Tigh Mairi Carragraich

Tigh Mairi is our place up near Carragraich on Harris. It’s a detached croft house, up a hill. The track up to it is steep and there’s a cattle grid.

It sleeps five. Three bedrooms, one bathroom. It’s got a 3 Star rating. We put in a new shower and two double beds a couple of years ago, and the cooker is new this year. There’s no dishwasher.

The main thing is the view. It looks right out over the island of Scalpay. You can see the water from most rooms.

A few things to know. It’s not a modern refurbishment. It’s a traditional house, so it’s got heaters and an open fire but not central heating. Phone signal inside isn’t great, but there’s a landline for emergencies. The WiFi works, but it’s the same as everywhere here: it’s slow. You might not mind.

You’re about 400 yards from the shoreline. Tarbert is four miles away for shops, a post office, a couple of pubs, and places to eat. The Harris Gin Distillery and the Tweed Shop are there too.

Outside, there’s a patio and garden. Parking is on site. It’s fine for two well-behaved dogs. Bedding and towels are included, and there’s a washing machine.

For getting out, the Clisham – the highest peak in the Western Isles – is a short drive. The famous beaches on the west coast, like Luskentyre, are about a 30 minute drive south. The landscape up north is more rugged, around The Bays.

Useful links if you’re planning: VisitScotland for Harris and National Trust for Scotland for St Kilda.