Taigh Ailean Hotel

Accommodation near Carbost

+44 (0)1478 640271

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Carbost Community Shop

May 24, 2023 by katie Leave a Comment

Quite often people ask me what it’s like to live in Skye. It’s actually quite hard to explain or describe but the Village Shop (just a hop, skip and a three mile jaunt down the road) provides an excellent illustration. Bought by the local community just before the pandemic the shop has become a centre for the community. A stumpy little white building from the outside, inside it is full of the most amazing things. I cook a lot but I’d never used, or even heard of Ras El Hanout, now I chuck into pretty much everything.

It is run by a mixture of volunteers and paid workers, all local and all ready to help you pick some good stuff for your sandwiches (if you’ve resisted Elanor’s packed lunch option) , some local beer or gin or some of the most extra ordinary hot snax you’ve ever encountered (apparently they’re off of TikTok , all I know is that they are addictive and possibly dissolve the inside of your mouth).

The ethos of the shop is sustainability, whether you use the filling stations for your macaroni, buy one of the ethical and chic bags (designed by Ash who works in the shop – and is also responsible for the Takis – not all heroes wear capes) or try one of the shampoo/conditioner bars you’re doing a tiny bit to help recover our planet. And lots of tiny bits in lots of tiny shops makes a difference.

So, yes, we are very proud of the Carbost Community Shop. And tomorrow I get my training so I can be a ‘substitute till lady* when people are away. I’m really quite excited.

Carbost village shop © Dave Fergusson :: Geograph Britain and Ireland

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: carbost, community, communityshop, communityspirit, localskye, shoplocal, Skye, sustainability

Adventures on The Misty Isle Boat Trip

April 24, 2023 by katie Leave a Comment

This week the intrepid trio set off to Elgol to take a trip we’ve wanted to do for ages. Adrian at All Things Cuillin sings the praises of Seamus and his crew and we wanted to see for ourselves. We were super lucky with the weather which did help but  I can see how this would be a great day out even in mizzly conditions.

Elgol is about 1 1/2 hours drive for someone who doesn’t know the roads. When you leave the main road through Broadford there are stretches of singles track, some interesting bends in the road and some impressive potholes. But with care and a couple of deep breaths you can get there and it is 100% worth it, even if you don’t take the boat trip. You go through Torrin where the fabulous Amy’s Place café can stock you up with cakes, gifts and great coffee, and when you get to Elgol there is a bistro (check openings and make sure you book) a great shop with snacks and a seafood truck. We can definitely recommend the Elgolian, a squat lobster buttie with delicious Marie Rose sauce.

Once on the boat Seamus tells you tales of the island; how the Cuillin got their name, the origin of Drambuie, the derring do of Charles Edward Stuart and Flora MacDonald.

The story of Cuchullin

The scenery is stunning and you get a unique view of the Cuillin and the Small Isles.

The whole trip is dog friendly and if your dog has little legs then they can be carried, like Bonnie Prince Sausage himself, up the steps at the landing point at Loch Coruisk.

With the wind in my ears.....

You can opt to stay longer than the 1 hour 30 minutes and catch a later boat back to Elgol. But be aware that this is a location in the heart of the Cuillin. While there is no climbing necessary to get about the loch, there is uneven terrain, stepping stones, some impressive boggy bits (the dog could tell you all about that) and some slopey negotiations.

Paths in places b

So a basic level of fitness and some proper walking shoes or boots are a must. I’ll say the bit about the footwear again. Wear something sturdy and supportive. Really. The area just where the boat drops off gives beautiful views, so if you don’t fancy a hike it’s lovely just to sit about and look at the sea.

 

Loch Coruisk is stunning. The Gaelic Coire Uisg means cauldron of waters and this long, narrow freshwater lake was glowing the most ridiculous shade of blue on our visit.

 

Be aware there are lots of  standing lochans so take your Smidge if you go any time past May. You really feel like you’re in amongst the mountains, not comprehending how huge they are til a couple ahead of you provide a scale. The gabbro rock is grippy which does help a lot. We walked for about two miles then turned about when 3 pairs of little legs started to tire.

On the way back we were made a great cup of tea accompanied by tasty shortbread. We saw a lovely herd of seals, sunbathing like contented grey bananas but we were too early in the season to be treated to dolphins, sea eagles or even whales. We will have to go again.

You can also walk to Loch Coruisk, a challenging hike where you have to deal with the Bad Step (clue’s  in the name people). You’ll need someone else to tell you about that tho.

Thanks to all at Misty Isle Boat Trips. We highly recommend you book as far in advance as you can.

Home – Misty Isle Boat Trips

Sealladh Na Mara, Elgol, Isle Of Skye 
01471 866288

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: adventure, boattrip, cuillin, cuillinridge, dogfriendly, hiking, lochcoruisk, mistyisleboattrip, scottishadventure, scottishtravel, visitscotland, visitskye, walking in Skye

The Talisker Experience

March 24, 2023 by katie Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Blog

Being in Skye, not on Skye. How our wonderful island helps foster our mental health.

February 9, 2023 by katie 1 Comment

I’ve covered tick box tourism  in a previous blog, and I do understand that the day trip to Skye works for some people, but I’ve been thinking a lot about a question someone asked me a while back.

Why do you always write IN Skye, not ON Skye, what’s the difference? Well first of all, here’s the technical explanation.

We use “on the island” when we refer to it as a piece of land surrounded by water.

We use “in the island” when we refer to it as a territory or place with its own settings, circumstances, environment, etc.

When you stay with us you are part of Skye life. And it’s good for you. Visit Scotland took a survey about emotional wellbeing and travel. The findings are extensive (www.visitscotland.org/binaries/content/assets/dot-org/pdf/research-papers/about-our-visitors/insights-emotional-benefits.pdf)

I’ve taken a few things from it which can be connected to being in Skye.

After the pandemic many people (and I absolutely count myself in this category) are more anxious, more concerned for the future, and feeling directionless. The current crises in the world have only compounded this. So those of us lucky enough to travel are looking for certain things to support us. I have chosen 3 from the list that I think staying with us and being in Skye can connect with.

Looking for a challenge:  whether you’re an experienced climber taking on the Cuillin, a family booked in with Skye Adventure for an afternoon canyoning or a wee middle aged woman with short legs and dubious fitness making her way up Brothers’ Point (guess which one is my challenge?) there’s absolutely something to take you that little bit further.

Opportunities for awe: from sunrises to sunsets, island views to tiny flowers, dolphins, sea eagles, otters or those tiny furry caterpillars so intent on their scurrying journey, there’s always something to make you pause. And pausing is good for the soul.

Boosts confidence: Visit Scotland’s report suggests the act f indulging in travel can be an empowering act of self care. This is rather a fancy way of saying that travel helps you live in the moment and that is good for you. Trying new foods, speaking to people who live in Skye, having a pop at the Gaelic pronunciation or trying out your Duolingo skills,  going to music sessions, just being in a new place. It’ll help you be more you.

These last few years have really taken it out of us all. Let us help you fill your little cup right up.

 

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: mentalhealth, positivementalhealth, visitscotland, visitskye

We’re family friendly, but what does that mean?

February 1, 2023 by katie 1 Comment

As we set off into 2023 I was updating the website. Cheerily typed ‘a dog and family friendly b&b’… then realised I needed to think this through. (More on the dogs in another blog)

There’s a whole world of difference between places to stay where you’re allowed to bring your children and places like the Taigh Ailean where we offer a family friendly welcome.

I asked my friends on Facebook, and the friends of the TA on the business page,  what they thought; for they are wise and lovely. The response was pretty universal. Number 1 is the attitude of the team. And I can assure you that Jean, Elanor and all of the people you might come across during your stay will do everything they can to help you and your family have the absolute best time. Then there’s the little things we can do. We already have some fabulous bedding to make the stay extra cosy, nightlights if you need them, washable nappy bags that handle even the smelliest of poos. There are fairy doors and story books, high chairs, mini me breakfast portions and cutlery for small hands.

 

When you book with us you’ll receive a sheet with my recommendations for family friendly places to eat and things to do, to make sure that you can book your adventures well in advance and make certain you don’t miss out. (EDIT: Thankyou to those people who’ve messaged me, but respectfully these are for our guests, please ask you accommodation provider for their recommendations).

Suggestions from my Facebook consultants include making bird-spotting sheets for breakfast time and scavenger hunts for filling in during your Skye adventures. From loo seat boosters to little hats and gloves for emergency chilly days, I’m on it. Because we really do care about your family holiday.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: familyadventures, familyfriendly, familyholiday, familytravel, FearlessFamTrav, happykids, kidstravel, Scotland. Highlands, Skye, travelwithtoddlers

Day Walks in the Isle of Skye

April 11, 2022 by katie Leave a Comment

I’ve got a new book – Day Walks on the Isle of Skye by Helen and Paul Webster.

It’s really excellent – I’d thoroughly recommend it for those of you who want to walk for a full day and have the energy for a ” good walk”. The walks themselves are clearly set out, with a realistic description. What I particularly like is that although it includes the well known walks, it also takes you to more remote places.

(Even in the 40 Walks on Skye book which a lot of people use (and which is excellent, there are many walks where you want meet another soul (so don’t believe all the Skye is crammed you won’t be able to breathe nonsense you might read from time to time.))

Add in here the physical challenge of the walks and you’ll be guaranteed some days appreciating the peace and beauty of our island. The photographs are great and the maps will ensure you are at no risk of getting lost.

 

If I’m honest, the dug’s days of going for 7 hour walks are over, the little legs, the grey hair and the expanding tummy mean that we both take it more gently these days. But I shall be getting a few more of these fabulous guides in for our more energetic guests.


Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: day walks, hiking, Scotland. Highlands, walk book, walking in Skye

Stars, so many stars. And the Aurora too

March 15, 2022 by katie Leave a Comment

Although it says on our website, pretty much the first line, that we’re remote I’m not sure everyone quite gets it. Today I had to explain to a super lovely gentleman that the nearest Uber might be Glasgow, and I’m a tad downhearted when sometimes we get marked 5* for everything except 4* for location cos we’re ‘a bit out the way’.

That’s the joy of it, you see. Being here at the end of the peninsula. Not far from the Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle and the walk-in to many of the Cuillin Munros.

And the sky….. you wouldn’t believe it til you’re here. This last few weeks it’s been aurora -ing its head off. Many of the photos you see are taken with long exposures and things don’t look the same when you’re under it – but this week the greens and pillars hae been visible to the naked eye. Photo of the aurora and the hotel courtesy of the wonderful Arlyn Thursby – from Glendale Self Catering Cottages.

I love the stars even more tho. Taking the dog for a late night potter I can see the actual Milky Way – and my app Sky View Lite shows me how wild the ancients were when they named the constellations  (Why yes Claudius Ptolemy, that is absolutely a man carrying a water jar). Photo from Fiskavaig to the Outer Hebrides and Outer Space by Andrew Rae Photography.

So take the road less travelled. Do something a little different than just ticking off the Big 6 of Skye. Stay with us. There’s even a star book in your room for those clear nights.

Fiskavaig, the outer Hebrides, Outer Space
aurora over the hotel

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: aurora, clear skies, remote location, star gazing

In which I realise how much I miss Americans

February 19, 2021 by hdadmin Leave a Comment

Thinking today about how we’ve had a year without US (and Canadian- ❤️ Bitsy) guests. It’s been a season of home grown visitors which has been lovely.
But oh, my American buddies, I miss your sheer joy at being here. Your eternal quests for ancestry, your delight at eggs with bright orange yolks, the fact that I constantly forget that you and I mean different things by *pants* (so when you ask me if I ever wear pants to work expect a sharp intake of breath), the book recommendations you give me, the way you sing Amazing Grace while driving the single track roads. American guests have comforted me when I sobbed the morning the Brexit vote came out, ‘made’ me drink more tequila than is good for me, showed me bits of Skye I didn’t know were there, gifted me some some highly dubious fashion items, shared vow renewals and proposals, welcomed Johnny and me in New York, spread the word, recommended us to their mates to help us grow our business and blessed me with so many friends that I’m certain will be with me for life.
So here’s to you, chums across the water. We  can’t wait to see you again. For now here is a wonderful memory from 2018 when our Yoga Ladies took us for New York pizza.

Filed Under: Blog

Our COVID 19 Commitment – working together for our and your safety and happiness.

June 28, 2020 by katie Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Blog

In praise of fresh air and open spaces

March 13, 2020 by katie Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Blog

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Welcome

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

Latest from the Blog

  • Carbost Community Shop
  • Adventures on The Misty Isle Boat Trip
  • The Talisker Experience
  • Being in Skye, not on Skye. How our wonderful island helps foster our mental health.
  • We’re family friendly, but what does that mean?
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