Stay on Eilean Bàn
Imagine staying on a private six-acre island in the former home of Gavin Maxwel, author of the classic book “Ring of Bright Water”.
The Keeper’s Cottage on Eilean Ban situated between Kyleakin on Skye and the Kyle of Lochalsh, on the Scottish mainland, has this unique claim to fame. Once only accessible by boat, after the building of the Skye Bridge this former lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now accessed via a private door on the side of the Skye Bridge.
The peace of a nature haven
4 Guest, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
Eilean Ban (Gaelic for White Island) is six acres of pure heaven with part of it being situated directly under the Skye bridge. Small stone paths meander around the island with colourful shrubs, herbs, heathers and wild grasses covering the hillsides.
Gavin Maxwell was one of the foremost authors of wildlife books of the last century, and now his legacy can be enjoyed by all. the island boasts a wonderful array of wildlife. There are frequent sightings of otters, seals and pine martin, as well as occasional dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and Minke whales, together with an array of seabirds.
This exclusive self-catering accommodation offers the chance for guests to spend time doing their own wildlife spotting on the island, although the warden is on hand to point out the various flora and fauna to look for. Guests can wander the clearly marked paths at their leisure, and the island makes a perfect base for exploring all that Skye and Lochalsh has to offer.
To be honest, my winter bolthole is my own home. With woods and the field outside and a cosy fire to sit by in the evenings, I can’t imagine a better place to be. Sadly, I can’t invite you all here, but I can tell you about a place which will hold a special magic for everyone.
Between Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye, nestling under the Skye Bridge, is the little island of Eilean Bàn. It’s the final home of Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell, who converted the lighthouse keeper’s cottage into his home. It subsequently fell into rack and ruin until 1996, when the Eilean Bàn Trust was formed (of which Born Free is a partner), and house and island received the care they had lacked for so long.
I have stayed there often at different times of the year. In winter, the snow on the far Cuillins glistens in the sun, the sea surrounds you – beautiful and thrilling in its changing moods – the gulls swoop and cry and, yes, sometimes otters come up onto the rocks.
And, of course, the famous warmth of welcome in the Highlands never fades. You can walk, climb, read, gaze at the incredible view, sit in the hide to watch for otters, breathe the champagne air and, at the end of the day, dance at a ceilidh or have a dram by the fire. Perfect.
Virginia McKenna
BBC Wildlife Magazine
January 2004, Volume 22 Number 1
Ammenities
- Living room
- TV, Freesat, DVD Player, CD Player
- Woodburner: Initial fuel for wood burner included
- Electric central heating
- Kitchen/dining room
- Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
- Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
- Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
- Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
- Bed linen and towels included
- Accessible toilet available on request
- Private parking for 2 cars
- Designated parking place adjoins private gate with short walk down well maintained stone path to the cottage
- There is a trolley available for transporting luggage inside the property, please return it to where it belongs
- Young children require supervision at all times due to the close proximity to the sea
- No Pets
- No smoking