Scalpay FAQ

Listed below are a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Scalpay. If your question is not listed then please contact us as we would be happy to help.

How do I book a cottage? How much is the deposit?

To secure a booking we require a deposit of 25% of the total and we will send you an invoice once we have received this payment.

The balance becomes due 6 weeks prior to arrival when we will send you a statement. We also ask that you complete a booking form and read our booking terms.

What does the rental price include?

It includes the boat trip getting you on and off the island, your linen and towels and trout fishing.

It does not include any extra excursions you wish to take by boat, any electricity you use (which is metered and the total paid at the end of your stay) or £10 if you bring your per.

How do you get from Skye to Scalpay?

By boat. Transfers at the beginning and end of your stay on the island are included in your rental price. We ask you to give us an estimated arrival time on your booking form and then to phone the boatman when you are nearer to confirm this so that he can be waiting for you when you arrive at the landing point. Please note that whilst we do all we can to fit in with your travel arrangements you will need a degree of flexibility to allow for tides and weather conditions.

Can I take my car over to Scalpay and if not where do I leave it?

You will not be able to take your car over to Scalpay and there are no tarmaced roads. You will be able to leave it in an off-road parking place on the Isle of Skye. Local traffic on Scalpay consists of 2 tractors, 1 truck and a quad bike!

Can I book trips to Skye and/or sea excursions and at what cost?

If you wish to book further trips to Skye or a sea excursion you can do so directly with the boatman who currently charges £20 for a return trip to Skye and £40 for a 2 - 3 hour sea excursion. Please note that these may be subject to tides and weather conditions.

Can I hire a boat?

Due to high insurance costs and regulations there are no longer companies willing to hire out either motor or rowing boats. See question above for details on booking the boatman for excursions.

Are there beaches on Scalpay?

The shore line is largely rock pools and pebbles. There is a small sandy beach (at low and mid tides) on the far side of the island which makes a lovely day's outing.

Is the island suitable for bikes?

If you wish to bring your bike we recommend that it is a mountain bike with appropriately tough tyres. Please note that there is no tarmac on the island, it is all rough track.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes. We charge an additional £10 per animal and ask that they are kept under control at all times, do not chase the farm animals and do not go on the furniture or beds in the cottages.

What kind of fishing can I do on Scalpay?

Brown trout
There are brown trout in all the main lochs on the island, the nearest is about a 30 - 45 minute walk up the hill. Please note that rods are not provided.

Can I have fishing lessons?
This is not really a service that we provide however if you are really keen to have serious fly fishing lessons we can arrange for the local gillie to come and teach you. Please note that is subject to his availability and normally needs plenty of advance warning.

Mackerel/sea fishing
Sea fishing trips for mackerel can be arranged with the boatman. Darrows will be provided.

How do I go about getting provisions?

Typically our guests prefer to stock up on a week's worth of provisions before arriving on Scalpay. There is a well equipped Co-op in Broadford next to the petrol station and if driving from Inverness we would recommend using the big Tesco there. If you require additional food items whilst on Scalpay you can book the boat for a return trip to Skye.

Is there mobile phone reception on the island?

There are pockets on mobile phone reception and the garden area outside the Garden Cottage is usually good if you can't get reception in the cottage itself (this may vary with different providers).

Is there a washing machine in the cottage?

No.

We hope the information above has been of help to you. If you require any more information then please contact us.