Taigh Ailean Hotel

Accommodation near Carbost

+44 (0)1478 640271

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Visiting somewhere different: Canna

July 7, 2023 by katie 2 Comments

Every now and again I’m going to offer a suggestion as to somewhere else you can add onto your Highland adventure. There’s loads of places in Skye that aren’t on the usual lists and tick itineraries (you won’t find me posting them on here, but you might get the low down at breakfast if you’re staying with us!) – but here and there I’ll write about places you can go to next, or first.

I’ve wanted to go to Canna forever and it was an absolutely wonderful trip.

 

How we got there (and how we should have done.)

Book your ferry from Mallaig to Canna. You can’t take your car (unless you need it for business on the island – and there aren’t any roads to speak of anyway). We stayed in Fort William overnight. I’m not a huge fan tbh and we didn’t find anywhere nice to eat. We should have booked our accommodation earlier in order to get somewhere affordable in Mallaig. Anyway, that was us. We left the car in one of the free parking areas – amazing.

The ferry across stops at Eigg and Rum. We had the dog with us and there’s a great dog area inside as well as the deck. It took about 3 hours and the boy slept most of the way, except when we had a great Calmac breakfast.

 

Where we stayed.

There is a small B&B on the island but we opted for one of two static caravans operated by Isebail. It’s a proper home from home, super comfortable with brilliant views. She also runs the bunkhouse, bothy and campsite as well as crofting. I thought she was fabulous.

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What we ate.

We ordered the breakfast basket from Isebail, eggs, homemade bread and some gorgeous marmalade. We stocked up with that and some garlic salt from the honesty box before we left. Both nights we booked into Canna Café, which was one of the main reasons we’d chosen Canna for our first mini break of the summer. It’s really small, with lovely views from the outside seating (where we sat and had an Isle of Eigg beer before dinner.)1

The food is spectacular, quite the best seafood platter I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few.

You’ll need to order that, and some of the other shellfish the day before because they collect it off the boat just before service. I had the same pudding both nights which is unheard of, but totally understandable.

We plan to go back as soon as we can, just for the prawn toasts. You absolutely need to book (and the cafe is not open every day, so check that too). We also grabbed a packing up for the ferry on the way back.

There is also a fantastic honesty shop with a great selection of food and souvenirs. Its also the place for wifi on the island.

 

What we did. 

We only had one full day in Canna and we spent that walking to see the puffins on the stacks. It’s not like some of the other islands where they are on your feet, the stacks are far away. But we saw loads with binoculars and some naked eye puffins too. The walk was beautiful although maybe a little too much for the dog – you need a basic level of fitness which the 12 year old chonker might be lacking.

There are coves to swim in, ancient sites to see, bays for a picnic and, when it’s open again, Canna House, which looks extraordinary – it belongs to the Scottish National Trust so grab your membership today!

Summary

We had the absolute best time in Canna. If you fancy something less touristy stop moaning about the crowds at the Fairy Pools and get yourself booked on the ferry. Why not combine it with a stop off in Rum to see the birds or Eigg (described by one ferry master as the party island). Before or after your Skye trip this will be an amazing adventure.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: canna, CannaCafe, CannaCampsite, communityshop, ferryride, positivementalhealth, puffins, remote, remote location, Sanday, Scotland. Highlands, scottishtravel, smallisles, visitscotland

The TA Guide to Scottish Bank Notes

June 28, 2023 by katie 3 Comments

The two best things about a Scottish £5 note are that a) you can buy a quiche and two cheese scones from Elanor’s honesty porch and b) they can go through the wash repeated times, be tumble dried scrunched up in a pocket and still spring out, perfectly smooth and ready to be popped into a tip box.

I recently wrote a Facebook post about Scottish money in the hope that it might help clarify confusions. Some people are so confidently wrong about things it takes your breath away.

 

Anyway, lots of people read it and said that it was useful so I thought I’d pop it up here. I will add an edit onto the end of the piece with information that people added or asked about that I didn’t think to include – the hive mind is a great thing.

So my lovely friends. There’s been a lot of confusion in the world of the internet about money in Scotland. Let me try to help in a few easy to understand steps.
• Scotland uses pounds sterling (£) like the rest of the UK
• Notes issued in Scotland look different from those issued in England.
• English notes are accepted in Scotland provided they are in current circulation.
• All Scottish notes have a shiny, plastic finish. Any papery notes are out of date. You MIGHT be able to exchange them in a bank but they may well refuse them unless you bank with them.
• You might have trouble using Scottish notes in England (particularly the South). They are uk currency but this does not mean any retailer HAS to accept them. You can swap Scottish notes for English notes at a bank.
• There is a £100 note. This may not be accepted by smaller shops. Again they don’t HAVE to accept your money so maybe split it at a bank if you have one.
As an aside tipping in cash is appreciated (a post on tipping is coming soon). Paying in cash is always appreciated (unless a place asks specifically for cards) by small businesses as it really helps us avoid significant fees from card suppliers.
EDITS:
 American chums apparently you have to beware as some US banks are trying to slip you the old papery notes. Do not accept these. Also have a firm word with them. 😡
£1  notes: there are still some of these in circulation. Again they are UK currency but you might find they are not accepted so I’d swap them in a bank if you get them.
Some ATMS charge to withdraw cash, some don’t. If you say a sign saying FREE CASH in huge letters and ‘withdrawals’ in tiny letters that means you’re safe. But you absolutely need to check what your bank is charging. Mine is wonderful and doesn’t charge me to use an ATM in another country, other contributors suggested a REVOLUT card, I’m not going to recommend it because I have no personal experience but you might want to check it out.
Post Offices will change your money and accept out of date currency but don’t expect the amazing Eve in the dinky Carbost PO to have a grand in Scottish crispies handy to exchange for you.
Danske Bank notes from Northen Ireland are also UK currency. They look very ‘foreign’ (as it were) and you might need to be prepared to explain what they are. Again I’d recommend a swap at a bank in order to save yourself any trouble and not fluster your wait staff.
Some retail outlets and places to eat  do not accept cash at all  now. So definitely have a card in your wallet. If you use Amex bring it with you. More places than you think accept it and, let’s face it, it doesn’t take up any room.
In conclusion (like a proper year 10 essay),  check your money before you set off, have a debit/credit card that you know works in the UK and have a brilliant time. Buying local is absolutely best, tipping in cash too (another post on tipping is brewing in my mind right this minute).  You can be utterly spendalicious in Scotland or work to a strict budget and still have the best time. Fine dining at Edinbane Lodge or a swift pizza in Caberfeidh, glorious jewellery from Love from Skye or a Highland Cow fridge magnet from Tippicanoe – all memories to be treasured once you’re home.

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: banknotes, helpwithcurrency, heretohelp, Scotland. Highlands, scottishbanknotes, scottishtravel, shoplocal, Skye, 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 1 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 wont 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 the physical challenge of the walks and you’ll be guaranteed some grand days appreciating the peace and beauty of our island. The photographs are inspiring 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

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

Latest from the Blog

  • What to do with a couple of nights and a day in Glasgow
  • Planning ahead – your 2024 adventures. Part 1
  • Visiting somewhere different: Canna
  • The TA Guide to Scottish Bank Notes
  • Carbost Community Shop
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