Allt Dearg Cottage ~ Local Information

On this page we’ve tried to pool some information that might be of use or interest to you, whether you are thinking of booking one of the holiday cottages, or whether you have booked and are making plans. We also leave a pack of information in the cottages with many brochures and leaflets on tourist attractions and facilities. Please note that  because of Covid opening hours of facilities, indeed whether they are open at all, change frequently. We strongly advise that you check before going  to  any.

Shopping – Tourist Information – Eating and Drinking – Miscellaneous – Cottage facilities

Shopping
The main shopping centre is in Portree about 9 miles away. It has a Co-op that is open 7 days/week. There is also a good Co-op in Broadford on the main road which is open 7 days/week until 10.00pm. Beside it is a 24 hour petrol station selling milk and a few other essentials. This can be useful on the day of your arrival as you pass through Broadford on your way from the bridge or either of the mainland ferries (from Mallaig or Glenelg). Carbost village (8m) has a well stocked small shop (newspapers, petrol, diesel) currently open 9 – 1pm 7 days/week.

Struan (about 13 miles) has a shop which is open odd hours, often late, and has good veg and whole food.

Banks – Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank all have branches and cash machines in Portree.

Post Offices. Carbost is currently open from 8.30am – 1.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There are also post offices in Portree and Broadford.

Tourist Information
The main tourist information centre is in Portree (open from 9.00am to 8.00pm on weekdays, 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays. Tel: 01478 612137), but there are also smaller ones in Broadford and Dunvegan. A folder with some general tourist information and brochures is left in the cottage.

Eating and Drinking
The Sligachan Hotel is a short walk and has bar meals, a wet weather centre and a good children’s play area (Note that the hotel may be closed in the winter from 1st November – 1st March).

Sconser Hotel is open in summer for pre-booked evening meals. Very good.

Donald John’s cafe on the way to Carbost is open Monday to Saturday 10 – 4pm and has a cafe and small shop.

The Old Inn in Carbost is about 8 miles away. It is very popular for bar meals and is open all day (it closes at midnight. Breakfast is available from 8.00am but you should telephone (01478 640205) if you are going to be that early.

Taigh Ailean in Portnalong (about 13 miles away) has a very good reputation. (Tel: 01478 640271)

The Oyster Shed is about half a mile above Carbost village, is open every day ( currently 11 -4pm) and as well as oysters it sells a good range of fresh fish, venison and other local meat and kiosk food which is very popular.

A bit further afield there is a café and excellent 2nd hand book shop in Struan.

Miscellaneous
The nearest doctor is in Carbost (01478 640202). There are hospitals in Portree and Broadford.

Churches – Carbost has a Church of Scotland and Free Churches. Portree has these and Episcopalian and Roman Catholic services. Jehovah’s Witnesses meet in Sconser and the Bahais in Broadford.

Beaches – Glenbrittle, Fiscavaig and Talisker are the closest sandy ones

Golf – There is a 9 hole course at Sconser about 5 miles away.

Swimming – the burn has many lovely pools and the sea is never far away, but if you long for chlorine and warmth then Portree has an excellent public swimming pool.

Fishing – in season river, loch and sea fishing are available locally (ask us or at the hotel for details).

Boat Trips – are available from a number of places, including  Carbost, Portree, Broadford, and into Loch Coruisk from Elgol (highly recommended for those who don’t want to brave the walk!)

Talisker Distillery is in Carbost and runs tours. Check on 01478 640203 for times and please note that children under 8 are not allowed on the tours.

Cottage Facilities

Please see the Allt Dearg page for more details