The Old Schoolhouse ~ 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 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 & Drinking – Miscellaneous – Cottage Facilities

Shopping

The main shopping centre is in Portree about 18 miles away. There is a Co-op there 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 on weekdays. Beside it is a 24 hour petrol station. Either or both 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). There is a well-stocked small village shop (newspapers, kindling) in Carbost, open Mondays to Saturdays with variable hours. Carbost also has a post office currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 – 1pm. It currently has a cash machine.

The Oyster shed is a couple of minutes walk down towards Carbost village, is open every day and as well as oysters it sells a good range of fresh fish, venison and other local meat and excellent kiosk freshly produced food.

Struan (about 11 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.

There are post offices in Carbost, 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 is also a smaller one in Broadford. A folder with some general tourist information and brochures is left in the cottage.

Eating and Drinking

The Old Inn in Carbost is about 10 mins walk down the hill from the cottage (that means up the hill at the end of the night!). It is very popular for bar meals,is open all day and often has great live music. (it closes at midnight. Breakfast is available from 7.45am but you should telephone (01478 640205) if you are going to be that early. The Oyster shed also produces food which is very popular.

Taigh Ailean in Portnalong (about 5 miles away) has recently changed hands but had a very good reputation. (Tel: 01478 640271)

Donald John’s cafe  is open Monday to Saturday 10 – 4pm and has a cafe and small shop. You passed it on the way, about half way from turning off the main road to the cottage.

A bit further afield there is the Sligachan Hotel, with bar meals, a wet weather centre and a good children’s play area.
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 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 11 miles away.

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

Fishing – in season river loch and sea fishing are available locally (ask us for details). The distillery pier, about 10 mins walk from the cottage, can be fun for crabs and mackerel.

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 just down the hill 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

Cottage Facilities – see The Old Schoolhouse pages for more details.