Highlands, Western Isles & Northern Isles

A picture-perfect setting, fresh interior design and centuries of history make this airy comfortable house a peaceful haven to escape to. With plenty of beds it has space enough for two families or a large group of friends.
 
Accommodation details

• 2 storey


• Sleeps 10 - 4 doubles plus double sofa bed


• Cloakroom, utility room


• WC


• Shower room


• Lounge (Sky TV)


• Family shower room


• En suite bathroom off master bedroom


• Upstairs kitchen


• Dining table to seat 10


• Wood-burning stove with well stocked log shed


• Eco-friendly air-source pump heating system


• Picnic furniture and wooden verandah


• Library of books and family games

 
About the area
Glenelg is a relaxed picturesque village, shielded by high mountains and looking out towards the sea. Its seclusion makes it a paradise for rare wildlife. Look out for pine martins and peregrine falcons inland or keep an eye on the sea for a glimpse of otters or minke whales. Glenelg has a good village shop and post office for essentials, and the famous Glenelg Inn serves delicious local produce.
 
Things to do

• Cosy up with a copy of Ring of Brightwater, Gavin Maxwell's book about the otter he brought back from Iraq. Maxwell wrote the book from his cottage at nearby Sandaig. The whole area is still full of the wildlife he loved.


• The Balmacara Estate is about an hour's drive away. Here you'll find acres of woodland walks as well as beautifully preserved 18th century farm steadings.


• Visit the Iron Age brochs close to the barracks, inland along Gleann Beag. These tall Pictish towers are some of the best preserved in Britain.

 
Getting there
Take the main road to the Isle of Skye via Kyle of Lochalsh (A87). Turn off for Glenelg at Shiel Bridge. As you come into the village proper, on your right you will see a wooden gate with a sign saying ‘No Entry to Bernera Barracks' - An Gearasdan is just along this track about 100 metres. < Hide

Come home to a wood-burning stove after long walks and soak up the atmosphere of traditional croft life mixed with modern amenities.
 
Accommodation details

• 2 storey


• Sleeps 2 - 1 twin (beds not suitable for people over 6ft)


• Sitting room with wood-burning stove


• Kitchen


• Shower room with WC


• Night storage heaters


• Electric water heater


• Parking available at rear of cottage


• Public transport accessible

 
Only full weeks (Saturday to Saturday) available.
 
About Beaton's Croft
Beaton's Croft lies in the township of Bornesketaig at the north end of Skye. In the late 19th century it was built and then occupied as one of a row of four by the four Gillies brothers. Bornesketaig at that time was known as Pennicille and was most likely established as a settlement by the old church, now a ruin which stands above the township. Superb views across to the Isles of Harris, Lewis and North Uist are the icing on the cake of this authentic historic croft.
 
About the area
Skye combines spectacular mountains, views to make the heart soar, and a rich heritage of historically significant events to enthral visitors of any age, from every part of the world.
 
The awe-inspiring peaks of the Cuillin mountains rise at the centre and provide some of the most challenging walking and climbing in Britain. Seafood is abundant and world-class cuisine is available at the famous Three Chimneys restaurant. In Portree, just over 20 miles away you'll find most amenities. Kilmuir is the burial site for Flora MacDonald, who escorted Bonnie Prince Charlie 'over the sea to Skye', while Dunvegan Castle holds more than 800 years of dramatic island history within its walls.
 
Things to do

• Stock up on Talisker whisky from the local distillery, then enjoy a picnic on the beach at nearby Talisker Bay, where it's said the Irish Giant Cuillin once waded ashore to do battle.


• Hike up to the entrancing peaks of the Quiraing. The unusual mountain shapes were formed by a series of landslips. Look out for 'the needle', 'the table' and 'the prison'.


• The Whitewave Outdoor Centre offers kayaking, windsurfing, archery and guided walks to make the most of Skye's landscape.

 
Getting there
After crossing the Skye bridge, at Kyleakin Roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A87 for
Portree, Uig. Join the A87, then take the A855 for Staffin. Bornesketaig will be on your left. < Hide

The House was built by Thomas Mouat in 1775 and now provides spacious and splendid accommodation for up to 12 people. Make the most of the magnificent first-floor drawing room or relax in Mouat's writing room with its Venetian windows that look out to sea.
 
Accommodation details

• 3 storeys


• Sleeps 8 - 12 - 1 double, 3 twin, plus additional sofa bed and two hand-built box beds suitable for children


• Hand-built kitchen with range


• Large dining room


• Family room


• Shower room and WC


• First-floor drawing room with views to three sides


• Thomas Mouat's writing room


• Large child friendly garden


• Laundry

 
A large child-friendly garden runs from the front of the house down to the pier at Belmont, where the ferry from Yell docks.
 
There is mobile reception (Vodaphone) and broadband at the property.
 
About Unst
Unst is the most northerly of the Shetland Isles, just 12 miles long by 5 miles wide, outlined by majestic cliffs, ragged sea stacks, sheltered inlets, and golden beaches. Inland, purebred Shetland sheep and ponies roam the common grazing land. Unst is a major breeding site for seabirds including gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, arctic skuas and whimbrels. Seals and porpoises are common and you may even see otters and killer whales. Try the following websites for more information:
www.shetland.org
www.unst.org
 
Things to do

• Hermaness National Nature reserve is excellent for birdwatching. You'll find rare plants at Keen of Hamar, as well as sea and loch angling. The Trust can arrange guided walks, fishing trips, and tours of the island.


• Indulge in the local ingredients. Local lamb, shellfish and beef can be ordered, and there is also a Farmer's Market once a fortnight. We can even arrange for someone to come and cook for you at Belmont House.


• The Unst Viking project has been unearthing Norse finds all over the island. Visit their reconstructed Longhouse and ship at Haroldswick.

 
Getting there
Although Unst is as far north as southern Greenland, it is a very accessible island. Smooth, modern roads and frequent vehicle ferries link the Shetland mainland to Unst via the neighbouring island of Yell. The ferries are very busy in summer and it is advisable to book in advance (Tel: 01957 722259).
 
Loganair flies from Aberdeen, Belfast, Benbecula, Birmingham, Campbeltown, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Leeds/Bradford, Kirkwall, London (Gatwick), Manchester, Manston (Kent), Newquay, Norwich, Southampton to Sumburgh Airport on the Southern tip of mainland Shetland. < Hide