If you are looking for a holiday cottage that is truely unique, then this is it - Sawmill Cottage, tucked away, all on its own, right at the water's edge on Eilean Shona This is a tiny gem of an island, privately-owned, fabulously set at the entrance to Loch Moidart on the spectacular West Coast of Scotland between the Islands of Mull and Skye. Only 2 miles long x 1.5 miles wide, completely unspoilt, with no cars or bikes, it is a natural haven for wildlife, plants, and many rare trees brought from distant parts of the world some 100 years ago. There are secluded footpaths through 300 acres of woodlands and rhododendrons, with glimpses of the sensational West Coast 'backdrop' scenery wherever you look, while from the high rocky slopes (highest point 860ft) there are unique and breathtaking views across the enchantment of little islands (said to have inspired J M Barrie to write 'Mary Rose') to the larger Hebridean islands of Muck, Eigg, Rhum and Skye.
Sawmill is a 15 minute walk from the landing stage by an excellent track, which passes first, the other cottages and then some beatiful little lochans, before dropping down to the secluded bay where the cottage stands by the shore, quite alone except for the birds, seals, deer and maybe even otters who will be your only neighbours.
There are no roads on Eilean Shona, so cottage tenants leave their vehicles in a safe parking area on the mainland, near the romantic ruin of Castle Tioram and a private motor-launch then ferries them for ten minutes across Loch Moidart to the island - a tranquil retreat for those who would truly enjoy a different experience in a quiet island environment. It is NOT suitable for those who want organised entertainment or supermarket shopping. Walking, bird-watching, painting, reading, writing, just sitting enjoying the views - totally relaxing - is the order of the day, but on most weekdays the launch returns (FREE) to the mainland so that the famously-beautiful countryside roundabout of 'The Road to the Isles', Glenborrodale, Ardnamurchan - the whole Fort William area - can be explored and shops visited. It returns to Eilean Shona again (FREE) in the early evening. The ferry times on these days are at 9.30am and 5.00pm. Ferries do NOT run on Wednesdays or Sundays although it may be possible to arrange crossings, for a small fee, with the owner.
There is a central 'hall' on the island where children can get together or play table-tennis.
Heating is by coal-burning stove (one bag of coal INCLUDED) and night-store heaters (INCLUDED). Electricity and gas are INCLUDED. Bed-linen and towels are INCLUDED. Pets are welcome under control.
Other self catering holiday cottages on Eilean Shona -
White Cottage (slps 2)
Red Cottage (slps 2)
Timber Cottage (slps 4)
Tioram Cottage (slps 8)
South Shore Cottage (slps 2)
