Hebridean Island Retreat

A Cottage by the Sea

Let the World’s Cares Drift Away

Shore View

Bothy Heaven

The Nook

Kitchen

Chill Zone

Bedroom with Seaviews

A Place to Write

Northend

Cloud Dreaming

Bay View

Sunrise Looking towards Sound of Iona

Hebridean Carribean

Dolphin

Studio

Taigh Na Ee-usk

Local Area – Ross of Mull & Iona

Contemplate

Alternative Travel

Iona Sunset

Beach Heaven

Lobster Pot

North End Rocks

Hebridean Transport

Moo Stone

Puffins

On The Road

Dolphins off the Ross of Mull

Staffa Rocks

Duart Castle

Iona Peek-a-Boo

Bay at the Back of Beyond

Viking Boat

Delicious Scallops

Tea looking towards the cottage

St Orans and Iona Abbey

Iona Craft Shop

A Hebridean Retreat

Cottage by the Sea

Taigh Na Ee-Usk is a charming coastal retreat right by the sea on the Ross of Mull overlooking the Sound of Iona, with views out of Staffa, perfect for a cosy, scenic getaway.

The cottage has one spacious double bedroom with views out to sea (also option for two separate beds), fall asleep to the soothing sound of the sea. Sitting room with wood burning stove, dining area, TV and Dvd player, lots of books with local interest and board games and unique artwork. Fully equipped kitchen with top quality appliances and larder cupboard, local artist tile backdrop and floor tiles to mimic the beautiful Ross of Mull granite that typifies the area. Shower room with heated towel rail and two outdoor seating areas looking over the bay, perfect for soaking in the scenery. There are views of the sea from all windows and the whole area evokes a bygone era.

There is also a separate studio with big windows and French doors looking out towards the sea a great place for writing, painting, reading, yoga or just contemplating. There is a large foldable table for painting/writing at, but can be easily stowed away. Two relaxing chairs to chill out in and watch the boats sail by in the Sound of Iona.

There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting, otters, deer, dolphins, white tailed eagles, walking on beautiful white sandy beaches, exploring the Ross and Iona, reading, writing or just being. It is a super place to unwind and let go of all the cares and worries.

Please see additional information for more detail, photos of cottage and surrounding area are in the gallery sections at the top of the page.

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The Local Area

There are so many local places to explore, this is just and few suggestions and highlights, please see links tab for information on local boat trips and watersports.

Iona

The Island of Iona if one of the gems of the Hebrides and is only a ten minute ferry ride from the cottage. There are many white sandy beaches, beautiful flowers, interesting craft shops. There is also the very atmospheric 12th century Nunnery, the 13th century Iona Abbey and St Oran’s Chapel and the royal burial mound of Scotland’s Kings.

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A walk to the South of the Island takes you to St Columba’s bay where it is possible to find a piece of Iona Greenstone said to have healing powers.

Staffa

A trip to Staffa is not to be missed

Staffa is home to the incredible towering hexagonal basaltic columns and experience the mighty presence of Fingal’s cave a natural wonder matched with the Giants Causeway in Ireland. The colours and majesty of the place will leave a lasting impression. Make sure to stop at the Wishing Chair on the way to the cave, legend says you are allowed three wishes there!

Meet the Staffa puffins! They are a ground-nesting bird with a very improbable flying shape and brightly coloured beaks, you can get quite close to them if you sit quietly. They are very charismatic, quite comical too and often make low grunting noises! Please note the puffins will only be on Staffa in spring and early summer, during the nesting season. They then leave to spend the rest of year at sea.

“ I have seen a temple not made with hands” Sir Robert Peel 1837

Ardalanish

Ardalanish Bay is one of the many local beaches on the Ross ;of Mull with fascinating geology. It is a great place to see some extraordinary rocks with some very unusual minerals. The rocks here are so unusual the area has been classified an SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest. This includes a spectacular band of rock containing large garnets!

The bay is a great place simply to wander and look at the beautiful multicoloured pebbles on the beach, there is a fascinating selection whilst enjoying wonderful views across the white sands to the Hebridean Isles of Colonsay, Jura and Islay.

Ardalanish farm overlooks the bay, it is fully organic and the only fertilisers used on the land are compost and seaweed. The wool from the native breed Hebridean and Manx sheep is woven in the weaving mill and made into throws, scarves, shawls, coats and other items. The colours, textures and patterns are beautiful. After a tour of the mill, there will be a chance to browse around the shop. The mill’s products are shipped worldwide.

There are several burial cists at Ardalanish and some bronze age vessels were found which are now in the National Museum for Scotland, there are also standing stones but, due to ground-nesting birds these sites are only accessible out of the breeding season.

For more information on places to visit and things to do please ask, there are local guides and maps in the cottage as well.

Additional Information

What is included?

Accommodation in a beautiful island home with its own housekeeper.
Bedroom with Seaviews
Linen and towels provided (not beach towels)
Complimentary Toiletries
AEG Double Oven, AEG Slimline Dishwasher, Bosch Washing Machine, Siemens FridgeFreezer
Large Larder Cupboard
Books, Games, local maps, TV, DVD player and films,
WiFi via 4G router
FreeSat TV and DVD player
Woodburning Stove
Picnic Bench
Beach Chairs
Separate Studio with French windows and outdoor seating area with views out to the Sound of Iona and Staffa

How do I get there?

All travel to Mull is via a ferry there are three ferry routes. Oban to Craignure, Lochaline to Fishnish or Kilchoan to Tobermory,

Timetables on Caledonian MacBrayne website – https://www.calmac.co.uk

Weather

Scotland is a land of sunshine, mists, wind, rain and anything else it feels like doing. Conditions can change quickly but tours will not be cancelled due to poor weather. There might be slightly altered itineraries but tours will still go ahead. The most important thing is to be prepared for all weather conditions to ensure you are comfortable. Some of the most amazing photos can be taken just before or after storms the light can be incredibly intense and certainly brings you closer to nature! Highland locals would say it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day and if you don’t like the weather – just wait 20 minutes!

What to bring

Waterproof jacket and trousers
Walking pole (if required)
Sturdy shoes or walking boots
Rucksack
Diary and paints if you like to record your trip
Swimming Costume/Trunks – yes people do swim in Scotland!

What is the Cancellation Policy

Full refund 60 days prior to booking. Partial 50% refund up to 30 days prior to booking. No refund in 15 days before booking.

Smoking Policy

No smoking or vaping is allowed in the cottage.

Pet Policy

Pets only by prior approval as cottage is on a working croft with livestock.

Travel Insurance

We recommend you take out travel insurance.

Pricing and Booking

POA, for longer stays a 25 – 30% discount can be offered, depending on length of stay.

Maximum Occupancy 2 adults, linen and toiletries provided but please bring your own beach towels.

Please contact for longer term and monthly bookings for rental prices.

We very much look forward to welcoming you on your special trip to the Hebrides!

What is included?

Please see additional information for more details

Local Highlights

Storm Island North of Iona Waves one Staffa

A Place to Unwind

Relax on the magical white shell sand beaches backed by a turquoise sea, breathe in the wonderful air and absorb the very special tranquil atmosphere that personifies this area.
Explore the mighty Fingal’s cave on the Isle of Staffa, one of the wonders of the world, immortalised in Mendelssohn’s Hebridean overture and make friends with the delightful puffins!
Follow a geological adventure across the land of Iona walking in the footsteps of saints to St Columba’s bay, a chance to walk a labyrinth and find some semi-precious stones and then onto the famous Iona marble quarry. Treading on some of the oldest rocks on the planet, understand how these beautiful rocks with their stunning colours were created. As you tred the land you can feel the forces that made it.
Explore a weaving mill on an organic farm, see the machines at work that make ethical tweeds using natural dyes from the land and sea.
Delve into the past at the Hermits cell and Well of the North Wind.
Take a walk up Iona’s holy hill to the Well of Eternal Youth.
Hear and maybe spot the elusive corncrakes of Iona, see the dolphins which often grace the Sound of Iona. Walk in the beautiful summer meadows and take a moment to admire some for the islands exquisite native orchids.
Just relax, have a wonderful stay and leave this special place feeling really recharged.

Mull has been over the centuries mentioned in Gaelic song “the fairest” this beauty runs through its veins geologically and creates the varied landscape you see. With an expert geologist, we will get to understand this landscape. When thinking of Mull think of it as Iceland 60 million years from now, great forces have created this magical landscape. A trip to beautiful Ardalanish Bay will bring this all to life. The area has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With your specialist guide discover intriguing rock formations only found there, including large garnets! All set within the backdrop of an ancient hill fort.

“The Isle of Mull is of Isles the fairest, Of ocean’s gems ‘tis the first and rarest; Green grassy island of sparkling fountains, Of waving woods and high tow’ring mountains.”

Dugald MacPhail

Links

Local Boat Trips

https://www.staffatrips.co.uk

http://boattripsiona.com

Watersports

https://www.bendoranwatersports.co .uk

Bike Hire

https://www.rossofmullbikehire.co.uk

Ferry Services to Mull

All travel to Mull is via a ferry there are three ferry routes. Oban to Craignure, Lochaline to Fishnish or Kilchoan to Tobermory,

Timetables on Caledonian MacBrayne website – https://www.calmac.co.uk