Ecosse Unique Self Catering Holiday Cottage
Vacation Rental Accommodation in Scotland

Six rental cottages on the
West coast Scottish island, Eilean Shona

6 Cottages sleeping 2 to 8

Among the many islands scattered throughout the magnificent west coast of Scotland there is one particular gem: Eilean Shona near Acharacle, Argyll, is privately owned and lies in an enchanting position at the mouth of Loch Moidart between the islands of Mull and Skye. This island is tiny – only 2 miles long by 1.5 miles wide; it is untouched by the modern world, has no cars or bikes and is a natural home to wildlife, plants and different varieties of unusual trees originally brought here about a century ago from remote parts of the world. 300 acres of wooded areas and rhododendrons are perfect cover for sheltered footpaths which lead to five modest (but renovated) cottages, originally inhabited by Estate staff. One, South Shore, is in a different part of the island and requires a special boat trip – the ultimate escape.)

From time to time the footpaths open out to snatched glimpses of the superb west coast scenery and from the top of the highest rocky hills (860 ft.) there are matchless, breathtaking views over the scattering of little islands (said to have been the inspiration for J M Barrie’s Mary Rose) to the larger islands of the Inner Hebrides, Muck, Eigg , Rhum and Skye.

As there are no roads on the island holiday tenants must leave their cars in a safe parking area on the mainland near the ruins of legendary Castle Tioram and make the 10 minute crossing by private motor-launch across Loch Moidart to Eilean Shona – a truly quiet and peaceful haven for those in search of a new experience in a calm, island setting.

This is NOT the place to find organised entertainment or supermarket shopping. For those who love to walk, paint, write, read, watch the birds and other wildlife or generally relax and enjoy soaking up the magnificent scenery and atmosphere - this is the perfect haven. However, most days the launch crosses back (FREE) to the mainland so that there is the opportunity to explore its equally beautiful landscape including the renowned ‘Road to the Isles’, Glenborrodale, Ardnamurchan, all of the Fort William area as well as doing some shopping. The launch returns (FREE) to the island in the early evening. The ferry times on these days are 9.30am and 5.00pm. Ferries do NOT run on Wednesdays or Sundays although you may be able to organise crossings for a small fee with the owner.

All cottages:

Heating in all the cottages is by open-fire or coal-burning stove (one bag of coal included); and night-store heaters (included). Electricity and gas are included. Bed-linen and towels are included. Pets are welcome under strict control.

Accommodation on the island, 6 cottages:

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Sawmill Cottage (Sleeps 2)

The cottage is a 15 minute walk from the landing stage. A first-class track leads first past the other cottages and then alongside some pretty, little lochs before descending into the sheltered cove where the cottage sits by the sea shore, on its own apart from the birds, seals, deer and possibly otters who will be your only visitors.

Single Storey:

• Open plan Sitting/Dining Room/Kitchen with coal-burning stove (back boiler), CD Player, cooker, fridge, spin-dryer, etc.
• Double bedroom;
• Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.

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Red Cottage (Sleeps 2)

The cottage sits on a hill at the end of a fairly steep track with a beautiful view across Loch Moidart and the small islands. Sheltered among the trees in a very private position, the cottage cannot be seen from the main track below and there are no other houses in sight of it. Pine martens seem to be the most regular visitors. They have delighted past tenants by frequently appearing outside the windows.

Single Storey:

• Sitting/Dining room with Double-bed settee, CD Player and coal-burning stove (back-boiler).
• Kitchen with cooker, fridge-freezer and spin-drier.
• Double bedroom.
• Bathroom with bath, WC and basin.

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Timber Cottage (Sleeps 4)

As its name suggests this is a timber-built, traditional, neat little cottage, snug and welcoming inside with views out over the grassy field to Loch Moidart and Castle Tioram.

Single Storey:

• Open plan Kitchen/Sitting/Dining room with open-fire, CD Player, cooker, fridge and spin-drier, etc.
• Double bedroom.
• Twin bedroom.
• Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.

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White Cottage (Sleeps 2)

White Cottage is a beautiful old stone cottage and the one nearest to the jetty. It is, however, very private, hidden away at the end of a short track through the rhododendrons and with woodland to the rear. There is an enclosed grass garden and the interior is surprisingly roomy, with a generously-sized kitchen-diner and a sunny and comfortable south-facing sitting room.

Single Storey:

• Kitchen/Dining room with gas cooker, fridge, spin-drier, etc.
• Sitting room with open-fire, CD Player.
• Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with bath, basin and WC.

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Tioram Cottage (Sleeps 8)

Tioram Cottage has been totally renovated and furnished to a high standard and is now a very comfortable holiday home for 8 people. It occupies an ideal position on the shores of Loch Moidart with superb views over to Castle Tioram and the mainland.

Accommodation (sleeps 8):

Downstairs:

• Open-plan Sitting/Dining room/Kitchen with open-fire, gas hob, electric-oven, dishwasher, CD player, etc.
• Utility room with washing machine and fridge freezer.
• WC and basin.
• Twin bed room.

Upstairs:

• Double-bed room with ensuite bathroom with bath, WC and basin.
• Twin-bed room.
• Twin-bed room.
• Bathroom with bath, shower over, WC and basin.

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South Shore Cottage (Sleeps 2)

South Shore Cottage is wonderful but it is not for the faint-hearted. It is the most isolated of all the cottages on the island and a private motor launch will bring you on a 10 minute journey over Loch Moidart and round the island to South Shore. There is no jetty here so you have to be nimble enough to jump out of the boat on to the rocky shore (no problem if you are reasonably agile), but there is a mooring so you are welcome to bring your own boat for getting around in. Once you are safely ashore follow the steep path (can be muddy in wet weather) up to South Shore. Once you are there, you can also get across the island on foot back to the main jetty, though it is quite a strenuous 45-minute walk.

If this sounds a little off-putting any slight discomfort will soon disappear when you arrive at the cottage itself. It sits alone on the hillside, facing west (think about those magical Hebridean sunsets!) and has incredibly beautiful views across the many scattered islands and out to the distant Atlantic. And it is exclusively for you to enjoy.

The cottage has been modernised to a high standard. It has a cheerful sitting room with stove, a recently fitted kitchen, a double bedroom and a roomy bathroom. There is no electricity (you’ll have tales to tell once you are home!), cooking is by gas and lighting is from gas lamps. You will be given full instructions on how to manage them when you arrive. The stove provides heating and hot water, the water coming from a private spring and is sometimes slightly peaty. There is bottled water for drinking.

Yet another attraction of South Shore, perhaps its main one, is its proximity to Shoe Bay, Eilean Shona’s own sheltered beach with golden sands washed by a clear turquoise sea. South Shore is truly a one-off experience

Two bags of fuel for the stove, gas, bed linen and towels are all included in the rental. Well behaved pets are welcome under strict control.

Accommodation (sleeps 2):

Single Storey:

• Sitting/dining room with wood burning stove.
• Kitchen with gas cooker, gas fridge freezer, etc.
• Double bed room.
• Bathroom with bath, WC and basin.