FAQs
What is the weather like?
1
On the West Coast, it’s often said you can experience all four seasons in one day — and it’s true. Being so close to the Atlantic, the weather can change quickly, but it’s usually fast-moving. Spring is generally the driest time of year, summer brings a mix of warm, sunny spells and rain, and autumn is changeable. Winters are milder than much of Scotland thanks to the Atlantic and Gulf Stream; snow does fall occasionally, but it rarely lasts more than a few days.
Like all of the Highlands, midges can be present at certain times of year, particularly during warm, still evenings. They’re less common when there’s wind, cooler temperatures, or rain, and are easily managed with standard midge repellent. In summer, we strongly recommend buying ‘Pyramid Trek Midge and Tick’ insect repellant. It is DEET free and can be used on children.
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are there midges?
What do we do about food?
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We recommend bringing supplies with you or stopping in a town on the way to pick up supplies. There are several large supermarkets in Fort William including a Morrison’s and Marks & Spencers Food Hall.
Fort William Butchers: Lochaber Larder are very good and do specialist cuts as well as local game. Call to place an order: 01397 703070
Iain Stewart Fishmongers have a shop in Fort William, excellent local Scottish fish and shellfish iainfishsales@gmail.com; 07795232324
Salen Jetty Shop is our local shop and is a 15min drive away. As well as doing basic provisions they have lovely home made cakes, coffees and sandwiches and local whisky and other treats. The Fishmonger Van visits the Jetty Shop every Tuesday with fresh catch at 12 noon exactly. You can pre-order by calling Iain Stewart on 07795 232324. Or just turn up and buy what takes your fancy.
what if there is an emergency?
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IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999.
If someone gets into trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
The nearest defibrilator is at Salen Jetty Shop. There are first aid kits in both the House and the Cottage. The nearest hospital is the Belford Hospital in Fort William, open 24hrs. 01397 702481. The nearest GP practice is The Pines Medical Centre, 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. 01967 431231
ARE THERE PLACES TO eat out?
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We recommend always calling ahead to make a booking and check opening times as these can vary.
Mingary Castle in Kilchoan. Excellent tasting menu and more informal weekend lunches. 20min drive. 01972 614380. Kilchoan Hotel Pub. Great for post-beach pint and chips. 20min. 01972 510200.
Glenuig Inn. Amazing views to Small Isles and good walking. Recently taken over by community, great food and they quite often have live music. 40min. 01687 470 219
Further away but worth a visit on Morvern: White House Restaurant, Lochaline. Local produce, quite fancy, very delicious. 01967 421356
Across the water by car ferry on Mull there are some excellent places to eat including: The Glasshouse cafe and farmshop (01688 302235); Croft 3, for lunches and dinner (07915 994364). The Creel Seafood van at the Iona Ferry (07864 605682) and a short ride on the Ulva ferry to The Boathouse pub (summer season only) run by Banjo Beale from the BBC’s The Grand Island Hotel (ahoy@theboathouseulva.com)
what kit do we need?
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A pair of walking shoes, raincoat and hat are essential to enjoy the outside here. We would add to that list wetsuit for the intrepid and ‘Pyramid Trek Midge and Tick’ insect repellant which works wonders.
will I have phone signal?
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Phone signal at Borradill is generally pretty good, most networks now have phone signal over much of the West Highlands, however you should expect it to be intermittent.
do we need to have a 4x4 car?
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No you don’t need to drive a 4x4 car. The roads are narrow and windy, but with very good surfaces. If there is snow forecast then we recommend bringing snow chains.
is this a place for people with limited mobility?
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The House is well suited to guests who enjoy beautiful scenery without the need for long walks. There are stunning views from both the drive and the House, level access throughout, and just two internal steps to the sitting room. The master bedroom has a fully accessible en-suite shower room.
CAN OTHER GUESTS JOIN BY TRAIN OR BUS?
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If you have some in your party travelling separately the best route is for them to take the train from Fort William to Lochaline which is 45mins by car. There is a bus from Fort William direct to Borradill (route 506 on Shiel Buses) but it is the local bus with only one service daily.