Arisaig

Arisaig through the eyes of George Riddell

2011-11-25T01:57:00.000-08:00

George spent another weekend at Ach na skia Croft in November and struck lucky with some great light, sunsets and a sunrise for taking another batch of photos. Three of my favourite sunset photos are these ones looking across to Eigg.

As always George captured some great wildlife images, such as these of a great northern diver, curlew and hoodie crow and a mink.

The slightly less than wild life also get their photo taken.

You can see more of George's photos on his Facebook page MyWorldMyEyes

Arisaig 2011

2011-01-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

I thought I had better emerge from the woodwork and house building to wish our blog followers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and hope to see you all at Ach na skia Croft this year sometime, whether it's to stay or to hire a kayak or canoe and get out on the water.

If you're wanting to book accommodation for 2011 don't leave it too long as we're filling up fast, especially in Island View for some reason. If you fancy a 2 week break (and who wouldn't - one week is never enough to do all those things you want to do - visit the islands, go on the steam train, visit Knoydart, climb some hills, lie on the beach, read a few books, visit the Outdoor Capital of the U.K. with all it has to offer (Fort William), go to the most westerly point of the British Isles and see the Ardnamurchan lighthouse, or even kayak there!) then we have a special offer for the 2 weeks from 6-20 August, as our son is getting married on the weekend between and we've been invited!

We have missed the worst of the weather here in God's own country and have had more than our fair share of bright, sunny and calm days, with snow on the mountains to make everything postcard-perfect and no difficult road conditions to contend with, though Glenfinnan had its fair share of frost, as usual.

November turned out to be a popular month for kayakers and one happy kayaker has written an article to be published in the Sunday Times this Sunday, 9th. January, so we will be getting a mention I think!

Rise in VAT for 2011

2010-07-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-03T03:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Christmas and New Year at Arisaig

2009-12-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

Last minute availability for Christmas and New Year at Ach na skia Croft self catering, Arisaig, on the beautiful coast of the West Highlands of Scotland. We have just had a cancellation for Island View for New Year week, so if you fancy getting some peace and quiet in a fabulous location now's your chance. Reduced to £560 for the week (weekly rate only, regardless of length of stay). The Cottage is also reduced to £550 for the week. Dates are negotiable. Please visit our website for full details of us, our properties, facilities (games room and sauna) and what there is in the area (sandy beaches, great views, great walks, good food and lots more).

Festivities last Sunday at the Cnoc na Faire hotel, just up the road, went with a bang. Santa with his real reindeer, visits by a "penguin" and other curious animals and a fabulous firework display, not to mention a few carols.

There is already snow on the hills, so lets hope the lovely crisp weather keeps up till the holidays and we can get some skiing up at Nevis Range.

View of the islands of Rum and Eigg from Ach na skia Croft.

High summer in Arisaig

2009-08-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

Arisaig is a hive of activity now it's the holidays. Kayaks and canoes of all shapes and sizes are up here in abundance enjoying some quite lively sea. Some of the Sea Kayak Highlands rental kayaks are over on Knoydart AGAIN for the week - seems to be a popular destination this year. Of course, this was the Knoydart Games weekend, so it will have been busy over there too.

It's the season for Highland Games and the Arisaig Games last week had great weather and a cracking turnout, both for the games and the dance in the Astley Hall later, where young and old danced with enthusiasm into the early morning. Today is the turn of the Mallaig and Morar Games and another good day for it.

Astley Hall hosted a more genteel concert on 27 July, with pianist Robin Colvill playing some popular piano classice to a good audience, then on Thursday evening grew more lively again with The MacAlmans. Next event at the hall is the Family Ceilidh Dance on 11 August - guaranteed to be another good knees-up.

Been having a go at making some slide shows of kayaking trips etc. and decided to try one for Ach na skia Croft. I've put it up on MySpace so see what you think. It's always hard to show the place in its best light. This bunny - a very tame resident of the Cottage garden, was too late to get in the show, but I caught him snuggled down keeping his bum out of the breeze yesterday.

We have one week free at the end of August in one of our 4 star Lodges, if you have a chance for a break before the end of the summer. Have a look at the details on the website. There is still some availability in September too, when things quieten down a bit. People are starting to think about booking for next year, so if you want a popular week don't leave it too late.

What a year so far!

2009-06-23T02:39:00.000-07:00

Oh so quiet on the blogging front 'cos just been having too much fun! Paddling exploits so far this year have seen us at Corrievreckan, Grey Dog, Cuan Sound, Kyle Rhea, Ardnamurchan Point, Sleat Point, St. Kilda, Monach Islands, Taransay, as well as lots of local fun - beautiful, sunny BBQ paddle, feasting in the Morar estuary. If you'd like to see some pics we have a few on TwitPic.

As well as doing our own paddling we've started renting out sea kayaks. If you have some experience and fancy a day or two on the water when you're up here in the Arisaig area, check out SeaKayakHighlands.

Friends and blog followers may wonder how the house building project is going. Well, what do you think? Slowly!! You just have to make the most of the long days and lovely weather. Hoping to have water and electricity soon and maybe some window cills. No birds nesting in the house this year, now that windows and doors sealed off. The greatest amount of frog and toad spawn ever around the house was doing well until the prolonged dried spell, when most of them perished, sadly, despite our attempts at relocation!

Rabbits are doing way too well, on the other hand. We have normal rabbit-coloured rabbits, black or partly black rabbits, and white or partly white rabbits. Very colourful and cute, but extremely annoying when they eat all the plants you've just carefully bought and planted out.

On the Croft, guests have been happy and enjoying some mixed, but mostly good, weather. Sunsets have been up to scratch and dolphins gave a great display in Mallaig harbour one day. Sheerwater trips to the islands are well under way and the "Jacobite" Steam Train is back and chuffing up and down between Mallaig and Fort William.

We're fully booked until 29th. August except for one little lonely week on 27th. June in the Cottage up for grabs if you fancy a break before the school hols. get going in ernest. It sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms and has a great garden and views across the sea to Rum, Eigg and Skye. (oh, and lots of rabbits!) Check "Ach na skia Croft offers" for details. Wi-Fi internet access, use of sauna and games room. Home from home!

If you're a twitterer, we now do a little twittering ourselves, so check us out on Twitter.

Well, that's enough of being indoors - I'm off out into the sun . . . .

Sea kay rental and Knoydart's 10th. anniversary

2009-04-18T02:01:00.000-07:00

Easter's over and we have had some great kayaking weather - blue skies and a bit of a breeze to keep life interesting. Sea Kayak Highlands' first kayak hirers took the double up Loch Nevis and camped a night on Long Beach at Inverie, making the most of the hospitality of the Old Forge. Yesterday the pier at Mallaig was packed with excited campers heading for the musical celebrations of the 10th. anniversary of the Knoydart Foundation. With totally perfect weather, no midgies and a fantastic line-up of bands including include Squashy Bag Dance Band, Mystery Juice, Vaguely Cajun, Lori Watson, Daimh, Bombskare and Shooglenifty, the weekend will not doubt be an unqualified success with lots of burned noses. There are anniversary events taking place throughout the year so if you fancy a taste of Knoydart this is a good year to visit. The Western Isles ferry makes regular trips to Inverie in summer and also calls in at Tarbert, so if you walk along the north shore of Loch Morar and then across to Loch Nevis you can connect with the 3.30p.m. boat to take you back to Mallaig - a great day out.

The second group of hirers took the double and a single sea kayak and headed north up the coast from Arisaig village to Traigh beach and then back down to Back of Keppoch where we met them on our way to go out for an evening paddle ourselves. Lots of oyster catchers and sanderlings about on the skerries.

On the subject of music, there was a beautiful concert in Arisaig this week with Duncan Chisholm and Ivan Drever impressing a very appreciative audience with their accomplished and sensitive performances - and some good craic too.

Wednesday saw the official opening of the final stretch of road - so now we have no more single track road between Fort William and Mallaig. Wednesday evening saw a family ceilidh in the village hall, foot stomping along to Ross and Eilidhs tunes.

What's new at Ach na skia Croft for 2009

2009-03-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Well! QA Inspection just over for another year and we're still sitting very comfortably at the top of the 3 and 4 star brackets. They were most impressed with the brand new kitchens going in to Creag Mhor and Glen Mhor, the 4 star Lodges. Creag Mhor's is complete and our German guests are thrilled with the addition of a dishwasher, not to mention new ceramic hob, oven and fridge - all 'A' rated to help keep the carbon footprint under control - more work surface, under cupboard lights and twin bin for sorting the rubbish for the Council's new recyclable waste collection bin.

Meanwhile the Cottage porch is getting a makeover with some slate-look tiles which should look very smart.

The Wi-Fi we put in last year has been very popular with our guests, who can use it to check out what's on around Arisaig while they're here.

Another new venture we are dippping our toes in this year is sea kayak hire. Being keen kayakers ourselves and lucky enough to live in what is recognised as one of the most fantastic sea kayaking destinations in the world, we are happy to share our knowledge and now our boats with like minded paddlers who would like to hire a boat for a day or 2, or even a week or more, to explore the area.

As we don't have the time at the moment to come out with you on the water, hire will be restricted to paddlers with some experience.

The daffodils are blooming and Spring will soon be on it's way so we look forward to seeing you all at Ach na skia Croft soon. You might even see a few developments up at the new house, though progress is at a standstill again at the moment while we polish the skirting boards for all our 2009 guests!

Holidays in Arisaig and the "Credit Crunch"

2009-01-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

Well, there may be a credit crunch out there in the real world, but here in Arisaig things feel much as usual - just enjoying life.

The views are great, the weather ever-changing - snow on the hills (and sometimes even on the ground), water crashing down the hillsides, winds to blow you over, frozen waterfalls, calm days, dazzling blue skies and starry, starry nights. As they say in the Highlands, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute"

We've had quite a few short break visitors so far in 2009 at
Ach na skia Croft and they've all enjoyed every minute - shell hunting on the beaches, going out for a paddle and catching the sunset, soaking up a sauna.

Meanwhile we are getting on with the house building, spring cleaning the properties, splashing about in boats in the pool.

Our local news sheet, the West Word, the monthly paper for Arisaig, Morar, Mallaig , Lochailort, Glenfinnan, Knoydart and the Small Isles, has won the UHI Millenium Institute Community Newspaper of the Year award - well done, Ann.

Room 13 Caol artists Marly Falconer and Carly Smith's paintings (‘Solar Girl’)

and (‘Chat line’),

have made it to the finals of
the Unilever International Schools Project and are being exhibited at Liverpool's Tate Gallery. Well done and good luck to them.

The season winds down

2008-09-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well, what a year! The 10 dry, warm weeks from April time turned into a generally dry and warm summer, unlike what other parts of Britain seems to have been experiencing. The shorts have been on more often than ever before and the wellies have been replaced by Crocs. Most of the holidaymakers are off back to work and school, though we're still pretty busy here at Ach na skia Croft and, what's better still, loads of our favourite guests have already booked again for next year.

The house build has been rather on the back burner of late due to still more kayaking exploits - Tuesday evening sessions, more training with Skyak Adventures on Skye, Sunday paddles and an awesome trip to Shetland with Glenmore Lodge. It is such a privilege to be able to explore the caves, arches, geos and subterranean passages of the Shetland coast and islands in a craft that is small enough to get right in there and feel the power and the magic; a very special place.

Wi-fi for Ach na skia Croft

2008-06-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie before we head off to the windy Western Isles for a week of sea kayaing (maybe!).... Four of our party set off from Mallaig last Saturday and have spent the past 2 days sitting out the wind and waves at Lorgill on the west coast of Skye. Hopefully today will see them on the water and heading for a rescue point so we can all get across to Lochmaddy at the weekend.

We finally got the Wi-fi connection set up for guests at Ach na skia Croft. Not yet been tested by any guests so there may still be some teething problems and we may have to try to get a booster to extend the signal range. Hope it's worth it; I know we find the option to use the Internet when on holiday useful, though that may be a rather sad confession, so hopefully it will be an asset that helps people plan trips, check email, etc.

The house has been at a total standstill. The wagtail family, nesting in the dining room, have fledged and are feeding on the lawn, but the swallows are still feeding hungry chicks in the nest in the bedroom. The latest addition to the wildlife park that we hope will one day be our house is leaf cutter bees, who are busily making leaf nests in the gaps in the polystyrene walls. Oh dear! We haven't seen the deer again, since it demolished our bird feeder and part of the wall.

The drought is over, by the way!

Must go and pack.......

Drought on Eigg

2008-06-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

Almost eight weeks since the last blog and virtually every day of it has been clear blue skies. One day of rain and a couple of days with a few drops then a small patter last night. It's been bliss and perfect for a bit of patio laying, but on the Isle of Eigg, just across the water, they are having to ration the water, which must be an all-time first. And just when they've finally got mains electricity and can have a washing machine, they can't use the water. Poor Maggie! Maggie and I were in full fashion in our Crocs at Ann (of West Word fame) and Richard's wedding dance in the Astley hall last month - a great celebration, but no dancing for me and my poorly foot. Eight weeks on it is still a bit swollen and I am having to practise balancing on it, which is surprisingly difficult. Luckily it didn't prevent me from doing the 4 star Leader (sea kayak) training and assessment on Skye with Gordon Brown and Ken Nicholl at Skyak Adventures, which was brilliant (and successful). Met some great fellow kayakers and had lots of fun playing (and doing some rather tiring towing) in the tide race at Kyle Rhea and developing navigation skills amongst the skerries near Kyeleakin.

Another success last month was the news that Ach na skia Croft has achieved a Silver Green Tourism Award, which validates our Green credentials. Most of the work around the properties is now complete for the time being and we are hoping to be able to get back to some house building. We arrived back from Skye to find that we had swallows nesting in our bedroom and wagtails in the dining room, so it was as well to keep a low profile and let them get their chicks raised and out into the world. The wagtail was not too bothered by our proximity, but the swallows were much more wary.

To add to the wildlife park we have up there at the house site there was a young deer wandering about the other day. You can just see Eigg to the right of the deer, which is standing on the mound of earth beside the house. We thought it was quite cute until next morning when we found the bird feeder in our garden had been wrecked - pulled apart, stamped on and a stone loose from the wall. The deer seems like the most likely culprit. A few deer having been making a nuisance of themselves in the village so I guess this was one that had made its way to Back of Keppoch. Speaking of pests, the entire area is overrun with rabbits. Around us we have a family of black rabbits, descendants of a neighbours pet liberated by a younger brother some years back. Over the river at Bunacaimbe, hwoever, there is a family of mostly white, with a bit of brown, rabbits, descendants of an escaped pet from there. They make a colourful contrast to the gorgeous black foal. The garden is awash with bird parents trying to appease their demanding offspring with tasty morsels. Altogether a great time of year.

Speaking of off-spring, the annual Mallaig and District Canoe Club barbecue paddle, organised by Mike with off-spring in mind, was a great success this year. Sunshine, an 18km. paddle for 17 paddlers (and a shorter one for one and longer one for a few) and a barbie on the beach at Camusdarach, where we were joined by a further 12 parents and children, from 7 weeks to 10 years old.

The parents were keen to get their youngsters initiated into the black art of sea kayaking once the eating was over.

This year's challenge was for the best bbq'd desert and there were some great contenders.

There have been numerous sightings already this season of minke whale and basking shark in the little Minch. Many of our visitors who have taken a day trip to one of the Small Isles on the Sheerwater have been treated to a sighting.

Daughter Laura has had a successful month as well, having sold two of her paintings that are exhibited at the Resipole Studio Gallery's Landscape Exhibition, which finishes this Thursday, 13th. June. A great little gallery if you are in the area. Visitors to Ach na skia Croft will find examples of Laura's work in the properties.

Sea kayaks for sale

2008-04-24T12:12:00.001-07:00

The sea kayaking season has started and Simon's Loch Sunart paddle on Sunday had a hardy group of 5 paddling from near Glenborrodale to almost Lochaline. Having torn a ligament in my ankle the weekend before last whilst on a Club coach weekend at that kayakers' centre of excellence Glenmore Lodge (where it was deepest winter with masses of snow and freezing cold - and greta skiing at Cairngorm) I did not make the paddle and sulked at home in frontof the computer. Having been enthused by the weekend and getting to grips with the new BCU paddlesport awards I bought the Mallaig and District Canoe Club a new and more memorable domain name (mallaigcan oeclub.co.uk) and whipped up a couple of pages to add to Tony Laidler's excellent existing site with a silly address. The club has a a couple of sea kayaks they want to sell as we need a bigger boat for the summer evening adult paddles, so if you're after a bargain sea kayak check out the for sale section of the website.

Back at Ach na skia Croft we are getting on with painting the Lodges and getting everything up to scratch for this year's guests. Last weeks guests couldn't believe their luck with the fantastic weather and the Cottage visitors said it was the best place they had ever stayed in, so we were happy with that!

Going Green

2008-04-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well, we've always been pretty Green really, so we decided to see if we could get the sticker and today the "Inspector" from Green Tourism came and gave us the once over. Wouldn't tell us the answer but he seemed to think we had quite a few Green credentials, so we'll know in a few weeks' time. The Re-cycling "centre" put in place at the start of last year has certainly been a success and is always brimming with bottles, paper and cans, not to mention compost. He liked all the information available on the website and in the cottages about walks, transport and wildlife and was interested to hear about our Local Ranger walks. We have come up with an Environmental Policy for Ach na skia Croft to let people know what we are doing and what they might be able to do to help.

I meant to mention the geese in the last blog. The greylags have now become regular visitors to our "bottom" field, below the Lodges, joining the lapwings, which are whirling and calling and preparing to make their nests among the rushes.

We now officially welcome Walkers and Cyclists.

Of course we always have welcomed walkers and cyclists (not to mention kayakers) and fitted boot driers into all our cottages quite a few years back, which have been a boon to walkers, though of course we mostly hope they won't get wet feet at all, but it does happen from time to time! Speaking of kayaking, we had our first sea outing the weekend before last - a bimble around Loch nan Uamh on a somewhat blustery day, so good for getting the balance and reflexes honed up. The seals weren't expecting us and kept popping up alongside for a nosey. We had a long lunch and a mosey around the old settlement at the head of Loch Beag before heading for the open sea.

It has been a pretty spectacular couple of weeks for weather, with lots of snow on the hills - Ben Nevis and Aonach Mhor pictured here. There have been some good skiing days at Nevis Range this year.

The Easter visitors enjoyed their visit to Ach na skia Croft and the Games Room got lots of use in the evenings while mum cooked dinner.

The road closures are now back to Tuesday and Thursday from 1.30- 2.30p.m. so there's less disruption for anyone needing to go up or down the road to Fort William. There are some new sections now so you need to watch where you're going!

We still have some self catering availability at Ach na skia most weeks up till the end of June, so why not come for a visit - you won't regret it! Arisaig Marine are starting their trips to Eigg, Rum and Muck on 14th. April - always something to look forward to.

Spring in Arisaig - what's new at Ach na skia Croft

2008-03-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot going on here at Ach na skia Croft the past few weeks, with a frenzy of activity preceding our annual QA inspection visit by the Tourist Board, or "Visit Scotland" as they are now known. We passed with flying colours once again, with our two 3 star properties only not achieving a 4 star because of restrictions on space in one or other area. So you know you're getting a good deal quality wise! The two 4 star Lodges hold their 4 star grade very comfortably.

Great spells of weather in February and March have meant we've been able to get a lot of outdoor jobs done, so a lot of the house is bright and white again and we have a lovely new wall between the house and the Cottage, which has tidied things up considerably. We are delighted to see so many of our guests returning again this year - we're so glad you keep coming back and telling your friends about us. I'll give you a little sneak preview of some of the changes in store! Cottage guests will find not only the wall, but some bonnie new tiling in the kitchen and the addition of a kitchen trolley to provide a little more work and storage space, as one of our guests thought it could do with a bit more.

We ourselves lived in the Cottage years ago with our 2 teenage children and never had a problem, but we try to listen to your feedback and give you what you want! The additional outside light on the corner of the building has improved the illumination of the path from the gate for winter visitors. A new gate is on its way.

Island View already has its new gate and also has a new tile splashback in the kitchen. New dimmable lights are going in in the kitchen dining area next week and the bathroom now has a privacy lock handle - an improvement on the old bolt.

Creag Mhor's gate is moving to a new, improved we hope, position and is wider than previously, which required an additional stretch of path. We hope to have this work finished for our guests arriving on Saturday for the week. The old gate area has been tidied up, with a stone step and edging to define the flower bed and grass and leading to the back garden.

Both Creag Mhor and Glen Mhor have new Viner's cutlery sets and pans with steamers and egg poachers. Glen Mhor also benefits from an additional outside light, at the end of the building.

In all the properties, we now are delighted to have lots of original watercolours commissioned from Laura Kingswood who studied at Newcastle, did an MA at Goldsmith's in London, worked first for Zakee Shariff, a textile and clothes designer in London, then for Damian Hirst, who needs no introduction, and now works as Artist in Residence with the children of Room 13 at Caol Primary school in Fort William. Recent commissions, apart from us, have been for the new Medical Centre in Fort William.

Everywhere is painted, washed, scrubbed up and sparkling ready for the new season - just a bit of outdoor painting to do in the next few weeks, weather permitting. It's still a bit chilly for that at present.

As you see, we don't sit still at Ach na skia - especially since I retired!!

For those of you who have been monitoring the (snail's pace!) progress of our new house up the hill, we are excited to report that as I write the slates are going on and the main section is almost complete. Hopefully all will be complete in 3 or 4 weeks' time and we can get those funny shaped windows in!

Our visitors this week have enjoyed beautiful sunny days, vivid sunsets and perfect skiing conditions at Nevis Range.

Eagle Watch cruises on Loch Sheil at Glenfinnan have started up for the season this week and the boats are going into the water at Arisaig marina. The Sheerwater trips from Arisaig to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Muck, with time ashore to explore these diverse and interesting islands, will commence on April 28th. 2008 and run until 21st. September. A wide array of sea and bird life can be spotted on and around the islands and it is not unusual for sailings to be slightly late due to a detour to watch Minke Whales, Basking Sharks or Dolphins!

If you're coming over the March Easter break you will be disappointed if you're hoping for one of Jeed's nummy Thai take-aways, as she's off on holiday herself from the 23rd. for a couple of weeks to get some r&r before another busy season. You could wet your taste buds with a look at her menu if you are visiting after 6 April. Meanwhile you could try the Indian restaurant in Mallaig, "Mallaig Spice", which specialises in excellent contemporary Indian Cuisine and you can eat in our get a take-away.I had a delicious meal last week at the Cornerstone restaurant in Mallaig, who also serve fish and chips to take away. If you want to feel like one of the local fishermen you could try the food or just a cuppa at the Fisherman's Mission.

Well, that's all for this update - I know I'll keep thinking of things I've forgotten, but it's time to go and get on with things on the croft. The only reason I had time for this was I was making Hot Cross buns for the roofers (and us) ............... mmm!!

One final thought - maybe this year I will meet the ever-busy-on-his-computer John Winkler of Bayview in Kentallen, another fan of Arisaig, with his own lovely holiday cottage in Glencoe.

Christmas approaches at Arisaig

2007-12-12T13:50:00.001-08:00

The "Festive Season" is rapidly approaching in Arisaig as elsewhere. Carol singers and Santa, complete with elves and workshop, have visited the Cnoc na Faire. The new, weatherproof, ultra modern tree has been lit up and welcomes visitors. David and Jenny (and myself) have had their birthdays, as has a rather surprised Stuart of Rockhopper sea kayaking, and the parties, complete with Tequila Cocktail fountains and an abundance of girls in school uniform sporting bunches, are over for another year. Sue's house was well and truly warmed as the hung over party-goers traipsed in for bacon sarnies and potent mulled wine.

Becoming a full-time builder has its responsibilties - out in all weathers and keeping an eye on who is going where and why, all of which passes me by at the moment.

The weather has turned a little wintry. Rum, Roshven and the Cuillins have a sprinkling, and the Ben has a good covering of snow. Davey has hopes of a good season at Nevis Range this year.

A few more concerts, Christmas dinners and parties and we will be ready for Christmas day and a walk on the beach at Camusdarach or Traigh before Christmas dinner.

Will you be here? We still have vacancies for Christmas week and one property free for New Year week if you would like to join us at Ach na skia Croft, where you can chill out and forget your worries.

Autumn in Arisaig

2007-10-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

Autumn in Arisaig started more of an Indian winter than an Indian summer with some quite chilly days, but recently there have been some great days for getting the sea kayaks out.

This week has seen 2 groups of kayaker/canoeists at Ach na skia Croft. Dougal and friends had 2 good days on the water, hiring 3 of the club Capellas.

Day 1 saw them out to the islands in Arisaig Bay and round the corner to Back of Keppoch then back to Island View to chill out.

Day 2: Out of Loch Ailort and round to the bothy before heading back to the rat race.

The Punters from Banbury are making the most of the weather with their Canadian Canoe, with some ambitious ideas for trips up Loch Nevis to Sourlies Bothy, or to Oban Bothy at the head of Loch Morar.

The highlight for us recently has been a trip to Canna on the last Saturday of September. Seven o'clock in the morning saw us loading the 6 kayaks onto the CalMac ferry at Mallaig. A very tasty full breakfast on the ferry set us up for the morning. Met a few old friends on the boat. John "Bird" Chester from Eigg was heading home after a couple of weeks in the south of France and was looking forward to some proper weather (but not the e-mails!). Eilidh, Canna's teacher, who is taking the school roll as a personal challenge, was on the boat returning from a course, complete with "bump". Morag from Eigg was on her way home from a few days teaching on Rum.

After a quick stop on Rum we arrived at Canna at 10a.m. and were on the water by 10.30a.m. Much discussion about the times and direction of tidal flow had led us to decide to journey in an anti-clockwise direction. Not sure how long it might take, and not wanting to miss the afternoon ferry home, we set off at a good pace, pausing to explore the huge caves on the south of Sanday island. We reached our anticipated lunch stop at Tarbert, where Eilidh said she might meet us, long before lunchtime and decided to crack on and see where we found ourselves. On the next stretch we disturbed a pair of sea eagles that must have been feeding on a carcass at the shore, as they flew up and over us at close quarters. We must have had a bit of tidal flow in our favour as we were soon round to Garrisdale point on the west of the island where we came upon the first of a number of massive Atlantic grey seals. Just as were lining up to go through a narrow gap in the rock on the isside of the skerries one loomed up to the left and slithered down the rock beside us and under the boats. As we approached our new lunch spot at Sgeir nan Sgarbh another was perched on a rock singing a loud and soulful song. On the beach we were watched carefully by a herd of Highland cattle.

The island was much more dramatic than I had imagined it, with towering cliffs and rocky caves being a major feature. The different colours of the layers of rock were fascinating.

The final stretch of the journey was rewarded with further wildlife sightings. Having just passed the Iorcail stac we approached another large rock, An t-Each. Rebecca and Bill went off to explore a cave and I looked up saw a huge shape on top of the rock. As Mike approached I pointed it out to him. Not having his glasses on he thought it was a sheep, but no, it was an extremely large Golden Eagle! While Mike and I sat patiently waiting for it Jill continued on round the rock and was the lucky one, seeing both the one we were watching and its partner fly off.

We got back to the pier by 4p.m. expecting to find Bill and Rebecca already there, but it turned out we'd left them behind in the cave - much ribbing from a foursome of kayakers from Paisley who were already on the pier! After changing clothes and tidying up the gear we had time for a short walk up to the unusual Free Church and along the road. An island that is definitely worth another visit.

The ferry at 6.30p.m. fed us another good meal, gave us a cracking sunset and landed us back in Mallaig at 9p.m. - 6 happy bunnies.

Next we're off for some paddling in the Kornati islands off the Croatian coast. Laura will be looking after things at Ach na skia Croft till we get back.