Rise in VAT for 2011

Worried about the cost of next year's holiday with the new 20% VAT rate? If you book direct with the small business owner then you've no need to worry, as, having a small turnover, we charge no VAT at all! In Scotland there are many small businesses offering self catering holidays and the variety is a wide as your imagination. Scotland is 31,510 sq. miles in area, 274 miles long from North to South and varies in breadth between 24 and 154 miles.

The Highlands, in the north, is largely wild and rugged with mountains, glens, lochs and a deeply indented coastline with lots of places to explore.

A visit to Ach na skia Croft self caterig cottage and Lodges in Arisaig in the Highlands north west of Fort William and Ben Nevis,

with stunning views across the sea to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Skye and the dramatic Cuillin mountains and many lovely sandy beaches

or, if you fancy Argyll, you could try Bayview at Kentallen

by the lochside south of Fort William on the way to Oban,

will afford you that 20% extra to spend on what YOU want -

perhaps some lovely fresh, local fish from Andy Race,

or a trip to one of the Small Isles - Eigg, Rum, Muck - on the Sheerwater out of Arisaig,

maybe catching sight of minke whale or basking shark,

or a mouth-watering authentic Thai take away from Sunset in Morar, freshly made to order.

Enjoy the relaxation and delights of a self catering holiday in Scotland for 2011.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

2010 season in full swing

This weekend saw the first major influx of visitors since Easter. Bright, sunny weather with a bit of a breeze saw people enjoying eating out on the terraces and getting out and about.

At Ach na skia Croft we have a new kitchen in Island View with a larger fridge freezer - looks very smart.

Creag Mhor Lodge sadly had to have a complete makeover after having a burst pipe at Christmas, so all new in there, including table, chairs, bed, sofas, a mile thick wool carpet and underfloor heating and a lovely glass bath shower screen in the bathroom.

New sofas mean there's been a general sofa shuffle and Glen Mhor also has some nice new Sheesham wood furniture.

The new house is coming bit by bit and we are hoping to get the exterior coating going on this week - fingers crossed for the weather. Inside the pipework is operational and we'll soon be moving on to getting the underfloor heating in there.

Had a most enjoyable visit this weekend from our old friend Geoff, who rode all the way from Somerset on his motorbike to see us.

Geoff helped build and erect the fantastic oak frame we have inside the single storey part of the new house and I was pleased that he was impressed by my sanding skills and the fact that we now actually have some walls around the frame!

He even approved of the way we had put the porch up - phew!

Geoff has had his own timber framing company, based in Somerset, for a few years now, and they are building up an impressive portfolio of both traditional and contemporary designs in both oak and douglas fir. You couldn't wish for better craftsmanship, they are good listeners, and will make sure you get exactly what you are looking for.

A few of our sea kayaks were hired out this weekend and some lively seas and plenty of seals were enjoyed by all. We have 2 more sea kayaks this season (Siroccos) and 2 Canadian Canoes for folk who fancy taking the family out for a picnic and a paddle.

Geoff also had his first sea kayak christening!

I have been excited to see a black-eared wheatear around the croft - a colourful bird - and also a meadow pipit in the garden. The field was full of fieldfares this morning and the swallows have returned.