 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Self Catering Harris
Remote but easily accessable Island holiday
Highbury self catering, Isle of Scalpay
|
Now taking bookings for 2009 |
Remaining availability for weeks commencing 23rd & 30th August
A Luxury self catering detached holiday home set on the remote Island of Scalpay (now linked by toll free road bridge) from the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles, enjoying breathtaking views of the Harbour and spectacular views across the minch to Isle of Skye. Highbury self catering offers both the remote island getaway and easy mainland mainland access feel combined with Luxury self catering accommodation for up to 7 people.
This detached luxury cottage is fully equipped with all modern fixtures and fittings, has a large enclosed garden lawned to the front with Ranch fencing and is the ideal base from which to explore the unique landscape and to experience everything that these beautiful islands have to offer
One of many fantastic local beaches and the stylish interior of Highbury Self Catering
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
Within easy access of the world famous Harris Golf club in Scarista, one of the world's finest settings for the game of golf where you can obtain a life time membership at this club for just £250. Also Obbe Fishing in Leverburgh. The best in fly fishing for wild salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout in the Western Isles of Scotland
Welcome to Scalpay and the Western Isles
Scalpay (also known as Scalpaigh & Scalpa) is a thriving fishing community, accessed by toll free bridge from Harris. The island has a fantastic childrens play park which is fully equipped and is a favourite with the local children. There is a post office/newsagent/grocery store which is a five minute walk from Highbury. Scalpay and the Outer Hebridean Islands of Lewis & Harris lie on the western edge of the British Isles, off the north west coast of Scotland. Scalpay lighthouse (Eilean Glas) is a very important ancient monument - one of the first 4 lighthouses in Scotland.
From rugged, rocky moors, to golden sanded beaches, the Western Isles are one of the most breathtaking places in the world, awash with history and romance.The beaches in Harris are only a half-hour drive away, as is the Scarista golf course and tennis courts. Tarbert which is only 10 minutes drive, has local shops, two hotels and a tearoom. There is also a new leisure centre, with swimming pool, gymnasium and sauna. The main town, Stornoway, is an hours' car journey from Highbury. Here you will find a wide range of shops, from traditional crafts to common high street stores. There are a wide range of restaurants and a well equipped sports centre.
Scalpay (Eilean Glas) lighthouse (left) Scalpay Harbour (centre) sunset over the harbour (right)
 |
 |
 |
So how do we get to Scalpay and the Isle of Harris....?
|
Harris and Lewis are now easily reached via the "toll free" Isle of Skye road bridge and the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry from Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris). Throughout the year there is a 3 days a week return crossing and in the summer months there is a 6 days a week return crossing, including two very pleasurable Saturday crossings in each direction taking less than 2 hours and costing just £45 each way for a car. There are no sunday ferries. "Advance booking recommended" For further information please click here
|
The Isles of Scalpay, Harris and Lewis
This wonderfull island location offers you total peace, tranquillity and idyllic village life. Within this area you can take unlimited hill walks in all directions, see abundant wildlife, mountains, scenery and beautiful sunsets. You can sunbathe on deserted golden beaches and swim in surprisingly warm sea. Within a few minutes walk from this cottage you have the benefit and pleasure of all the usual Scottish village amenities.
A holiday here gives a glimpse of a unique culture with its own language and traditions, influenced by Celtic and Viking settlers. A kaleidoscope of wild and wonderful windswept landscapes, the Callanish Stones, Harris Tweed and lilting Gaelic melodies evoke the freedom and timelessness of a bygone age.
Harris and Lewis are a world apart from the Scottish mainland. Life goes on at an easy pace, city life urgency disappears and there is a wonderful feeling of freedom and peace.
Scalpay Harris and Lewis are beautiful islands of contrast with spectacular scenery and a unique unspoilt atmosphere. In the west are vast expanses of golden sand whilst the north and east are rugged, rocky places. The landscape is indented with hundreds of little lochs and on a clear day you can see over to the Isle of Skye and you can experience the wonder of wildlife watching at sunset in the Minch
A sample of the Isle of Harris and Lewis's beaches
 |
|
Culture, Wildlife and Nature
The landscape and history of Harris, together with the hospitality of its people provide a wonderful escape from the pressures of modern life. With luck you may even see otters, seals, eagles or dolphins. Deer tend to keep to the high ground during the summer, there are many colourful wild flowers to be een on the machair. The main town of Lewis is Stornoway, a busy ferry and fishing port with good shopping and restaurant facilities. Lewis and Harris have many places to visit of historic and archaeological interest, particularly the famous, spectacular 5,000 year old Standing Stones at Callanish and also the Rodel Church in South Harris.
Whether you see Harris on foot or from a bus or car
"Always take a camera with you"
 |
 |
Activities on your Doorstep
There is so much to offer and the Highbury provides the perfect location from which to enjoy walking, birdwatching, photography (the quality of the light is just magical in the Western Isles) wild flowers - the ‘machair’ being world renowned, painting, golf (a 9-hole course is only 30 minutes drive away at Scarista). There is also an 18 hole course available at Stornoway. For those interested in fishing, permits are easily available locally to fish for Salmon and Sea Trout, or better still try your luck for free in many freshwater lochs where wild Brown Trout abound and, of course, there is always the sea. The beaches on the west coast are simply magnificent - golden sandy beaches and turquoise sea against a mountainous backdrop of the hills of North Harris.They are often deserted and they provide the perfect place to swim, lie or walk.
Numerous boat trips are available: ferry trips from Leverburgh to North Uist and Berneray (go on foot, take a car or a bike), small boat trips to examine the islands and wildlife in the Sound of Harris and the east coast of Harris Scenic Cruises 01859 530310, and boat trips to Taransay 01859 550260 and St Kilda 01859 502241 or 07760 281804 in the summer. Seallam! Visitor Centre (01859 520258) at Northton, is a particularly interesting exhibition centre where you can learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the islands. They stock an excellent supply a stock of CDs and books (publishing some themselves) and they also undertake research into local genealogy. Look out for the occasional concert which they host in the summer and the talks on Harris and St Kilda given by Bill Lawson on Wednesday evenings at the Harris Hotel.Local guides lead daily walks to explore various locations, giving you a greater appreciation of the landscape, wildlife and historical culture of Harris 01859-530310 or 07788 500302
 |
 |
Fantastic Days out to the Isle of Lewis
Great Bernera and The Callanish Standing stones
Within easy reach of the Isle of Harris is Great Bernera within Loch Roag on the north-west coast of Lewis linked by toll free road bridge. The main settlement on the island is Breaclete (Scottish Gaelic: Breacleit), home to a small museum. Since 1962, the island has been owned by Prince Robin de la Lanne-Mirrlees, a former Queen's Herald, who is recognised as Laird of Bernera. Bernera is also known for its Iron Age (or possibly Pictish) settlement at Bostadh, discovered in 1992 and now covered by sand to preserve it. A replica Iron Age house matching those now buried is sited nearby. The island was the location of the Bernera Riot, where crofters resisted the Highland clearances. The main industry on Bernera today is lobster-fishing, with a fish processing plant at Kirkibost. There are still some weavers but it is no longer one of the main industries. The island now boasts a museum, a shop, post office and also petrol pumps. The present Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling owns a converted blackhouse on the island, and has ancestral connections with the area through his mother
Great Bernera and the Callanish standing stones
 |
 |
While visiting Great Bernera you should also visit The Callanish Stones situated near the village of Callanish on the west coast. Dating from around 2000 BC, the 13 primary stones form a circle about 13 m in diameter, with a long approach avenue of stones to the north, and shorter stone rows to the east, south, and west (possibly incomplete avenues). The overall layout of the monument recalls a distorted Celtic cross. The individual stones vary from around 1 m to 5 m in height, with an average of 4 m, and are of the local Lewisian gneiss. The first written reference to the stones was by Lewis native John Morisone, who in c. 1680 wrote that "great stones standing up in ranks [...] were set up in place for devotione". The tallest of the stones marks the entrance to a burial cairn where human remains have been discovered. Pottery finds suggested a date of 2200 BC for the erection of the circle. It has been speculated, among other theories, that the stones form a calendar system based on the position of the moon
The Gearrannan Black House village
This amazing gem can be accessed in just over 1 hour from the Isle of Harris, The Gearrannan Blackhouse Village is situated on the west coast of Lewis, next to an Atlantic Bay and surrounded by traditional crofting landscape. The restored village with some 21st century residents! has an authentic working museum within one of the restored cottages. The houses are built by drystone masonry with thatched roofs and are the last group of traditional dwellings to survive in Lewis, there is also a Museum cafe and shop on site.
Panorama of the black house village and interior images of a real black house
 |
|
Port Ness and the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
While visiting the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village it is well worth a trip up to Port Ness and the Butt of Lewis in the far North West of Lewis, after taking in the many amazing beaches and sandy coves on the journey there, you will reach in easy stages Port Ness and it's lovely harbour and beautiful sandy beaches. 2 miles to the west of here you can also reach by safe tarmac track the "Butt of Lewis" point and lighthouse offering spectacular views out to the North Sea similar to those of Cape Wrath and Dunnet Head
Port Ness Harbour and views of the beaches, the Butt of Lewis and it's lighthouse
 |
|
Tarbert and Stornoway
There is plenty to see and do in your most small town and ferry port Tarbert, well stocked facilities ranging from Hairdressers, greengrocer, general store, post office, crafts stores and tourist information to fish and chip takeaway, tea rooms, restaurants and hotels.
Further afield is the principal town of the outer hebrides Stornoway where you will find supermarkets, high street stores, restaurants, craft shops, banks, leisure centres and just about every other facility you would expect to find in a large town. Stornoway is a very busy fishing port with fresh fish landed by the hour, the town also has it's own airport, 18 hole golf course, castle and gardens where you can often see seals and porpoises swiming in the harbour
Tarbert Ferry port (Harris) and views of Stornoway, it's castle and Harbour
 |
|
More activities on Harris and Lewis
The scenery is magnificent and varied, ranging from rugged rocky hills to gentle orchid strewn meadows, from mountainous sand dunes and unsurpassable beaches bordering blue green seas to Atlantic breakers on the rocky west coast of Lewis. There are numerous art galleries, potteries and tea rooms in Harris and Lewis plus places of historical and archaeological interest such as the historic Rodel Chapel (40 miles from the cottage) in South Harris and Carloway Broch, the Black Houses at Arnol and Garenin and the spectacular 5,000 year old Callanish Standing Stones (plus excellent Visitor Centre and tea room) in Lewis. The famous Harris tweed is made all over Harris and Lewis. It can be bought in many of the islands' shops and also direct from the weavers at Luskentyre or Plocrapool. The very first tweed was actually woven within sight of the cottage - you can find the plaque marking the a spot down by the seashore! For those without a car, one can hire bikes 01859 520319 or there is a very good bus servicecovering most of the island which is available Monday to Saturdays.
The nearest major town is Stornoway in Lewis (miles). Because of some narrow winding roads, the journey takes approx. 1 hour. Stornoway is a busy ferry and fishing port where you will find major supermarkets and good shopping facilities. There is an excellent library, bookshops, a Tourist Information Centre, a Museum, a Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre and many good restaurants and tea rooms. A new Arts Centre “An Lanntair” (featuring excellent exhibitions and concerts)
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Highbury Cottage, Isle of Scalpay is easily accessed via a single track road via the toll free roadbridge from the little village of Tarbet (where the Skye ferry arrives) and offers extremely comfortable accommodation. The cottage is double glazed with total control electric heating throughout, its thick stone walls keeping the cold winters and oppresive summer heat waves away. Living space. The spacious rooms are decorated and furnished to a very high standard. A cot and high-chair are available on request.
Family Room The family room is equipped with a widescreen television, DVD player and CD/Radio/Cassette player, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the view across the minch to Isle of Skye after a day exploring the many attractions of the Western Isles.
Living Room The living room has breathtaking views overlooking the North Harbour, and is a perfect place to relax and unwind.
The kitchen is brand new and fully equipped with all the necessary modern equipment including cooker; oven; microwave; fridge freezer; toaster; kettle; dishwasher; washing machine; tumble dryer; iron and ironing board, radio/cassette player. There is a small breakfast area, with a bar and two chairs.
Dining Room The dining room has a large table with six chairs, with views across to Skye - perfect for enjoying some freshly caught fish or the world-famous Stornoway black pudding.
Utility Room The utility room has the washing machine, iron/ironing board and clothes horse, which is perfect for drying clothes with the heat from the boiler. Other essentials such as glasses, crockery, cutlery and a corkscrew are also provided for your convenience. You can also enjoy cooking in the sun by Bar-B-Q in the garden.
Master bedroom is en-suite with a shower and fantastic views to the harbour. After an active day in the fresh air, stretch out on the kingsize bed and watch TV. This large bedroom has ample hanging and drawer space. The room has two pine bedside tables, chest of drawers and double fitted wardrobe.
Double bedroom 2 with shared bathroom with views of the harbour. The bed is styled with a contemporary metal frame. The pine furniture comprises a dressing table, and bedside tables with fitted wardrobe
Twin Bedroom 3 with shared bathroom. Two single beds with fitted wardrobe and a chest of drawers.
Single Bedroom 4 is a single bedroom with a shared bathroom, with fitted wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Bathroom The bathroom is equipped with a bath and corner shower
This detached cottage is surrounded by an enclosed garden of nearly 1/2 acre
Location of this cottage |
 |
Local Area Information
Facilities on the Isle of Scalpay include a fully equipped, well designed childrens play park, a grocer / newsagent and post office. The nearest town is Tarbert around 10 minutes drive away with it’s ferry terminal, small supermarket, Tourist Information Office and new Leisure Centre. branch of the Bank of Scotland, two grocery stores, post office, tourist information centre, hairdressers, a hotel, a motel and a filling station, a shop in the main street which selling clothes, shoes, gifts, toiletries, household goods. Mobile shops selling bakery products, fish and groceries tour the island and make regular stops in Scalpay.
Harris tweed on the main street sells a selection of souvenirs, clothing, postcards and books along with First Fruits Tearoom. It is usually open Monday to Saturday 10.30 am - 4.30pm from April - September. Tel: 01859 502439 / 502469.
For lunch and dinner, you have a choice of the www.harrishotel.com Harris Hotel (table reservation is advisable), the Harris Inn (adjacent to the hotel), a bar meal at the Macleod Motel (by the pier) there is a take-away Big D's on the Main Street, the Harris Hotel is the venue for a series of highly entertaining and informative talks and slides (usually wednesdays) by local expert Bill Lawson. Hear stories of Harris, Taransay, Scarp and St Kilda, and enjoy listening to Gaelic songs performed by locals. Lovely views" of the Isle of Skye and Scalpays fishing harbour from this Luxury holiday home
At the End of the Day
After an exhilarating day in the fresh air or simply a relaxing day, choose whether to eat out at one of the restaurants or to eat in, taking advantage of the well equipped kitchen and enjoying the view from the window and the sunset. You can chill out, listening to music of your choice, enjoy the view and relax
"Lovely views" of the North Uist Islands and the sound of Harris from this cottage
Satisfied Customers
"We discovered paradise and unbelievable beauty in the western isles. The temperature soared to 29 degrees and we were all out on the beach and in the sea!! felt like spain...but without the packed beaches and bars...just deserted golden beaches, warm seas and sleepy villages. A very and unspoiled part of the world, local people very friendly, landscapes truly superb...must see the rodel church and the standing stones...and well worth taking the ferry over to the North uist's...ferry slip 1/2 mile away !! We have stayed in many locations in Britain but this is the best so far. Cottage lovely, clean, delightfull and full of character, views outstanding. Thank you..." John and Jill and the kids, Southport, |
So how do we get to the Isle of Harris.......?
|
Harris and Lewis are now easily reached via the "toll free" Isle of Skye road bridge and the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry from Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris). Throughout the year there is a 3 days a week return crossing and in the summer months there is a 6 days a week return crossing, including two very pleasurable Saturday crossings in each direction taking less than 2 hours and costing just £45 each way for a car. There are no sunday ferries. "Advance booking recommended" For further information please click here
|
|---|
|
Click here to read some more customer stories
|
The View
Open all year round
Please call us for availability
How Much?
Scale of (7 day) weekly hire charges
All prices are per property...not per person! |
Hire charges also include all heating, electricity, towels, duvets and bedding
| Low Season £395 |
Mid Season £450 |
High Season £495 |
|---|
4 Person or less Low Occupancy discounts of 10% are available for most Low and Mid Season dates, please ask for details.
"Not Pet Friendly"
Really sorry this cottage is not pet friendly
Availability Calendar and secure reservations
|
It is recommended that you take out travel insurance which includes cancellation cover |
 |
Please complete this short questionnaire
For your security and peace of mind we do not take bookings online. For further information. Or to reserve directly with the owners please complete the short form and press the submit button below.
Please beware Hotmail,Yahoo and AOL users We will instantly acknowledge this request and personally supply full information in less than 24 hours, however unless you save cottageinfo@self-catering-scotland.com to your address you will probably have to retreive our reply from your junk email folder. |
Would you like to see another cottage on the Isle of Harris?
| Then please click here |
|---|
Email enquiries to:
|
"It sounds wonderful, but it's a long way to drive from the south of England" How can I avoid the long journey?
|
