Taigh Ailean Hotel

Accommodation near Carbost

+44 (0)1478 640271

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In which I think about moths and how things have changed…

May 16, 2016 by katie

I’ve come a long way in the past 18 months. My Amazon recommendations for instance. They used to be glories such as Irregular Choice pumps, obscure snail slime face cream or biographies of random feminist icons. Now it’s mostly multi packs of Toilet Duck (or Lavatory Pheasant as I prefer to think of it) and ultra bounce pillows.
It’s like that with moths. I used to consider them creatures of dust and fear, whilst I’d never deliberately squish one I have been known to evacuate a room if one is mindlessly circling a light. They all looked the same to me, and that look wasn’t a good one.
A few months ago I was chatting to my new friends (and Fritz’s walk buddy’s pack leaders) Jean and Keith. I was rather disappointed when Keith mentioned he was interested in moths as up to that point I had thought they were really very interesting people. But then I learned that there is a moth specific to this area. Not just this little island, but this little part of this little island. It’s called the Talisker Burnet moth and it is terribly rare. I would tell you where to find it but Jean said if she told me she’d have to shoot me. And that would be a shame. This moth flies in late June and early July and it’s actually quite pretty. I did some reading and found out my perception of moths was all wrong. The place that I live in never ceases to surprise me. I’m looking forward to going *mothing* or whatever it’s called, later in the year. Tho I might be wearing Irregular Choice pumps because not everything has changed.

Filed Under: Blog

Just a card….

March 18, 2016 by katie

I don’t seem to be very good at blogging. But something has really touched me this week and inspired my (apparently biannual) blogger’s brain.
I caught this tweet from @Justacard1
‘If everyone who’d said ‘How Lovely’ about our beautiful gallery had bought JUST A CARD we’d still be open’.
Skye, and the Highlands in general, are full of amazing galleries, artists’ studios and little shops full of beautiful handmade loveliness
I take it for granted that if I need an enamel brooch handpainted with a Skye seascape, I can pop into Skyeworks and get one. If I want a scarf knitted within a mile of where I live from local sheepswool, I know Made In Minginish will have a variety to choose from.
But we’ve all done it…pottered round a gallery, admired everything, avoided eye contact with the hopeful looking gentleman in the corner and scooted out empty handed with a cheery *thankyoubye*.  Now I’m thinking, would it make a difference if I bought JUST ONE CARD? If we all bought a little something to recognise the effort and love that the gallery people have put into their business.                                  Maybe I’ll buy more than that, but you can never have too many cards, right?card

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: handmade, payitforward, Skye

Blogs, blogging, bloggers….

November 15, 2015 by katie

The eagle eyed amongst you might have noticed it’s been a year since my last blog post. (That feels a little like it should be preceded by *bless me father*).
I spent a long time reading blogs, hanging out in forums and even read a book about blogging. I clicked on *21 Christmas gifts for bloggers* and so many *how to*s my head went spinny.
I was struck by the cyclical nature of bloggers reading other blogs, endorsing the products of other bloggers and receiving freebies in return.
At the end of this extensive research I came to one conclusion… I am not cut out to be a blogger.
So altho you might have clicked on the word blog at the top of our web page this is not a blog. It will be a collection of rants (many of which will finish ‘Skye: not just the Fairy Pools’, ponderings and things from our adventures that amuse me.
If you’d like to send me something for free however, I won’t say no.

Filed Under: Blog

Walking the dog….

November 27, 2014 by blair

Fritz after a very muddy walk. Taigh Ailean is a very dog friendly place to stay – a welcome haven all our well behaved four legged friends!

Just make sure you wipe your paws down!

walking-the-dog

Filed Under: Blog

My first Blog Post

November 7, 2014 by hdadmin

By Katie Heron aged 48 and a bit (a big bit really).

Some people can’t believe I’ve got to this age and never written a blog post before.
‘You’ve got an opinion on everything’ they say, possibly supportively.
Some people don’t really know what a blog is and some, like me, have never really been sure that anyone will be interested in my ponderings and musings.

But our wonderful new website (thankyou so much Skye Websites) is in need of a blog so I am going to step up to the challenge.
Maybe I’ll never hit the giddy heights of the Huffington Post (110,000,000 followers) but I hope those of you who read it will find it interesting/informative/amusing.

Johnny, The Sossidge and I have been here at the Taigh Ailean Hotel for nearly 5 months.
There have been days when I’ve been so tired a small breeze would topple me over.
And days when the hoolie has been blowing so hard that dog has actually toppled over.
But we love it.
Every single blooming day.
The residents of Portnalong have welcomed us with a kindness that is overwhelming.
The views from the hotel in every direction range from lovely to breathtaking.
It’s our home.

Filed Under: Blog

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Welcome

We are now closed until the 29th of March, 2024. Bookings for next season can be made on the Booking Enquiry page.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to get away from it all to a Hebridean island where you can relax and unwind,  explore and learn or challenge yourself physically, whatever suits your holiday needs. An island where history and the 21st century combine to give you the best possible experience. The Taigh Ailean team would really like to help you get the most of your time on Skye. From insider tips about the quieter spots to helping you book a swanky lunch to celebrate life, we’re so happy to help.
You’ll find amazing breakfasts, cosy rooms and a warm welcome at the Taigh Ailean Hotel.

Please note, Munros Bar is not open this year, but we do provide recommendations for places to eat (including dog and child friendly) and offer help with reservations.

Explore Locally

  • Talisker Distillery
  • The Fairy Pools
  • The Cuillin
  • Glen Eynort
  • Crafts and Coffee

Taigh Ailean Hotel
Portnalong
Isle of Skye
IV47 8SL

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