Home > Scotland > Highlands and Islands > Self catering in Duror and on the Isle o

Self catering in Duror and on the Isle of Barra

We offer self catering accommodation in Bruernish, Isle of Barra and in Duror, Appin in Argyll.

Self catering accommodation on the island of Barra

The island of Barra is the jewel of the Hebrides, with stunning white beaches pounded by the Atlantic surf. It is the home of Clan Macneil and the site of spectacular Kisimul Castle. Most of the population are Gaelic speaking. The annual feis, or festival of music, attracts internationally famous performers and teachers, and ceilidhs are held throughout the year

Mingulay cottage is situated in the hamlet of Bruernish in the north-east of Barra, about one mile off the main road which encircles the island. It is named after the now uninhabited island of Mingulay, once the home of Flora's ancestors. A visit to the deserted village on Mingulay is a moving experience.

The cottage is a recently renovated traditional croft-house with double glazing and electric heating. If you have an Ordnance Survey map, the national grid reference is (0)723 (7)020 (Landranger 31)

On the ground floor there is an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. The kitchen is well-equipped with a fridge, an electric cooker and a washing machine/dryer. The sitting area has a television and a king-sized bed in a recess.

A loft ladder, which can be folded away when not in use, leads to two upper bedrooms, each with two single beds. These rooms are not full height, as in all traditional croft-houses, but are ideal for children (or nimble adults!).

Bedding is provided (duvets and pillows), but please bring your own linen and towels. If this is impossible we can supply them at a small extra charge.

It's best to bring your own supplies of food with you for the first couple of days on the island. There are three food shops on he island, including a small supermarket, and travelling shops.

You can travel to Barra on the car ferry, 'The Lord of the Isles', which leaves from Oban. Information about ferries can be obtained from Caledonian MacBrayne. There are daily flights from Glasgow in a light passenger aircraft which lands on the beach. Flights take less than an hour. If you come to Barra via Uist, you can cross the causeway to Eriskay and take the ferry from there.

You can hire cars, taxis and bicycles on the island or travel in the Post Office bus, which delivers the mail and takes passengers. The local tourist office will be delighted to provide up to date information about what is happening from day to day.

Rates for the cottage range from £160 - £220 per week, according to the season.

The island of Barra

Barra is named after St Barr who founded a church there in the sixth century. The ending 'a' or sometimes 'ay' is a Viking ending signifying an island. For many centuries Barra was part of the Viking kingdoms which extended from the Volga in the east, to Newfoundland in the west. It did not become part of Scotland until the end of the 13th century.

Barra is only about 8 miles long (13 km) from Scurrival Point in the north, to the Sound of Vatersay in the south, and little more than 5 miles wide. The main road makes a 14 mile circuit of the island, with a spur running north to Eoligarry and another running south over the recently completed causeway to the adjoining island of Vatersay.

The rocky east coast of the island looks out over The Minch to the mountains of Skye. The west coast looks out over the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing due west, you would not make landfall until you reached Labrador.

The west side is dominated by spectacular white beaches. They are usually deserted and you can walk along the Traigh Each, the Beach of Horses, alone except for the pounding of the surf and a glorious sunset.

The spine of the island is formed by a low range of hills, culminating in Heaval (1264 ft). The ascent of Heaval is easy and gives fine views of the chain of uninhabited islands to the south - Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray.

The main settlement is Castlebay, named after the ancient Kisimul Castle which is built on a rock in the bay. This was the home of successive chiefs of the Clan Macneil, who were notorious seafarers and pirates. They were famed for their ancient blood and their pride. It is said that at the time of the flood, Noah sent to ask The Macneil if he would like to join him in the Ark. Macneil sent a messenger back, thanking him courteously but telling him that The Macneil had a boat of his own.

..................

Self catering accommodation in Duror

The village of Duror is set in the heart of the Highlands, close to Glencoe and to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and also the perfect place if you simply want to relax amidst spectacular scenery and visit the many local attractions.

The house, which adjoins the main house, is beside the River Duror close to Cuil Bay, just off the main road between Oban and Fort William. Duror is six miles south of the Ballachulish Bridge and two hours drive from Glasgow, through Glencoe. If you have an Ordnance Survey map, the national grid reference is (1)983 (7)545 (Landranger 49 – Oban and East Mull)

Accommodation consists of a kitchen/dining room, sitting room, toilet, bathroom, double bedroom and twin bedroom. The kitchen has an electric cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. The sitting room has television and video player. There is also a comfortable bed-settee for an extra two guests, if required. There is central heating and an electric fire in the sitting room.

Bedding, linen and towels are provided.

The scenery and wildlife are spectacular. Mountains, waterfalls, caves, seals, otters, golden eagles, deer, pine-martens. There's also a huge range of tourist attractions in the area: the world famous Sea Life Sanctuary, haunted Barcaldine Castle, boat hire, horse-riding...... There's a nine-hole golf course just a few minutes drive away in Ballachulish.

It's a paradise for walkers and climbers. You may be heading for the hills or enjoying the wonderful low level coastal walking. We walk and climb ourselves, and we can give you any advice you require.

Fort William (about 30 minutes away) has supermarkets, cinema, swimming pool and sports centre. It's the starting point for the ascent of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain). You can go to the Ben Nevis Distillery, see the spectacular Treasures of the Earth exhibition, visit the West Highland Museum, ride up Aonach Mor in a cable car (and perhaps descend by the hair-raising World Cup mountain bike course).

Oban (about 40 minutes away) is the gateway to the isles and you can take day trips to the Inner Hebrides, including Mull, Iona and the famous Fingal's Cave on Staffa. The town also has a supermarket, cinema, swimming pool and sports centre and is a lively tourist town with a variety of events and exhibitions. In winter, you have a choice of two ski centres – Glencoe and Nevis Range.

Self catering rates vary from £300 - £450 per week for up to six guests, accord