The Cottages

Five of Eilean Shona’s Cottages are nestled into the island's protected south-east corner overlooking the loch and the castle ruins. South Shore Cottage is on the path to Shoe Bay and the Old Schoolhouse and Shepherd’s Cottage are situated in their own private settings a mile along the path on the North Channel.

Although each of the cottages has its own unique style and charm, they all share a level of comfort and luxury, from their fluffy white towels to their well-equipped kitchens. The beds are made up in fine quality Egyptian cotton linen. The cottages come with an essential starter pack of kindling, firelighters, matches, bin bags, washing up liquid, toilet roll, cleaning cloths and sponge scrubbers. Each cottage has its own fire pit.

There are no roads on Eilean Shona. Cottage guests leave their cars in a safe parking area just behind our pier on the mainland near the ruin of Castle Tioram. You will be greeted by the team at Dorlin Pier and the boat journey across Loch Moidart to the Eilean Shona pontoon takes 15 minutes. There your luggage is put on the quad trailer and you are given directions to walk to your cottage.

For the rest of the week you are left in peace. Beyond your transfers on and off the island, we offer a free crossing to the mainland on Wednesdays leaving at 9am returning at 5pm. Other than going off island and the odd encounter on a walk, you will meet very few other people during your stay.

All of our cottages are self-catered, but our very own Island Shop stocks essentials alongside some tempting treats. Beyond staples such as wine, homemade bread, butter, milk, we also provide wonderful frozen homemade fish pies and venison casseroles, made by Jill, our favourite local chef. These can be pre-ordered, along with wine, and will be delivered to your cottage prior to your arrival. Details will be provided following booking confirmation.

The Village Hall is Eilean Shona’s social hub — with its weekly pub night, Wi-Fi, table tennis, wildlife reference books and board games. Tuesday evening is pub night. From 6-8pm, all are welcome to join us in the Village Hall for a beer or a cocktail in front of a roaring fire. There is also an artists' studio available for creative folk who want to hire an additional space.

Guardianship

Respect for the environment is our core principle in how we manage and run the island. We make every effort to be plastic-free and carbon neutral on the island with no cars and plentiful wood supply. All our electricity comes from the local hydro-electric power station. Our water supply comes from the hills. We are meticulous with our recycling and use only bio-cleaning products. We understand our role in the guardianship of the island and our mission is to protect this vital environment for future generations.