Allt Dearg Cottage

(“Dearg” is pronounced “Jerak”)

Unique in its solitary location at the foot of the Black Cuillin this much loved cottage is within a few minutes walk of the main road and the Sligachan Hotel. Sheep sometimes sit on the doorstep or deer visit and a lovely burn runs close by. Although being continually modernised (it has modern double glazing throughout and a wood burning stove) Allt Dearg retains its traditional character. The accommodation is divided into the main cottage which can sleep five and an annex (the Bothy) close by which sleeps three. (This is not independent and never let alone.)

Read on down to see the list of extensive cottage facilities or view pictures of the cottage and its surroundings on the right. Also pictures of the rooms which will give you a feel for the place. Click on the map on the right to view a map of the location of the self catering cottage. You can find a list of links to local facilities here.

Please look at the availability calendar as the cottage is normally booked a long way ahead. (Do also ensure you read our terms of let and information on how to book.)

Facilities

Wifi; Washer/Drier; Freezer; Linen provided; Drying room; Wood-burning stove; Bath & Shower; Pets with permission.

Sitting Room
The sitting room has a wood-burning stove (as well as an electric heater) and comfortable sofas and chairs providing a cosy place for passing those wet or midgey Skye evenings! There is a large and diverse selection of books, as well as playing cards, jigsaw puzzles and games. You won’t find television but there is free WIFI with normally works well although speed is variable and a radio/CD player. There is 4G mobile phone reception.

Kitchen
The well equipped kitchen provides everything that you need to cater for 8 people, except of course food and drink! In addition to full sets of crockery, glasses and cutlery and a wide selection of pans and utensils, the equipment includes:

• Fridge/freezer (75/25 by volume) It is now quite a large one – see photo of kitchen.
• Microwave.
• Electric cooker with two fan ovens and ceramic hob.
• Toaster, electric kettle, electric hand-held whisk and electric blender stick.
• Tea towels and oven hands.
• A portable radio.

Bedrooms
The main cottage has a single bedroom downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. There is a double and single bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms and the other has twin beds. The Bothy has a bedroom with three single beds. All beds have modern, comfortable mattresses, good quality duvets and pillows and are made up ready for you. The bedrooms have ample hanging and drawer space. There are lots of spare blankets. A cot and high chair can be provided on request. We don’t normally provide bedding for the cot.

Washing facilities
In the cottage is a bathroom with bath, small hand basin, lavatory, 2 heated towel rails and electric heater, together with a fantastic view. The bath has shower mixer taps but there is not a lot of head room for a stand up shower. There is also a hand basin in the double bedroom. In the bothy there is a shower room, with electric shower, hand basin, chemical toilet, heated towel rail, electric heater and an automatic washer/dryer.
There is a separate large drying room with electric heater and clothes pulley rack.
Note. We provide bath mats but towels only on request. If you would like them, £3.00/person/pair (one hand, one bath). please ask at least a week before your arrival.

Heating and Water
All rooms have electric heaters with controllable time clocks. There is a storage radiator in the hall.

The stove burns wood and we leave sacks in the garage. One sack and some kindling is free and you pay for any others that you use (at cost) with the electricity when you leave. We also leave a few firelighters to start you off.

Both the cottage and bothy are fully double glazed.

There is a private water supply with a UV sterilisation and filtration plant.

Hot water is provided by immersion heaters and controllable time clocks. The shower heats its own water.

Please note that electricity is NOT included in the rent – you calculate the cost from the meter readings you take at the end of your stay (there are no coin in the slot meters). The cost is variable and depends on so many factors that it is hard to put a figure on it. Two people in a warm week in summer who don’t do very much cooking might only use £12.00 but eight people in a wet week in summer might use £50.00. In winter so much depends on how economical you are (what temperature you like to live at and how many clothes you wear!). The average is £50 to £60 but in a cold spell this can double.

We hope to ask a low enough rent to allow for the cost of the electricity and wood and still provide good value. Our aim is a comfortable, well equipped, well maintained cottage that is affordable and gives pleasure.

Miscellaneous

• We leave washing up liquid, toilet cleaner etc. but don’t expect to supply enough for your whole stay. You will also find basics like tea bags, salt and pepper and some herbs, spices, etc. and it would be good if you could replace these if you finish them up.* Covid has changed this.
• Telephone (both incoming and outgoing calls) – 01478 650200.
• Wireless broadband is available (included in price)
• Postal address – Allt Dearg, Sligachan, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SW
• There is a garage attached to the bothy but it is quite small and is not often used for cars! It makes excellent storage for bicycles.