Raasay Schoolhouse
Raasay
off the Isle of Skye
West Coast Scotland

Sleeping 8 (max 10)

This place must be among the most beautiful and romantic in all of Scotland, if not the world! You will find the island of Raasay between the Isle of Skye and the Applecross peninsula on Scotland's scenic north-west coast. The little 15-minute ferry from Sconser in Skye transports you to another world where peace and quiet reign supreme and you can forget the problems of the outside world.

The main settlement on this sparsely populated island is Inverarish (first class shop, hotel and outdoor centre). The northern part of the island is even quieter and this is where you will find the Old Schoolhouse just 500 metres from the end of the only road on the island. (The road is known as Calum's Road in recognition of the islander who worked alone to build it). The house sits in a wide, secluded bay with superb views over the Sound of Raasay to the mountains of Skye.

The house is of solid, Victorian construction and has been converted from the original school. The old schoolroom has been transformed into a lovely light and airy open-plan living space with a gas range in the kitchen area and an open fire in the sitting room section. Also on the ground floor are three double bedrooms and a bathroom while upstairs there is a twin bedroom, a bunk bedroom and a shower room. The accommodation is tailored to eight people but two additional children can be included at an extra charge each.

This is a paradise for families who will revel in the utter freedom of it. In front of the house you can enjoy picnic lunches on the beach beside the sea. There are spectacular walks along the coast (where you will no doubt see the ruins of the villages which used to flourish here) and inland. There is, of course, swimming and just exploring the natural environment. If you wish to be more sociable there are regular, often 'off the cuff' concerts and ceilidhs in Inverarish (25 minute drive from the Old Schoolhouse) during the season. Independent divers can have their bottles filled at the top of the track.

Serious climbers will be attracted back over the ferry (multi-crossing tickets are available) to Skye where it is not far from Sconser to the foot of the Red Cuillin.

Background oil central heating and electricity (powered by a hydro turbine in the local burn) are included. Bedlinen and towels are available for hire. Drinking water is from a private spring.

Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome by arrangements. Smoking is not permitted within the house. There is a landline telephone in the house.

Accommodation (sleeps 8, maximum 10):

Downstairs:

• Kitchen/Sitting Room/Dining Room with washing machine, fridge-freezer and open-fire etc.
• Double-bed room.
• Double-bed room.
• Double-bed room.
• Bathroom with bath, WC and basin.

Upstairs:

• Twin-bed room.
• Room with bunk beds.
• Shower room with WC and basin.

Accommodation availability:

Raasay Schoolhouse: