Mingro Rothiesholm

Mingro is a cottage in Rothiesholm, on the island of Stronsay in Orkney. It's just the one cottage, detached, right by the beach. At high tide, the sea is very close to the back door.

It sleeps two. One bedroom, one bathroom. It's got a 3 Star rating, so it's clean and comfortable but not luxurious. There's a wood burning stove for heat and atmosphere. The garden is enclosed.

There's no WiFi or television here. It's a place to properly switch off. You can bring books, or just watch the sea. The beach is about fifty yards away and you'll likely have it to yourself.

Getting here is part of it. You take a ferry from the Scottish mainland to Orkney, then another from Kirkwall to Stronsay. You can also fly from Kirkwall, which only takes a few minutes. From the Stronsay airstrip it's about five miles to the cottage. You can walk, cycle, or get a taxi.

Stronsay is known for its empty beaches. Rothiesholm is right outside. St Catherine's Bay is good for digging for razor clams, and Mill Bay is where people go to find sea glass. It's also a bird reserve.

There's a good coastal walk to the Vat of Kirbister, which is a large sea arch. You'll see sea stacks, caves, and lots of birds. You might see puffins in season.

For history, there are Iron Age brochs and Norse sites like the old Viking harbour. The heritage centre in Whitehall village, about five miles away, covers the herring fishing history. That's also where the shop, pub, and restaurant are.

Facilities are straightforward. Washing machine, bedding and towels included, parking. One well-behaved pet is welcome.

Useful links for planning: Visit Orkney for general information and Historic Environment Scotland for details on the ancient sites.