Frequently Asked Questions
What does the little blue 'Scottish' logo at the top left of this page mean?
It is the Visit Scotland Quality Assurance logo. Our own cottages are annually inspected by Visit Scotland. and all are graded as Three Star. Our partner cottage, Loch View Cottage is Visit Scotland Graded as Two Star. Allt Beag is not part of the Visit Scotland scheme.
How do I get to Skye?
Click on this link to go the the SkyeHolidays travel suggestions page.
Can I pay for a cottage by credit card?
Yes. We accept credit card payments if you pay online useing the secure PayPal system. You will find a link on our 'How to Book' page - here. Please add 4% handling fee to your payment if you pay online using PayPal.
I've paid for my holiday. Do I have to pay for any "extras" such as electricity?
No. Our prices are fully inclusive. We do not charge extra for electricity, heating, towels, bed linen, VAT or dogs. You will need to bring with you or buy locally your own food, and, of course, clothing!!
I have two well behaved dogs. Can I bring them to your cottage?
To our own cottages - YES, We ask dog owners to leave the garden clean, and never to leave their dogs unattended inside the cottages, or to allow them onto the furniture or beds. I regret our Partner Cottages (Allt Beag and Loch View) do not accept pets.
How do I get help if I have an emergency?
Inside each of our properties you will find a prominently placed "emergency contacts" list, with addresses and telephone numbers of police, doctor, vet, etc. Sue and Richard of Skye Holidays live at Roskhill Barn, near Dunvegan, Isle of Skye. If you have questions about your cottage or the Isle of Skye you are welcome to telephone Sue or Richard between 8.00am and 8.00pm on 01470 521755.
Are there telephones in the cottages?
No. Also - mobile telephone networks offer only a patchy service throughout Skye. Never mind - turn the thing off, and enjoy a week "out of touch"!
Where is the nearest supermarket?
Skye is a rural island. There are no shops within reasonable walking distance of any Skye Holidays properties. There are small but well stocked Co-op supermarkets in Portree and Broadford. All over the island you will find shops selling a surprisingly wide range of items.
Where is the nearest pub?
In Scotland, there are few English-style pubs. However, most hotels have a bar which is open to non-residents. There are no hotels within reasonable walking distance of any Skye Holidays properties. Portree, Broadford and Dunvegan all have a selection of hotels with bars.
Does Skye "close" on Sundays?
Traditionally, Sunday, the Sabbath, is observed as a day for attending church and studying the scriptures. There are some parts of Skye where this is still the case, where the church car parks are full, and you are unlikely to see anyone working. However, the larger shops, garages and most tourist attractions are open on Sundays.
When is the best time to visit Skye?
Any time!
Winter days are short and may be wet and cold, but there will be sparkling clear days when the sun glistens on the snow on the Cuillin. Summers are warmer, but can still be quite wet, and the midges are usually active from late May to September. The roads are busier too...
It's a well kept secret - but May is probably the best month to visit Skye...
What do I need to know about midges?
Midges are very tiny, very numerous, and they BITE! (Actually, only the females bite, but who is checking...?) Midges breed in boggy grassland (ie - all of the Scottish Highlands and Islands). They usually emerge during June and disappear in September. They are most active on still mornings and evenings. They cannot fly in strong winds. The best repellent is any product which contains DEET.
Are there still fairies on Skye?
Of course.
Does it rain a lot on Skye?
Yes, it rains quite a bit - but that means that the waterfalls always look great...
It is very rare for a day to be rainy all day, and when the rain stops, the clouds clear, and the views look better than ever. 'Locals' will tell you - "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes, and it will be different".
There is also something about the quality of rain on Skye that seems different from "ordinary" rain - is that Skye Magic?
(It can be hot and sunny too...!) |
