Johnny, Elanor and I were delighted to be invited to preview the new visitors’ centre at Talisker Distillery, just 3 miles down the road. We were welcomed by Louise and Cameron, the new barman, made two of us wonderful Talisker cocktails (and one of us a coke, the driver, the hero). The centre is a wonderful space, the bar has the shape of a boat and the whole place is beautifully blue and super airy. The windows look out onto Loch Harport, hopefully there will be dolphins!

We then went to look at the tasting rooms. The main tasting rooms are for people on tours. A group have a super knowledgeable guide take them round the distillery then introduce them to a three of the signature drams of Talisker.

For those of you who’ve done a lot of tours before then there is the extraordinary Made By The Sea experience. You don’t take the tour but instead go to the most beautiful room and experience a tasting. I’m not going to post any pictures of this bit so as not to spoil the surprise. But suffice to say we’ve already decided to book this as a little staff treat.

Then there is the Cask Pour experience for the connoisseur. Pour your own dram straight from the cask, many of them will not be released, so you get a unique insight into the Talisker flavours.

Then you can pop to the shop. There’s naturally the full range of whisky, for all palates and pockets, a surprisingly chic clothing range, some brilliant books and a selection of eco friendly gifts – Talisker toothbrush anyone?

We had a lovely evening  – our friends in Talisker looked after us so well. 100% recommend – booking is only online and things get busy so reserve your tour or tasting NOW, you can book 6 months in advance and it would be such a shame if you missed out.9

Just to reassure you – from the TA family x

Before you arrive, you will receive an email from us which will help us to make your check in, check out and the time you spend with us as simple as possible.
You will be asked to confirm that you and your household are Covid 19 symptom free. If you have symptoms you will be asked to cancel your booking. If you arrive presenting symptoms or develop symptoms during your stay you will be asked to return home.
We ask you to let us know as accurately as you can what time you’ll be checking in. Check in is contactless and paperless.

On arrival
If you need help with your luggage when please let us know before hand so we can have the necessary precautions in place.
Everyone will have their temperature taken by touch free forehead thermometer when they arrive.

While you are here we know that you will wash your hands regularly, please also use the hand sanitisers that are to be found throughout the hotel.
You will be given my mobile number so if you need anything during your stay you can let me know without having to have contact (if you prefer)
The dining room and bar area are for resident use only. We will ask you to give us a time for your break fast sitting and, if you choose to eat with us, for your dinner sitting also.
Your bedroom will have been thoroughly cleaned before your stay under our enhanced cleaning procedures. If you prefer we will not service your room during your stay so that you are the only people in the room. Waste bins, damp towels etc can be left outside your room.
We will provide fresh milk and the tea, coffee etc that you need each morning. Just text me if you need refills. There will be hand soap in the rooms and we will provide shampoo and shower gel on request.
There will be a quarantine box for any books you might look at during your stay.

What you don’t see
Our updated risk assessments.
Our staff training on precautions to take at home and at work
Our detailed cleaning program between guest stays and each day in communal areas.
Social distancing in the kitchen
Staff are asked to certify themselves symptom free when they leave work each day. Regular touch free staff temperature checks recorded centrally.

It’s a worrying time for all of us, the Corona virus (I still don’t feel scientific enough to use its Sunday name COVID 19 – I only got a C in Physical Science O Level) is all we seem to talk about. But at the moment we can act responsibly and keep ourselves, and each other, safe and still make the most of 2020.

We know that you need to make your own mind up about travelling, and that some of you will have the decision taken out of your hands, but for the foreseeable we are open for business and ready to welcome you with namastes, Vulcan greetings (tho annoyinglyI can’t actually do that ) or the cool thing they have developed in Wuhan with their feet.

These are anxious times. Trust me as a congenital over thinker and self employed human, I know this. The hotel and bar have the strictest hygiene procedures, and we’ve popped in a couple more just to make us all feel better. All our team have been briefed on the correct way to work, at this time and indeed at all times.

We’re not going to run out of loo roll. We have amazing food made in the most part with Scottish ingredients, many local to Skye and some local to our little peninsula. We live on an island of open spaces, fresh air and the sort of views that can lift your soul from any despond the world might throw at you. The picture with the blog is from our beer garden – we’d love to share it with you.

Check out @keeptheworldtravelling on Instagram, and don’t forget to wash your hands xxx