Thank you for choosing a holiday on the Isle of Rona. This document sets out some of the details you will need in preparing for your holiday and includes useful tips to help you plan what to take with you. A holiday here is a great adventure and though we are remote – there’s really nothing different to worry about from a holiday on the mainland.

Where we are…Rona lies in the Sound of Raasay between the Island of Skye and Scotland’s West Coast. The island is privately owned and there are no public ferries – so we charter a local boat from Portree on the Isle of Skye (currently skipper Kevin Simmister on the ‘Aspire’) which makes the journey once a week on Saturday mornings bringing new guests to Rona and taking the previous week’s guests away.

Portree can be reached by public transport, car, or a combination of both!  Whichever you decide, it's a spectacular journey where you'll encounter some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer, making the journey north part of your holiday adventure.  Most visitors travel up to Portree on Friday, staying in local B&Bs overnight, ready for the trip over to Rona on Saturday morning.

If you choose to drive, Portree is a scenic 5 hour drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh or an equally beautiful journey of around 3 hours from Inverness.  The best way to drive up here is to take your time to appreciate the sights en route and indeed our visitors often travel to Rona as part of a longer break, taking the opportunity of exploring the highlands and islands whilst travelling to the north.  The Skye bridge is now toll free and your journey north from there passes through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Cuillin hills. 

Public transport is also well provided for with frequent rail services from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, or more locally Kyle of Lochalsh, and many of our visitors have successfully combined rail journeys with onward car hire or coach (Scottish Citylink) to Portree.  The Caledonian sleeper is well worth exploring which can also take you to Inverness, Glasgow or Fort William, again utilising coach for onward travel to Portree.  (Flights  - if your carbon conscience allows - depart from England to the Scottish airports of Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness and can be combined with onward rail coach or car hire).

Whichever way you arrive in Portree, once you've shopped for your week's supplies, on Saturday morning make your way to the pier to load your luggage and supplies for the sailing .  When you have unloaded your car, if you have brought one, we recommend parking at the Bay View long stay car park, 5 minutes walk from the pier.

A few days before…Do remember that we are located in open sea which can be unpredictable - therefore we ask you to contact Bill Cowie, Island manager on 07831 293 963 a couple of days prior to the start of your holiday. This is to allow a more accurate check on weather conditions and to confirm timings for the boat trip. As a general guide, the boat will leave from Portree at 8.30 - 9.00am on Saturday and return from Rona at 10.45am the following week but this may change to suit the tide & weather conditions so you must contact us to confirm. The boat trip takes about an hour and a half – and you can often see wildlife on the way over – Minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks all frequent the seas surrounding Rona so it’s a good idea to have your camera with you if photography is your thing! We also need a contact number for you in case things change at short notice after you have left home, so if you haven’t already supplied a mobile phone number, please e-mail ronalodge@isleofrona.com or call Bill on 07831 293 963 with a contact number.

The passage…The ‘MV Seaflower will usually be alongside for loading at 8am, departing no later than8.30am.Depending on the tide, this will either be at the slip opposite the Pier Hotel on Portree pier or on the

pontoon, right at the end of the pier through the gates. Although the boat has a large cabin and wheelhouse, you are asked to be suitably dressed for the trip, with plenty of layers and a good waterproof jacket as well as strong footwear (especially if you are bringing a dog as the boat owners prefer dogs to travel outside where there is also plenty of seating). Most people prefer to travel outside where amazing views of the Skye cliffs can be seen.

In Case of Bad weatherWhen choosing to spend your holiday on a remote island, it’s important to realise that there may be occasions when weather will affect the boat trip to or from Rona – it’s all part of the island experience!Though delays to sailing either to or from Rona are rare, please make sure you don’t have any ‘can’t miss’ engagements eg flights or important appointments for a day or so after you are due to return in case of bad weather. All decisions relating to the boat and the suitability of the weather for making the trip to Rona are made at the Skipper’s sole discretion.

In the rare event of a postponed sailing, we’ll keep in contact with you to give an arranged time to check on the weather position for the next possible trip to Rona, leaving you free to enjoy Skye’s many attractions.

We will refund a proportional nightly amount of the amount you have paid for your accommodation here to contribute towards your expenses until the boat can sail. Portree Tourist information will help you find overnight accommodation if necessary.

Of course, you may always get stranded at the end of your week but we won’t charge you any extra for your extended stay! If bad weather is forecast for your departure day and you choose to leave earlier if a boat is able and available for you (always weather permitting), unfortunately we can’t refund any accommodation costs. It is wise to allow for a day or so’s extra food but Rona Lodge will have essentials should you run out.

Arriving in PortreeOnce arrangements for the boat have been confirmed with Bill you should be at the Pier, ready to depart at least 15 minutes before the agreed time. There is a large free car park at the Bayfield where we recommend guests leave their car. After unloading your vehicle for your trip to Rona, Bayfield is just a short drive and 5 minute walk back. It would be advisable to contact Portree Police station on 01478 612888 to inform them that your vehicle will be left there for the week. Whilst we have not had any problems with vehicles being left on Portree Pier, local hoteliers have requested that spaces in front of their businesses should be left free – especially in high season. Because of the early start, we advise purchasing provisions the night before departure to Rona - most accommodation in Portree will be happy to store cold/fresh items for you overnight.Please allow plenty of time to unpack your luggage and, if necessary purchase last minute provisions. PLEASE ENSURE YOU TAKE EVERYTHING YOU WILL NEED DURING YOUR STAY ON RONA – a list at the end of this leaflet suggests some useful ideas. We have various items of Rona produce available to buy on the island and will email an availability list the week before your arrival (please see guide of likely produce available below). Other food and supplies can be purchased from the Co-op Supermarket past Ewan MacRae’s garage on the Dunvegan Road in Portree or the smaller Co-Op on the corner of Wentworth Street. If you're utilising public transport, we would recommend using a local taxi to take you to the large Co-Op store or shopping in the town centre which has independent butchers, bakers, a delicatessen and small Co-Op supermarket.Alternatively, if passing through Broadford or Kyle of Lochalsh there are also Co-op SupermarketsOvernight accommodation in Portree can be organised with numerous hotels, B & Bs and hostels via an internet search or contact Portree Tourist Information for more details on 01478 612 137. Do feel free to contact us if you have any special requirements

A quick word about dogs…

Whilst we welcome well-behaved owners & their dogs, we should point out that in common with any other rural location, dogs must be kept under strict control whilst on the island.

We know that 99% of dog owners are respectful, however we have had livestock mauled & killed by the 1% that aren’t.

Despite our remote location, dogs can’t be allowed to run wild & uncontrolled or unsupervised. As well as our livestock of sheep & hens, the Rona wild deer herd & ground nesting birds are all vulnerable.

The normal common sense rules apply in the cottages – please ensure all dog mess is cleared form the gardens using the shovels provided.

Please don’t allow your dog in the bedrooms, or on furniture.

Please make sure that you leave your cottage free of dog hair at the end of your stay and please don’t use kitchen bowls or cottage towels for your dog (yes, it has happened…)

If the next-door cottage is occupied, please don’t leave your dog unsupervised in the garden – a constantly barking dog can ruin a neighbour’s holiday!

The garden fences may not be dog-proof, so please ensure your dog doesn’t escape and run free.

On no account should dogs be allowed into Escape, which we maintain as an allergy free cottage.

If your dog messes on or beside paths, please remove it into undergrowth or bag & take away with you with your refuse at the end of the stay – but please don’t throw poo bags into the undergrowth for us to deal with in the winter!

If we hear or see any problems caused by your dog’s behaviour, we will have to ask you to leave the island at your own expense (thankfully this has only happened once before…)

Delicious organic wild Venison from the Isle of Rona

Island grown venison, butchered, fresh-frozen & packaged in our own larder, the range available includes various cuts from our own recipe sausages & venison steak burgers to stews, mince, steaks, & roasts…Freezer packs available; vacuum packed & in insulated boxes so you can enjoy the taste of Rona at home. Packs start from £40 and can be made to your specification. sample selection illustrated below at £45 contains:

4 x loin steaksapprox 300g

1 x rump chumpapprox 200g

2 x frying steaksapprox 500g

1 x shankapprox 1kg

1 x rolled silverside roastapprox 750g

For orders or further details contact us at:ronalodge@isleofrona.com07831 293 963www.isleofrona.com

Arriving on RonaPlease take great care when boarding and disembarking the boat and only do so when instructed, as surfaces may be slippery. The island manager, Bill Cowie, will meet you on your arrival in Big Harbour, Rona. Bill will help you with your luggage and give you a full introduction to the island.

Because the previous week’s guests depart on the same boat that brings our next guests, we ask for your patience whilst we prepare the cottages for you. Make yourself at home in our shoreside bunkhouse where tea & coffee are available and where you can browse old photographs and historical information or explore the area around Big Harbour. You may wish to have a rucksack and packed lunch and perhaps your camera available with you, separate from the remainder of your luggage (which Bill will transport on a 4WD quad bike and trailer or tractor to the cottages when they are ready). When all three cottages are occupied, we will try to be as quick as we can, though we do want to maintain a high standard – we aim to get you into your cottage by early afternoon but on occasion this may be later if we have a particularly difficult cottage to clean!.

Bill will let you know when your cottage is ready and you can take the 25 minute walk from Big Harbour to Dry Harbour over a rocky road. The views are spectacular and you are encouraged to take your time. Please ensure that your luggage is packed as compactly as possible – ideally wrapped in plastic to keep it clean and dry. Any fragile items should be wrapped to prevent breakage as no liability can be accepted in the event of an accident.

Bill Cowie will be able to give you numerous ideas for walks and sights to visit on the island. He will also provide a full description of the cottages and operating procedures.

Above all, please respect your surroundings and do not disturb the wildlife – remember, take only photographs; leave only footprints.In the event of an emergency, please contact Bill and follow the procedure set out in the Island’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (stored in Rona Lodge).

Waste Waste is becoming an increasingly important issue on Rona and in the wider environment: please read the following

We request that you keep packaging that you bring onto the island to an absolute minimum, especially plastic.

Use the recycling bins we provide for thoroughly washed glass, cans & plastic.

Brown cardboard and vegetable peelings can be put in the compost bins provided.

Unfortunately the weight of paper/cardboard makes it impractical for us to transport for recycling so please use it to light your fires in the cottage, take it with you for recycling or leave magazines for others to enjoy.

Whilst we will recycle your waste, we would be delighted if you would take your (hopefully much reduced) waste and recycling away with you to the municipal recycling facilities/tip in Portree. With careful recycling and packing, most cottages can reduce a week’s waste to ½ a bin bag.

Departure from RonaWe request that you leave your cottage as clean as you found it to help prepare for the next guests.To allow Bill & Lorraine to clean the cottages, please vacate them when requested – usually around 9.15am. We run a ‘cleanest cottage’ competition which you are welcome to enter for the chance to win a week’s free holiday.Once again, Bill will transport all your belongings back to Big Harbour. Bill will confirm the timings of the boat for your return trip to Portree – as a guide it will be departing Rona at 10.30am on the Saturday following your arrival. But please be ready at Rona Lodge at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

RONA – recommended Kit ListThe following list is intended as a guide only and is not exhaustive.FOOD

- a full set of provisions to last you and your party for a week; (please read the section about waste regarding packaging). The cottages have salt & pepper but you will need to bring all other provisions (or have reserved them from our produce list to ensure their availability)

- the cottages have all the necessary crockery, cutlery, glasses, sharp knives, utensils, tins & pans( including the most asked for items – a corkscrew & a cafetiere!) to cater in comfort but do ask if there is anything specific that you need for your culinary wellbeing!

- The cottages are fully equipped with (Ecover) washing up liquid and laundry powder, tea towels, dishcloths, scourers & sponges, toilet rolls, foil, firewood, kindling, matches & firelighters.

- the water supply to the cottages is a natural spring. You may be advised to boil the tap water for drinking at certain times as a precaution because water quality can vary depending on weather conditions.

CLOTHING Walking Boots Wellingtons Waterproofs Indoor shoes/slippers Warm Jerseys Woollen Hat Sun hat Gloves Thick Socks Shorts Swimming Gear (!)

Rona, in common with the rest of Scotland can be warm and sunny one minute and wet and windy the next. You should take clothing to prepare yourself for these extremes. Believe it or not, one of our most common ailments suffered by guests is sunburn! The sun here can be very strong, and you can burn easily especially when there is a sea wind, so the usual precautions regarding sun exposure should be taken. Good waterproof clothing is essential. Each cottage has a washing machine/drier, but you should allow for every eventuality.

In common with much of the UK’s rural environment, there are ticks present on Rona. The best way of dealing with ticks is to be prepared. If you are walking the island, ticks can brush onto clothes from vegetation, so thoroughly check for ticks at the end of each day. Even though they can be small, you will usually be alerted by the resulting itch and irritation. If you do get a tick, don’t panic! We have tick removers at Rona Lodge – or you may wish to purchase one before arrival – especially if you have a dog. Most people are aware of ‘Lyme disease’ which can be contracted from ticks – there are awareness sheets in the cottages which show you warning signs to look out for, but please don’t worry unduly, it’s part of living in a rural location that isn’t drenched in toxic chemicals and easily manageable.

PERSONAL ITEMS Personal first aid kit/ Medical care

items Toilet Kit Extra towels for swimming and/or if

you are bringing a dog Sunscreen Midge repellant Sunglasses

OTHER USEFUL ITEMS Camera and plenty o Binoculars Notebook and pencils Bird and plant guide Torch and spare batteries Small day haversack Small Flask Compass Penknife Walking Stick Map

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Bill Cowie, Island Manager 07831 293 963 ronalodge@isleofrona.com

Portree Tourist Information 01478 612 137Scottish Citylink Coaches 08705 50 50 50 http://www.citylink.co.uk/Caledonian sleeper http://www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper/

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Web Site www.isleofrona.com

You will find lots more about Rona on our website including regularly updated pictures of the month which illustrate recent wildlife sightings.Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if there’s anything you aren’t sure of.We look forward to meeting you!