About the Isle of Scalpay off Skye in Scotland

FAQ for Isle of Scalpay Holiday Cottages

Listed below are a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Scalpay self catering holiday accommodation. 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?

Your bed-linen and towels, one basket of firewood and the first £15 of electricity are included in the rental of your cottage.

Trout fishing is also included and there is a complimentary boat trip to get you on and off the island on the day of your arrival departing at 5pm and on the day of your departure departing at 10am. Arrival/departure outside of these times will incur the usual boatman's fee of £20 each way.

The rental price does not include any extra excursions you wish to take by boat, or any further electricity used (this is metered and any additional total paid at the end of your stay). Pets are charged at £20 per animal £20 per week, and in some cases a refundable damage deposit may be required. Please note that pets are not allowed onto the furniture or into the bedrooms.

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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 as there are no tarmacked 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!

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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 us on Scalpay. Due to the high costs of boat transport a charge of £40.00 for a return trip to Skye and £50 for a 2 - 3 hour sea excursion. These costs could be shared with the other cottage & please note that these may be subject to tides and weather conditions.

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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 excursions.

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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 and is an ideal bbq destination.

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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.

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Are dogs allowed?

Yes. We charge an additional £20 per animal and ask that they are kept under control at all times and do not chase the farm animals or wildlife. For the sake of good hygiene dogs are not allowed into the bedrooms or up on the furniture or beds in the cottages.

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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 professional & fly rods are not provided but we do have a few spinning rods available. A deposit is required during the loan which is returned on receipt of equipment. Any damages will be charged for.

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 (highly popular with the children) for mackerel can be arranged. Darrows will be provided.

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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.

Delicious home grown vegetables from the walled garden are seasonally available to purchase and many of our guests enjoy trying their hand at catching their supper in either the sea or the fresh water lochs. If you fancy living like the islanders and baking some of your own bread Nick has some fantastic tips.

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Is there mobile phone reception on the island?

Mobile phone reception is good on the whole, especially outside but it may vary with different providers.

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Is there a washing machine in the cottage?

The Garden Holiday Cottage does not have a washing machine but the Keepers Holiday Cottage does.