Golden Retriever Statue

There's a golden retriever standing guard near Beauly in the Highlands, and it's become one of those unexpected roadside moments that stays with you. The statue commemorates a beloved local dog, and while it's not the grandest monument you'll ever see, there's something rather touching about finding it tucked away in the Scottish landscape.

It's the sort of thing that works brilliantly if you're already exploring the area around Beauly. Not a destination in itself, frankly - you wouldn't drive two hours just for this. But if you're based at nearby Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park or staying in the glens for a few days, it makes for a quick, free stop that'll raise a smile. Kids quite like it, especially if they're dog-mad, though the novelty wears off faster than you'd expect.

The real value is the setting. You're in proper Highland country here, surrounded by forests and hills. Take five minutes to see the statue, snap a photo, and you've ticked off a quirky local interest without losing time from whatever else you've got planned - whether that's walks in the glens or exploring the nearby loch.

Getting there is straightforward from Beauly itself. Allow maybe 10 minutes once you've found the spot. Free to visit, naturally. Go if you're passing, enjoy the oddness of it, then crack on with the rest of your day.