 |  | | From the Guest Book for 201020-27 February 2010 - Margaret, Raymond & Katie Peers, Ayr: What a location for a house! We were forced(!) to have breakfast in bed several times [enjoying the views]. The geese and chickens provided lots of entertainment - who needs a television! As expected the house is well equipped and tastefully decorated. We hope to be back in the near future. Sorry to be leaving in the morning! ^
03-10 April 2010 - David & Caroline Kirkwood, Erskine, Renfrewshire: We took the plane to Barra and landed on the beach - what a great experience! We arrived at Carrick and ws delighted with the quality of the house inside and out. The views around are stunning - especially when we had great weather at the Easter weekend. Eriskay is such a lovely small island with great beaches and friendly people. Highly recommended! ^
17-24 April 2010 - Simon & Cathy Broomfield, Ulverston, Cumbria: We have had an amazing week! Carrick is just perfect - comfortable and well-equipped. We gave enjoyed many walks straight from the house door, with the dogs loving the beaches and the lochs. We have also explored South Uist, North Uist and Benbecula, and we even took a day trip across the water to Harris. Such a striking landscape and teeming with wildlife: we spotted our first sea eagle. Highly recommended is the peat-smoked salmon from the Hebridean Smokehouse, served on oatcakes from MacClean bakery - yum yum! Also go and see the seals at Fudaigh. We followed lots of the walks in the Western Isles walks booklet in the folder, all great - numbers 24, 27, 29 especially good. The short guided walk at RSPB Balranald reserve (North Uist) revealed an area teeming with ground-nesting birds (dogs to be on short leads). So lovely to come back each day to comfort and superb views at Carrick. A great holiday that we highly recommend to all. ^
01-08 May 2010 - Peter and Barbara O’Brien, Felixstowe, Suffolk: Our first day 1 May 2010 already in love with Carrick, the island scenery, peace and solitude. Who says you have to die before you go to heaven! Just visit the Western Isles. Whatever you need, Carrick has it. ^
08-14 May 2010 - Eileen & Rob Armstrong, Sleat, Isle of Skye We’ve had a wonderful stay in Carrick. We’ve marvelled at the fantastic scenery, colours and big skies and felt ourselves very much at home in Carrick - the minute we stepped in the door. It isn’t just Eriskay and the other islands to experience and enjoy - this goes equally for the house. Great memories of walking the dogs along the west coast beaches, watched by the seals popping their heads out of the waves, the turquoise colour of the sea, the wild primroses and not forgetting our temporary new neighbours - the geese, hens and sheep. Can’t wait to return. With many thanks and good wishes. ^
15-22 May 2010 - Carol & John Burgis and family, Ness, Isle of Lewis: A very relaxing week in this lovely house. Superb mussels from the bay down the road - complete with tiny pearls! Weather excellent for the first half of the week, then very misty, but it really didn’t matter at all as to stay in the house is so lovely and peaceful - just what we needed. ^
29 May - 05 June 2010 - Sue & Phil Robins, Ilkley, West Yorkshire: This was our second visit to Carrick and we loved it just as much as our first. Weather was mainly fine and sunny, and even the rain showers today on Barra just made the scenery look even more magnificent. We found another lovely walk: Park across the causeway in South Glendale, just past the small mast. Head up the track to the mast, then keep going up until you reach a series of summit cairns. Head down toward the lochan and back to the beautiful beach at South Glendale. Try to arrive at low tide if you can. Thank you again, Denise and Jonathan - the house is just fabulous. ^
05-12 June 2010 - David & Sarah, Colin & Ceri, Hull, East Yorkshire: After having spent a wonderful week here in Carrick, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and hope one day to return to the Western Isles. Carrick has been a very comfortable and well-equipped base for our day-trips on the islands. I am keen on the colour, style and location of the house. I have particularly enjoyed the commanding view of the bay and have found Eriskay to have plent to offer in its own right. After enjoying a hearty cooked breakfasts we’ve taken day excursions to sample the landscapes and wildlife the islands have to offer. We have been extremely fortunate with the weather with glorious sunshine on all but one day here. I strongly recommend - - Loch Druidibeag Nature Reserve - A day trip to Barra - Loch Aineort (east side of South Uist) - RSPB reserve at Balranald in North Uist The house has been superb. Life without broadband has been hard but the Polochar Inn offers it to customers via wi-fi. A bit strange there was no freezer here. [Several previous guests have said they didn’t even use the freezer compartment of the old fridge - but they wanted more room for fresh food. J+D] Many thanks for a memorable experience. PS The eggs were excellent! ^
12-19 June 2010 - Elsa and Jan Jettinghoff, Netherlands: Our second time at Carrick and enjoyed it again very much. Fine weather, lovely sunsets, the machair, seals, the red deer. It was all wonderful! Hope to return next year. Thank you very much, Denise and Jonathan! Elsa It is very nice to come back to a home where you have spent a good time. The surroundings are so magnificent that we’ll never forget our stay in Eriskay! ^
19-26 June 2010 - John, Sarah, Gabriel and Robin Wright, Devon: We’ve had a gret time discovering Eriskay, Barra and the Uists and have enjoyed the house as our base for exploring. We particularly enjoyed watching gannets diving in the sea right in front of the house, hearing the corncrakes all around us, the fantastic sandy beaches (our favourites are Princes beach in Eriskay and the beach at Vatersay Bay south of Barra). A day trip to Barra is well worth it for many reasons, not least for the journey itself. For food we recommend the Polochar Inn for lunch or dinner. A trip to Kallin Shellfish in Grimsay island is particularly recommended - and their prices are very reasonable. The gooseberry preserve and the eggs from Denise and Jonathan’s Big Garden [just across the water in South Uist] are delicious. ^
26 June - 03 July 2010 - Phil & Brenda Jameson, Essex A really nice house - very comfortable and warm (too warm at times). [We’ve since made changes to the ventilation system to limit solar gain during still sunny weather - J+D]. Some improvements would be a freezer and better TV reception [digital TV switchover was the next week - now perfect reception - J+D] We had a very relaxing week and the weather wasn’t too bad. I’d definitely come again and would recommend it to my friends and colleagues. ^
03-09 July 2010 - Helena & Jim Cameron, Aberdeen A lovely house - a great relief to find spotlessly clean and welcoming home after a long journey with a puncture along the way. Gale force winds blew rain showers away and made walking on the beach exciting! Nice lunches at Hebridean Jewellery centre and Hebridean Kitchen. A mirror in the pink bedroom would be handy. [Denise: Now added]. Will recommend to friends. ^ |
|  |  | | 10-17 July 2010 - Charrington Family, Isle of Mull: Had a really good time. Nice and comfy beds. Nice place to sit outside. Loved view and see gannets flying. Thank you! Martha. I joined my frieds on the 12th. I had a fab time, the beaches were fun. Lovely cottage, comfortable beds and sofas. I hope to come again. Agatha ^
17-24 July 2010 - Carolyn & Steven Clode, Clackmannanshire: Our first visit to the Hebrides and Carrick was a perfect base. The house was lovely - well equipped and comfortable. It was great to sit in the lounge and watch the sea and sky change with the weather. We went to Barra but though Princes Beach [here in Eriskay] was hard to beat, especially walking with the dogs in the morning when you can normally expect to have it to yourself. Our best wildlife spots were at Loch Eynort/Aineort - otters, seals, and even eagles. Thanks for a great week! ^
25 July - 07 August 2010 - Rosemary & David Wickstead and Family, London An enjoyable second visit for us to his lovely place - it felt like coming home! Made good use of our bikes (hired from Rothan at Howmore). This year we did quite well for wild food: fish caught from the causeway, mushrooms a-plenty at the headland, lobsters from Ludag and cockles and mussels from South Glendale. Oh, and one warm egg brought straight from the hens nest! Thanks - Rosemary. The perfect place to wake up in. Thoroughly relaxing and a complete break/rest from Brixton in London! Enjoyed borrowing a book from the Everyman collections in the Eriskay Community Centre. David ^
07-14 August 2010 - Hazel, Stephen, Amy & Calum Campbell, Aberdeen: We’ve had a fab time exploring all the local beaches especially at South Glendale and Princes Beach. Seals seen on beaches at Benbecula and Loch Skipport too. Walked from Oransay island to the Polochar Inn for a fab tea. Carrick with its views was great base - so comfy and homely. Missed a freezer but such minor thing in such a great holiday house. Kids already planning a return trip! [The great freezer debate continues! J+D] ^
14-21 August 2010 - Liz, Chris, Same and Joe, Bristol: Great week, and fab house, thanks. Lovely walks on South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist - not to mention local strolls around Eriskay. Great cycle trip around Barr. Wonderful eggs, tomatoes and onions from The Big Garden. Thank you! ^
21-28 August 2010 - Amanda and Mel, The Wirral: The house took our breath away when we first walked in and we have loved every minute of being in it. We have so much enjoyed watching the sunsets, the moonlight, rainclouds and sun from each window - just like being outside, but inside. It has been a real pleasure staying here - thanks. Amanda. The people of these islands are so warm and friendly - the scenery and the chats have made it a heart-warming holiday. Mel ^
28 August - 04 September 2010 - Fiona and Michelle, Glasgow: A wonderful home - very comfortable, and with great views. A great week’s holiday - cycling around Barra and North Uist on great day trips. Lovely beaches: best was Traigh Ear in Barra. Watched seals at Acarsaid Mhor in Eriskay and South Loch Aineort in South Uist. Still in search of an otter though! Birds fantastic. Fish van, Wednesday 6pm at community centre, Eriskay (by shop) - wonderful selection. ^
04-11 September 2010 - Jon & Kellie, Wirral: Thank you, Denise and Jonathan! We have had an amazing week. The house is second to none - we can’t fault it. The islands are truly wonderful - such a relaxed and beautiful place. The best thing I can say is that we will be back again as soon as we can! ^
25 September - 02 October 2010 - Paul and Cathy, Burwell, Cambridgeshire: We had a wonderful relaxing week here in Eriskay. The house is fantastic - with the most amazing views - what a location! We’ve enjoyed so many things ... discovering each island, the gorgeous beaches, watching seals and walking through the varied landscapes. Thanks for this opportunity to sty in such a wonderful place. Thanks Denise - you’re a heroine! ^
02-08 October 2010 - Eileen & Rob Armstrong, Sleat, Isle of Skye with Grumpy George and The Bonny Queane: Denise & Jonathan - if you arrive one morning and find the house gone - that will be due to Grumpy George and I nicking it and taking it back to Skye.. What a warm, inviting, serene and special house you have created here. We have loved being here: watching the changing waters and colours; seeing the geese and hens roaming peacefully; out and about visiting the white beaches, the islands and seeing all the wildlife. Grumpy George has had great difficulty finding a place not worth of a photo! We leave reluctantly, but relaxed and revived! ^
09-15 October 2010 - Shona, Leslie, Cathy and Audrey, and Ruby the dog: Arrived with jigsaws and DVDs as really expecting foul October weather. However we were suprised with sunny days and inviting seas - almost wished I’d brought my swimming costume. Lovely house with beautiful views and very comfortable beds We’ll be back next year! ^
16-22 October 2010 - Kerr Family, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire : A lovely house, with comfy beds. I liked climbing the hill beside the house. I love the colour of the house - it is cool! Susannah (Age 13) I love the house too - it’s great it has games but I don’t like the colour of the house Alice (Age 9). We have had a great week - weather mixed but some spectacular sunshine ensured unforgettable views from the top of Beinn Scrien. We loved Prince’s Beach and also went to Barra, drove down to Vatersay - what beautiful beaches there, too! The house is lovely - very warm and comfortable and well equipped except for the lack of a freezer! We’ve enjoyed watching the weather rolling in, and all the bird life. Thank you - we hope to visit again some time! ^
31 October - 04 November 2010 - Julie Thorburn and Daniel, Calendar, Perthshire: Perfection! All you people wanting a freezer - get a life! Denise, Jonathan - change nothing, leave that to the weather. We’ve had a magical, unforgettable few days and thank you so very much for sharing this haven!^
23 December 2010 - 06 January2011 - Jackie and Robert Hand, Garve, Ross-shire: It has all been said by those who found this wonderful place before we did - perfect home, perfect location and an idyllic two weeks. Arriving in the snow for Christmas was an added bonus! Only one really wet and miserable day - it had to be the one we went to Barra and Vatersay! Never mind - we saw a lovely big dog otter come down the bank and over the road to the water and got photos of the plane taking off from the beach. The Polochar Inn is so convenient and a lovely place to go for great food. Berneray was well worth the drive too. Guess we shall have to come back to get some serious walking done. Thanks you, Jonathan and Denise for a super place to stay, lovely eggs and lots of information. ^
[Denise: The great freezer controversy! We have now obtained a small worktop freezer to go in the utility. But before you pack up with frozen food from your own local Sainsbury, Waitrose, Tesco or Morrisons and risk it all spoiling en-route, you can buy these things here in our co-op shops, and at the same prices you pay in the same shops where you are: so why not save yourself some hassle and show some support our island economy? ^
Guest comments from 2009 >
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