled ravine. At Marble Lodge you can enjoy the scenery, the wildlife and the fishing undisturbed.

Sleeps 4. From £400. Tel: 01796 481 355

Roughley Cottage, Borders

While the desolate nature of much of the Highlands is well known, you don’t need to head north to escape the madding crowds. For Roughley, situated six miles up a farm track, offers imperious levels of isolation. What’s more, with its gas lighting, cast-iron range and lack of telephone reception, it also resolutely defies the march of 21st century technology, thereby ensuring a welcome reprieve from the beeps, blips and buzzes of the electronic age.

Sleeps 6-7. From £295. Tel: 01665 830 783

Barnhill, Isle of Jura

Barnhill, situated 5 miles up a rough track, is truly away from it all, even by the standards of this wildest member of the Inner Hebrides – the very reason George Orwell chose the cottage as the place to pen ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’. Little has changed since Orwell’s day, and your only neighbours are red deer, wild goats and the white-tailed eagles that forage the turbulent waters of the Corryvreckan nearby.

Sleeps 6. £550. Tel: 01786 850

274 Banchor Cottage, Nairn

Perched above the salmon-filled waters of the River Findhorn, near Cawdor Castle, the stunning surroundings have changed little since the time of Macbeth. However, this cottage offers a little more in the way of luxury than the Shakespearean villain’s cold and dingy domain, making it either an ideal rural retreat or an excellent base for those keen on venturing into the area’s great outdoors. Sleeps 6. From £450. Tel: 01667 404 401

Duchally Lodge, Sutherland

The view to the vertiginous slopes of Ben More Assynt is more than sufficient to know that you’re in the heart of the Highlands. Situated at the top of Glencassley, the lodge is a Victorian vantage point from which you can stalk, fish and roam the hills, as well as a hideout in which to bid the hustle and bustle farewell.

Sleeps 8; From £1000; Tel: 0131 476 6500

Drum Cottage, Strathspey

The Dorbach Burn wends its way past this secluded cottage, heading for an appointment with the River Spey. Yet, while many visitors are equally keen to head down to Speyside, others might benefit from a more meandering course – or even one that allows you to soak up the scenery, as well as the local malts, from the comfort of a stove-side seat.

Sleeps 4. From £600. Tel: 01738 451610

Morag’s Cottage, Loch Rannoch

The vast expanse of Rannoch Moor is one of the most bleakly beautiful landscapes in Scotland and, despite modern engineering capabilities, the area is largely untarnished by Man’s heavy hand. This 200-year old stone-built loch-side cottage has fine views up Coire Carie and over fields to the loch itself and to the Black Wood of Rannoch and its majestic Caledonian pines.

Sleeps 4. From £395. Tel: 01835 822 277

Glenmalloch Lodge, Newton Stewart

Its diminutive stature is matched only by its seclusion, nestled into a Galloway glen only a mile from the big skies of the Solway Firth. Built as a school at the behest of the Countess of the same county, there is considerable evidence of its patron’s dedication to learning in style. While it may once have housed some 25 industrious Victorian pupils, in its current incarnation it is more suited to couples engaged in more leisurely or romantic retreats.

Sleeps 2. From £182. Tel: 01628 825 925 (Landmark Trust).

Saddle Castle, Kintyre

Perhaps the best way of ensuring you’re not disturbed is to make your house impregnable, and this sixteenth century castle is the sort of stronghold that can keep unwelcome visitors at bay. These days if you prowl the battlements it is unlikely that you’ll see any brigands afoot in the surrounding beaches and forests, but at least you can foil any who do cross the threshold with a visit to the pit cunningly concealed beneath the front door.

Sleeps 8. From £383. Tel: 01628 825 925 (Landmark Trust)

Torsa House and Island

For a real island holiday escape, Torsa, south of Oban, is perfect. Getting there means crossing the famous Atlantic Bridge on to Seil Island, then taking the car ferry to the neighbouring island of Luing – and yet another short boat journey to Torsa. Once there you and your family will be in complete isolation as the only inhabitants of the island – apart from the wonderful wildlife. Torsa House, the only one on the island, has ample accommodation with conservatory, kitchen dining room, sitting room, and three bedrooms. Sleeps 6. From £750. Tel: 01852 314 274