Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to drop us a line and we'll get back to you.
- Is the water safe to drink?
Yes - the water is tested every year by the local council to ensure that it meets EU standards. The water comes from a burn on the hill, and goes into a holding tank, and then through a filter and a UV machine which kills all the bacteria.
- What is the weather like?
Always a hard one – best answer is variable! It can be amazing or 'dreich' - Scottish expression for pretty miserable! It is also highly changeable.
- What are the midges like?
The midges can be bad, especially in August, especially if there is no wind. Please bring midge repellent!
- Can I get mobile signal?
You can usually get a signal inside the house, due to the new mast. The signal strength is impacted by barometric pressure and your provider. If you get no signal in the house, you can get one by propping your phone on the bird table, or wander about a bit waving your phone in the air.
- What do you do in the evenings?
There is a TV (and a DVD player with lots of DVDs), also a few traditional board games (Chess, Backgammon, Packs of cards, plus a few more). There is also a good selection of books about the area and Scotland.
- Where is the nearest supermarket?
Arisaig has a SPAR shop for the basics (20 mins drive), there is a co-op in Mallaig (30 mins drive) or a large Morrisons in Fort William (45 mins drive).
- Can I bring my pet?
Dogs are fine, but as cats tend to have a field day with the shrews and voles (as there are no cats on the peninsular) they are verboten.
- What laundry facilities are there?
There is a washing machine in the kitchen and an old fashioned washing line outside.
- Does the house have central heating?
No, but there is underfloor heating in the extension, two electric heaters and a wood burning stove.
- Is there local area information - maps, leaflets, activities etc - provided at the house?
There is a large information book at the house (also called the bossy list). This lists not only useful information about the house, but also information about Ardnish, places of interest and things to do in the surrounding area.
- Can I build a camp fire?
Yes – feel free to have a fire by the shore, or on a beach, there is normally plenty of driftwood. Please take care to fully extinguish the fire with water. A word of warning – a few years ago 90% of the peninsular was burnt by a careless camp fire which burnt for 3 days and was on national news – so please be careful.
- Where can I get logs for the wood burner?
Logs are available in the woodshed, and inside in the log basket. Most people enjoy collecting kindling from the shoreline.
- Is there a BBQ at the house?
Yes – there is a new one purchased in 2020, so bring charcoal, or a buy a disposable one and use it by the shore.