Question

What is in Dunvegan?

Answer

DUNVEGAN VILLAGE: www. dunveganvillage.org/ There are several shops and amenities in Dunvegan Village including a post office, petrol station, convenience shop, fruit and veg shop, as well as a couple of local arts and craft galleries, studios, and shops. There are restaurants and cafes within a short walk. All the local shops, cafes and restaurants have seasonal opening hours and not all café and restaurants open 7 days a week. Wherever you are eating, whether at a hotel or elsewhere, we highly recommend booking tables for dinner as much in advance as possible. It is often impossible to get a table at short notice, especially from April to October.

Question

How do you get around on Isle of Skye?

Answer

Getting around – The Isle of Skye is a deceptively large island. It is 50 miles long, 25 miles wide and covers an area of 639 square miles (or 80 km long, 40 km wide and with an area of 1655 square kilometres). Some of the roads are single track roads with passing places and there are many laybys for stopping to take photos. Public transport is fairly limited on the island, however there are some bus options – www.stagecoachbus.com/ can help you investigate these. Booking a taxi or private tour is another way of getting about as well as finding out more about the history and letting someone else drive you so that you can all admire the views. We highly recommend booking taxis or tours well in advance as they do get booked up quickly. Here are a few options for you should you choose to let someone else do the driving for a day or two. • Isle Drive - www.isledriveskye.co.uk/ • Dunvegan Taxis - www.dunvegantaxis.com/ • Tour Skye - www.tourskye.com/ • Skye Luxury Tours – www.skyeluxury.co.uk/ • Tours by Locals - www.toursbylocals.com/Isle-of-Skye-Tours • Skye Scenic Tours - www.skyescenictours.com/

Question

What is the weather like?

Answer

Weather – There is a saying in Scotland that ‘if you don’t like the weather, then wait thirty minutes and it is likely to change’. And it couldn’t be truer! We can genuinely have all seasons in a day at any time of year, and the weather on one part of the island can be totally different to other parts! We would highly recommend that you make sure you are equipped with a good waterproof, and sturdy pair of waterproof shoes and plenty of layers. This way you can enjoy the island, whatever the weather may throw at you during your stay.

Question

What are some nearby restaurants?

Answer

As well as the option to eat at the Atholl House where Cody and I are staying, you can find other places to eat – all within walking distance of Atholl House – each offer something very different in terms of menus and prices. • The Old School Restaurant – www.oldschoolrestaurant.co.uk • The Dunvegan – www.thedunvegan.com o Both restaurants can be booked online – we would recommend booking in advance. • Blas – www.blas-skye.com • The Misty – www.facebook.com/themistydunvegan • Waterside Bistro and Gallery – www.facebook.com/watersidecbandg • MacLeod’s Café – is located at Dunvegan castle and is open from 10am to 4pm every day during the Castle opening season and offers coffees, cakes, and lunches. • The Community Café – is located in Dunvegan village and offers coffee, cake and lunches – usually open 3 days a week. There are also many options further afield, all offering a wide variety of menus, prices and options – booking evening meals is usually essential: • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Old Inn at Carbost The Stein Inn Edinbane Inn Edinbane Lodge Loch Bay Restaurant The Three Chimneys The Sligachan and Seamus Bar Café Lephin in Glendale Chidakasha in Glendale Café Cuil In Carbost The Yurt at Skyeskyns in Waternish Bog Murtle Café in Struan Plus many more in Portree, Broadford and further afield on the Island

Question

What’s this I hear about midges?

Answer

Midges – We often get asked about midges and the best time to come to avoid them, or what they will be like during a particular month. The answer is a tricky one! Generally speaking, they can be around from May to September but you may not see them at all. They like the early mornings and dusk, especially when the air is slightly damp and still. Here by the Loch-side, there is quite often a breeze which helps to keep them at bay. Its always worth picking a breezy spot to eat your picnic lunch! There are a few repellents on the market – Smidge seems to be a popular choice and was developed in Scotland. Some people swear by marmite on your toast at breakfast, others find moisturisers containing citronella, lavender or peppermint oil can also help. Some will get bitten no matter what precautions they may take, and others will not be bothered at all. An antihistamine tablet will help to keep any itchiness at bay if you do get bitten. Midges are indeed a wily wee beastie, but hopefully they won’t disrupt your holiday.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Unfortunately this trip is not suitable for the faint of heart or the young in age due to the hike to the ceremony and unpredictable weather. The young at heart are welcome ;)