FAQs
WHAT IS PROVIDED?
What will I find in my holiday cottage or apartment?
- All bed linen and towels
- Dishcloths, tea towels, washing up liquid, a few dishwasher tablets, a couple of toilet rolls, one or two bin liners and all essential cleaning products with the exception of washing detergent
- A selection of tea and coffee sachets and milk portions
- A welcome folder with all the information you will need for your stay
If your property has a fire, we will provide matches. If you order coal, we will provide some firelighters. We aim to provide enough essentials for a short stay, but please note that if you are staying for longer you may wish to bring or buy more to last you for the duration of your stay.
What do I need to bring or buy?
- Kindling
ELECTRICITY
Is electricity usage charged separately?
Yes - the electricity in your accommodation is provided on a pay as you use basis. We feel this is fairer to those who use less heating than adding a preordained sum to your bill.
Do staff take the meter readings for guests?
Yes, our housekeeping team will read your meter at the start and end of your stay. We will then calculate your usage and be in touch for payment via email.
DIRECTIONS
What are the directions to the cottages or the Backpackers Lodge?
You will be sent directions to your specific accommodation in your information pack after booking.
What are the directions to the apartments, Colonsay House Gardens and Cafe, or the Colonsay Holidays office?
Turning right at the end of the pier, continue past the playground, shop and petrol pump then keep going for 3 miles over a cattle grid, up the hill, round the S bends, past the loch, over another cattle grid, and at the end of the long straight road turn left. Take a right turn at the Y junction and follow the road to the left (not straight ahead through private gates). After ½ mile, turn right through the cattle grid to Colonsay House and follow this road across a further cattle grid until you see a sign directing you to the car park. From the car park, walk towards the gap in the wall and straight ahead you'll see a bike shed. Turn right and you'll see the entrance to the Gardens and Cafe. Keep going and you'll see the Colonsay Holidays office, then a courtyard. For the Apartments, walk through the courtyard and follow the directions in your information pack. The what3words location for the car park is ///bulbs.results.sediment.
BOOKING DATES & CANCELLATION
Can I change dates or move my booking to another property?
We can transfer your booking to different dates if we can relet the property, subject to a £100 administration fee per change. However if we are not able to relet the property, then you would need to make a new booking. It is essential that you let us know as soon as possible if you need to change the date of the booking, to allow time for the property to be relet. You may be required to pay an additional deposit or booking fee that would then be credited back you if the original property is relet.
What if I need to cancel?
All bookings are non-refundable, however we will offer a credit note for a future booking if we can relet the property, less a £100 admin charge.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled on the day I am due to check in or out?
If the ferry is cancelled on the day you are due to check in, unfortunately we can't offer any refund due to days missed due to ferry cancellation. If the ferry is cancelled on the day you are due to check out, we will allow you to stay on in the property for a pro rata nightly charge, provided the property is available. We recommend taking out travel insurance to cover accommodation costs in the event of a ferry cancellation. If the ferry is cancelled for non-weather related reasons, CalMac will repay any additional accommodation expenses for guests who need to book additional accommodation on Colonsay or Oban. This can be done by filling out a passenger claim form on the CalMac website, here.
ACCESS
Do I need to collect a key?
No, the key will be in the door of the property ready for your arrival.
TRANSPORT & EV CHARGING
Can I request transport to and from my cottage?
We can transport you and your luggage for a charge of £25 per one way trip. This will need to be arranged in advance with the Colonsay Holidays office - email us for more information.
Is there any electric vehicle charging on the island?
Details of EV charging points on the island can be found here. One is located at the pier in Scalasaig and operated by Charge Place Scotland; it is a requirement to register with them through their website before charging. You can find the charge point by the car parking lanes, between the storage container and the entrance to the public toilets. The other charging point is located at the Pantry café, also in Scalasaig. This port can be accessed during Pantry opening house and can be left on overnight by arrangement with business owner Gavin. The contact number for The Pantry is 01951 200 325. There is also a charging point at The Colonsay Estate Office that we use to charge our staff vehicles. Charging can be done here by prior arrangement for a fee. Email us or call into the office during opening hours to discuss.
WHEN ARE THE COLONSAY GARDENS & CAFE OPEN?
When is the Gardens Cafe open?
The Colonsay House private gardens and cafe are open from early April to September on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 5pm. In October, the gardens and cafe are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 - 4.30pm. There is a small entrance fee to the gardens.
Can I visit the gardens when the Gardens Cafe is closed?
Not usually, but it may be possible by prior arrangement - please phone 01951 200312 or email us for more information.
DOGS
Are dogs allowed in the cottages and apartments?
We welcome well-behaved dogs in our cottages for a small additional charge. Dogs are allowed in all of our cottages, but are not permitted in the Backpackers Lodge or the apartments, except for Stable Apartment. Smaller properties allow one dog, while larger properties can accommodate up to two dogs.
Are dogs allowed in the café / Colonsay House Gardens?
Yes, on a lead.