Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

The open boat crossing from Skye to Scalpay is the New World of Scotland's scenic symphonies: dramatic hills, thick woods, rocks and moorland rise into view; an escort – if you're lucky – of seals, dolphins or sea eagles plays alongside. It's invigorating and truly special, as is the island itself. Guests are encouraged to roam its ten square miles and 14 miles of shoreline, to fish trout in teeming lochs and burns, to stomp through woodland and over carpets of heather roamed by red deer, to visit a ruined Viking village, to barbecue on a small, sandy bay. Michael and Veronica live here and work diligently to improve this slice of nature: Michael with a laudable tree planting project, Veronica with her self-catering cottages. Keepers Cottage, set in lawns that slide down to the shore and beautifully refurbished with lots of local wood, is a place to yawn, stretch and get away from it all. Step in, kick off muddy boots, sink into a bathtub-with-a-view, then descend to the modern kitchen and dining room or leap out through French doors to the garden. There's a light conservatory for lazy summer evenings, a cosy sitting room with wood-burner for warding off wintry storms. Expect large windows and captivating views, privacy, rest and adventure.