FLODIGARRY COUNTRY HOUSE

A country-house Isle of Skye high

WE'RE ON THE ISLE  of Skye’s romantic north-east coast. Sheltered in the lee of Quiraing Mountain, Flodigarry sits safely above the waves of Staffin Bay. Quaint whitewashed Flora’s Cottage is tucked into the secluded grounds beside this original 19th century house with its pretty garden. Here’s where legendary Scottish heroine Flora MacDonald lived after helping Bonnie Prince Charlie flee Culloden’s battlefield in 1746.

Flodigarry is a great-value escape for those seeking peace and seclusion. You'll find warmly furnished rooms, crackling fires in winter and a true traditional Highland feel. Bedrooms charm with plenty of antiques, tartans and wood and (in some) Victorian cast iron baths.

Panoramic sea and mountain views abound. Dinners are served by candlelight, and menus major on  fresh caught seafood, garden-grown produce and home-baked breads. Enjoy a dram of Talisker house malt later or join in a foot-tapping ceilidh complete with pipe and fiddles on some nights.

Whale and wildlife watching

The owners tend Flodigarry with panache. Flora’s Cottage makes an appealing hideout, while the Quiraing and Torridon rooms enjoy four-posters and outstanding views. Enjoy relaxed silver-service dining  that’s big on seafood, beef and game. Share whispers in the secret lovers’ garden, take scenic walks, go whale or wildlife watching or set sail on a boat trip (and fish for your supper).


Flodigarry Country House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Tuck into traditional Scottish fare with a contemporary twist: creel caught Staffin Bay prawns in garlic butter, traditional haggis with clapshot cake (slices of potato and turnip in a creamy cheese sauce) and onion gravy, and Flodigarry clootie dumplings (steamed pudding) with Talisker cream. There's an informal cafe-bar here for light bites and white-linen evening dining.

Dining out
The Three Chimneys restaurant at Dunvegan has a great reputation, even though it’s about 60 miles away. That’s Skye for you.

See & Do
It’s almost all about the great outdoors here. Take a boat trip to spot seals, otters and even sharks, go whale watching and set off on a hike up the mountains behind the hotel to see the strange Quiraing rock formations. The Talisker Distillery is the only indoor treat you shouldn’t miss.

Shop
Go home smelling as good as you feel after visiting The Isle of Skye Soap Company in Portree.

After dark
Flodigarry hosts regular Scottish ceilidhs, so be ready for some malt whisky tasting and foot-tapping music.

Dates
May
Skye Music Festival is one of Scotland’s best kept secrets – occasionally with top bands.

August
See the locals show off their talents at the Isle of Skye Highland Festival.

GETTING THERE

Location
Staffin, Isle of Skye IV51 9HZ

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Kyle of Lochalsh station – 50 miles

Taxis
GBP 60-70 to the station

Airport
Inverness – 135 miles


ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 140 - 200

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Cooked breakfast is served until 10am. Definitely worth getting up for are the Loch Fyne kippers and porridge with a Talisker splash.

Room service
Available morning and evening

Children
No restrictions

Pets
Dogs are welcome

Air conditioning
No

Languages
English, German, French, Thai and Czech

Wedding license?
Yes – weddings (with a marquee) can cater for up to 200 guests.

Eco conscience
The kitchen uses home-grown vegetables, fruits and herbs. Flodigarry also rears its own beef.

Coming soon
2008 will see a barn converted into a venue for traditional Scottish dancing.