Add Your ListingThere’s a very particular kind of joy that comes with staying in a Scottish cottage: the soft click of an Aga settling for the night, an old stone hearth that still smells of peat, and that long walk in the hills where even the sheep seem to have opinions on your choice of waterproof jacket.
But let’s be honest after a day tramping up a hill in the Highlands or wandering the cobbles of an old town, sometimes all you want isn’t another whisky, but a cosy night in front of your favourite show.
Streaming has become part of the modern cottage experience, even out in the wild parts of Scotland where the wind feels like it’s always telling you a story.
Broadband in the Highlands: Great, Sometimes
Here’s the truth from experience: rural broadband can be a bit of a lottery.
I’ve been in charming places lovely big windows with a view of lochs and dales and then tried to load Netflix, only to discover that the connection crawls like a sheep behind a stubborn ewe.
Guests will often message me saying, “We’re in beautiful countryside but the WiFi feels like it’s powered by carrier pigeons!” That’s not uncommon, especially in the very remote parts of Argyll or the northern Highlands.
On the flip side, places closer to towns or within reach of newer infrastructure can surprise you with surprisingly solid speeds. And with services like Starlink starting to roll out more widely (though I’m honestly not sure yet where fully available it is in Scotland), things should only get better.
Smart TVs and a Little Digital Prep
These days, most higher-end cottages do come with smart TVs often LG, sometimes Samsung, or with an Amazon Fire stick attached. But here’s the reality: user interfaces differ, logins differ, and sometimes nothing works quite like it does at home.
If your cottage has an LG Smart TV, one trick some travellers use is setting up a vpn for lg tv before they arrive. Why?
- It can help you access services you normally use back home
- It keeps your login info more private on unfamiliar WiFi
- It can make sure your favourite shows are ready no matter where you are
I say some travellers because it isn’t necessary for everyone but if you’re staying for a couple of weeks or plan to stream a lot, it’s a neat little hack to make things run smoother.
Bring Your Own Device It Can Save the Day
Even in the nicest cottages, the stock TV apps can feel clunky.
I always travel with something tiny like:
- A Fire Stick
- Chromecast
- A small streaming dongle
Not only do these give you the apps you already use, but they let you log into stuff ahead of time, which cuts down on the “why won’t this load?!” moments that make you wonder if the sheep outside are judging.
Just one tip: always log out before you go. I once forgot and spent half an hour explaining to the next guests how to escape my account!
Winter in Scotland Is Stunning and Streaming Helps
Let’s face it: winter here gets dark early. Some days during January and February the sun barely peeks over the horizon before it dips back down again.
That’s part of why streaming can become a highlight of your stay. After a blustery coastal walk, nothing feels better than soup in hand and a familiar series queued up in front of a glowing fire.
But remember, winter is also when more people want broadband and in truly remote spots, that can slow things down a touch. It’s not a deal-breaker but it’s something to be aware of.
Longer Stays = Better Planning
These days a lot of guests aren’t just popping in for a weekend. They’re spending a week or two, splitting their time between remote work, exploring, and just… being.
If that sounds like your kind of break, think of your streaming setup the same way you’d think about your boots or your raincoat.
Good WiFi becomes as essential as a cuppa, and a little extra prep goes a long way.
Tips for Protecting Your Accounts
I always tell friends:
- Make sure your passwords are strong
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Only save login info on your own device
- Log everything out before you leave
It sounds obvious but when you’re relaxed and on holiday, it’s easy to forget these tiny digital habits.
FAQs From Real Conversations
Do all Scottish cottages have smart TVs?
No but most of the nicer ones do. And if they don’t, owners usually tell you before you book.
Is rural WiFi reliable?
It’s improving every year. But in some very rural places, it still lags a bit.
Do I really need a VPN?
Not everyone does. But if you care about privacy or want access to your usual subscription content without fuss, it’s a handy tool.
The Best Part? Simple Evenings Are Often the Best
After a day of wind-whipped crags or wandering old castles, evenings in a cottage can be surprisingly wonderful in their simplicity.
Soup simmering, logs crackling, and a snug chair with your favourite show that’s the stuff memories are made of.
So stream what you love. But don’t let technology distract you from the bigger picture: Scotland is wild, beautiful, and sometimes just incredible.
Balance the two and you’ll have a trip that feels both restful and alive.
