Eilean Shona Cottages, Eilean Shona, Acharacle, Argyll

Eilean Shona – A Tranquil Car-Free Island Retreat on Scotland’s West Coast

Eilean Shona is a peaceful, car-free island sanctuary nestled in a loch along Scotland’s breathtaking west coast. Offering a complete escape from the noise and haste of modern life, this secluded haven invites visitors to reconnect with nature and savour life’s simple pleasures. Days on Eilean Shona unfold at a gentle rhythm – with time spent swimming in wild waters, gathering around a campfire, reading in cosy corners, exploring rugged trails, kayaking along the loch, or picnicking by the shoreline.

Holiday Cottages on Eilean Shona

A collection of charming holiday cottages is dotted around the island, each offering comfort, character, and a warm welcome. Whether planning a romantic escape or a family adventure, guests will find a cottage to suit their needs:

Red Cottage – Sleeps 2

Sawmill Cottage – Sleeps 2

Sail Loft – Sleeps 4 and includes a sauna

Shepherd’s Cottage – Sleeps 2

South Shore Cottage – Sleeps 2

Old Schoolhouse – Sleeps 4

Timber Cottage – Sleeps 2

Tioram Cottage – Sleeps 8

Five of the cottages are nestled in the island’s sheltered south-east corner, offering scenic views over the loch and towards the romantic ruins of Castle Tioram. South Shore Cottage is conveniently located along the path to Shoe Bay, while the Old Schoolhouse and Shepherd’s Cottage are set further north in more secluded spots near the North Channel. Every cottage is individually styled but all maintain a high standard of comfort and thoughtful interior design.

Inside each, guests will find a well-equipped kitchen, plush white towels, and beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton linen. A welcome pack is provided, including kindling, firelighters, matches, bin bags, toilet roll, washing-up liquid, and essential cleaning supplies. Every cottage also features its own fire pit – ideal for unwinding under starry skies.

Eilean Shona House – For Larger Gatherings

For special occasions or group getaways, Eilean Shona House is available and sleeps up to 18 guests. This impressive property is well-suited to extended families, reunions, or celebratory events.

Getting to the Island

Access to the island enhances the feeling of retreat. Visitors leave their vehicles in a secure parking area near Castle Tioram. On arrival at Dorlin Pier, the Eilean Shona team provides a 15-minute boat transfer across Loch Moidart to the island’s pontoon. Luggage is transported by quad trailer, and guests are then guided on a tranquil walk to their cottage.

Once on the island, peace and privacy are respected. In addition to the arrival and departure crossings, a complimentary boat transfer is available on Wednesdays (departing at 9am and returning at 5pm). With no roads and few people, it’s not unusual to enjoy long stretches of solitude interrupted only by birdsong or the rustle of deer in the woods.

Island Amenities and Experiences

Although all accommodation is self-catered, guests have access to a thoughtfully stocked island shop offering pantry essentials, fresh bread, dairy items, wine, beer, and locally sourced treats. Pre-ordered frozen meals – such as fish pie and venison casserole – are lovingly prepared by Niamh, the island chef, and delivered to cottages ahead of arrival.

The Village Hall is the island’s social heart, equipped with Wi-Fi, wildlife books, table tennis, and board games. On Tuesday evenings, guests are invited to a cosy pub night from 6–8pm, where they can enjoy drinks by the fire. For artists and creatives, a peaceful studio space is also available to hire, offering inspiration drawn from the island’s raw natural beauty.

Booking Information

Guests are encouraged to quote The Holiday Cottages when booking directly.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/EileanShona/18149

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Rowanhill Cottage, Moss, Acharacle, Argyll

Rowanhill Cottage – Tranquil Self Catering in the Crofting Heart of Moss, Argyll

Tucked away in the peaceful crofting area of Moss, just two miles from the village of Acharacle, Rowanhill Cottage offers charming self-catering accommodation in a truly idyllic Highland setting. Located on a quiet no-through road beside the River Shiel and Loch Shiel, the cottage is ideally situated for those looking to relax or explore the natural beauty of Argyll.

Comfortable, Traditional Accommodation for Up to 6 Guests

This traditional stone-built former croft house has been thoughtfully renovated to provide comfortable, modern holiday accommodation for up to six people.

The cottage features:

A well-equipped kitchen with a split-level electric oven, induction hob, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher, plus a pine dining table for family meals. A deep freeze is conveniently housed in the hall cupboard.

A cosy lounge with an electric fire, comfortable chairs, TV and DVD player, offering lovely views across the garden and river.

Three bedrooms: two upstairs (sharing a bathroom) and one on the ground floor, which is served by a separate shower room.

A cloakroom with an additional WC, washing machine and dryer.

Outdoor Space & Surroundings

Guests can unwind in the large garden, which provides ample space to relax, with a picturesque stream running nearby – perfect for enjoying peaceful outdoor moments in this serene setting.

Exploring Moss, Acharacle & Beyond

Rowanhill Cottage serves as an ideal base for discovering Acharacle, a nearby village offering essential amenities including a post office, bakery, tea room, village stores, and two hotels. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing on Loch Shiel and the River Shiel (by prior arrangement), scenic walks through the surrounding countryside, and a short 10-minute drive to Dorlin Beach and the atmospheric Castle Tioram.

Whether seeking relaxation or outdoor adventure, Rowanhill Cottage provides a warm, welcoming retreat in the heart of the West Highlands.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Argyll/17726

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Ockle Holiday Cottages, Kilchoan, Acharacle, Argyll, Bute & The Islands (Sleeps 1-6)

Visit Ockle Holiday Cottages and experience the breathtaking beauty of Ardnamurchan, abundant with wildlife, flowers, hidden little bays, magnificent views of the Inner Hebrides, unforgettable sunsets over the sea and, above all, peace and tranquillity. This location in Scotland is ideal for walking, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, sailing or just simply taking it easy and relaxing.

All our fully equipped houses are sited in their own fenced gardens within a working farm. There are three STB Graded Cottages: Burnside, Sruthan Ruadh and Tigh Dochie.

Burnside:

Sleeps 4 people. 3 Star Visit Scotland. A recently modernised croft house, on the hillside above a beautiful wooded burn. A kitchen/dining room, bathroom and lounge are neatly grouped on the ground floor, with one twin bedded room and one double bedroom upstairs. Burnside looks out upon a wooded burn and the hills, while the garden has lovely views to the sea.

Sruthan Ruadh:

Sleeps 6 people. 3 Star Visit Scotland. A recently modernised croft house with an attractive split level design. On the ground floor, you will find one twin bedded room, bathroom and kitchen/dining room. This leads to the mezzanine level, where a large lounge with patio offers magnificent views of the West and the Inner Hebrides. Upstairs there is a further twin bedded room and a double bedroom with en suite facilities. Sruthan Ruadh has a large garden area ideal for children and dogs to play in, with wonderful views.

Tigh Dochie:

Sleeps 4 people. 2 Star Visit Scotland. This small, secluded bungalow has superb views to the West and the Inner Hebrides and a truly peaceful situation. There is a utility room, kitchen, lounge/dining room, bathroom, one double and one twin bedroom. A small sun porch leads out to a patio and pretty garden. Tigh Dochie has an attractive sheltered garden planted with a range of trees and shrubs.

Visiting Kilchoan & Exploring Argyll:

Ockle is a drive of about 55 miles from Fort William, by way of the Corran ferry near Ballachulish. Take the A861 through Strontian and Salen, following the signs to Kilchoan (where there is a ferry departure for Mull). Before you reach Kilchoan, you will climb inland where the view opens northward to Eigg, Rhum and Skye; as the road bends left take a right exit and continue on to Ockle.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Argyll--Bute---the-Islands/959

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below: