Can I bring my dogs/pet?

YES – the island is great for accommodating well behaved dogs, up to three per property. We do ask for a surcharge per dog though, see booking extras. You will need to bring dog towels and beds with you or they can be hired directly when you book or using your guest log in.

Dogs must be under control and kept on a lead whenever in the vicinity of the cattle who roam free over the island. During the summer months they are kept in the out-bye land away from the cottages.
Please ensure you bring relevant tick prevention and removal equipment (tick tweezers) and check your dogs after each adventure.
Unfortunately cats and other pets are NOT permitted, in order to protect the island’s biodiversity.

Is Carna a child friendly place? Can we bring a baby?

Carna is a family owned island and we have all been coming since we were small children.  Carna’s peace and tranquility, lack of roads and external visitors, as well as excellent den-making facilities, means it is a safe place for adventurers of all ages and great for children to explore.

It is important to be aware of safety whatever you are doing on and around Carna, it is a natural and untamed environment which needs to be treated with respect.

We do advise that you don’t bring children under two years old however, as the island is that extra bit remote for infants, should you have any medical issues. Do give us a ring or email us to discuss further if you are unsure.
Please note that baby equipment, such as monitors or sterilisers, cannot be plugged in, so they need to be manual or run on batteries.
On request, we can also provide you with a travel cot, high chair, fireguard, and an appropriate lifejacket.

Length of Stay? Deposits? Confirmation? Cancellations?

It is possible to book a holiday on any start day outside of peak times, April to October, just simply select your property and dates through our short break enquiry process and we’ll try and arrange things for you. Please be aware that as prices are based on a Saturday changeover, any weeks that cross over price bands would be charged at the combined price. For other dates, start days please do get in touch by email or phone 01972500208 or hello@isleofcarna.co.uk
We take a non-refundable deposit of £500 per cottage, at the time of booking. We then require the full balance 8 weeks before arrival. If booked inside 8 weeks, confirmation of booking will only be given on receipt of the full balance.
You will receive a booking confirmation when a deposit payment has been made. A second confirmation, along with directions to the property will be sent when your holiday is paid in full.
Cancellations received more than 8 weeks prior to the date of play will not incur a charge beyond losing the deposit. Unfortunately those received less than 8 weeks before the start date are non-refundable.  Please contact us should you require to cancel on 01972 500208 initially then provide written confirmation to hello@isleofcarna.co.uk

I don’t know anything about boats?  Is this the place for me?

YES – do not worry, members of our team will greet you when you arrive and take you, and all your luggage, to the island.  On Carna you will then receive full safety and handling training, this covers all who wish to pilot the boat and we also make sure all passengers are trained for safety procedures and how to behave around a motorboat.
The team will be available via WhatsApp or VHS radio for any further questions.
We often have boat novices, do not worry. We will make sure you are comfortable in using the boats.  You do not need a qualification, but do need to be over 18 years old.
Alternatively, as you are collected and returned to the mainland, you may not feel the need to leave the island during your stay and so never need to drive the boat.

Can I fish? Is there any fishing tackle provided?

YES – you can fish in the loch from the boat provided or from the shore. We can rent you equipment and point out the good spots or you can bring your own. Mackerel are plentiful in the loch during the summer, easy to catch and taste fantastic cooked fresh as can be! The area has a lot of great seafood such as langoustine, lobsters, mussels and  scallops amongst others. River fishing is available on the mainland for salmon and trout also.

The island looks great but what about day trips? What is in the house? BBQs?

Please refer to our THINGS TO DO pages for a full list. Andy and the team can take you on various private charters for your group direct from the island, to places such as Tobermory on Mull, Muck and the Cairns of Coll, as well as those places situated more locally. They can also help you to organise activities further afield, such as kayaking, mountain biking and what and where to visit in the area.

The cottages both have a permanent BBQs, but part of the fun can be building your own or having a transportable one. Open fires are allowed on the stony beach but guests must be aware at all times of the risk of hill fires.

If you need help creating that true wilderness experience contact us and we’ll give you simple instructions – safety and otherwise, for your Bear Grylls moments.

What does this mean? 

The island does not have conventional electrical power, it being provided instead by a new solar/batteries system backed up by a generator. This system does provide for the electric fridge (standard larder fridge size, with a freezer section) and the charging of small devices such as a mobile phone but does not operate larger and more intense appliances such as hairdryers, laptops, electric kettles etc.
But, with a gas cooker, gas fired hot water and plenty of fireplaces you have everything you need to stay warm, have hot baths and cook fine meals, you also get a break from the beeping and ringing of modern technology, as evenings are spent talking, reading, playing games or looking at the beautiful views; rather than staring at screens of one sort or another.
Carna House has gas lights which create a special atmosphere found nearly nowhere else nowadays and provide plenty of warmth. Carna Cottage has electric lighting and cosy lamps.

Can I receive a mobile signal? Can I charge devices?

YES – as cover for our emergency services improves around the loch so too does phone cover. You may need to wander along the shore from Carna House, there is an outdoor wifi signal available around the byre and indoor wifi in Carna Cottage.  
Both houses have limited electricity but you can charge small items like a mobile phone 24hrs a day. We think you will enjoy living without the interruption of devices and enjoying a digital detox.

What should I bring? Where can I buy food?

Bring as much as you think you will need (there is plenty of space on the boat for us to take it over to the island).Consider bringing long life milk for instance.
A trip from the island to the Ardnamurchan mainland allows you to stock up (as well as some extra sightseeing).
There is a starter pack of standard items to cover your stay, such as tea, coffee, sugar, salt and pepper in each property.
If driving from Glasgow airport there are large supermarkets close by and then smaller local stores along the way, including The Jetty Shop at Salen and local shops with cash machines at Strontian.

Recycling

We can recycle plastic, card and paper. This goes in the blue wheelie bin in the byre. Household waste goes in the green wheelie bin. We have no glass collection and all glass must be taken away when you leave. There are bottle banks in both Acharacle and Strontian.

Waste food goes in the food digesters / composters.

What else should I bring?  Walking boots vs Wellies?

Packing priority, ensure your luggage and food are packed in sturdy, waterproof containers. Whilst being transferred from car to cottage it may be exposed to Scottish weather for up to an hour. Consider carefully what you bring as you will be carrying it on and off the boat.
Canoes, kayaks and other small watercraft will either be carried on the transfer boat or towed behind it.
Guests have arranged stores and luggage to be delivered to Laga by courier. Useful if you are flying, motorcycling or travelling by public transport. We can store items until your arrival.

• Sun cream – this may surprise some but in the spring and summer months it can be very sunny. 
• Insect Repellent, essential to help avoid ticks and midges. 
• Waterproofs – trousers and anoraks are good for burn scrambles (climbing up rivers and waterfalls) and climbing in and out of boats. 
• Gloves and hats – for cold weather and protection whilst handling ropes on the boat and exploring the island. 
• Books, cards, board games and spare batteries – We have reduced items available to improve Covid infection control.
• Camera – to record your adventures.

Wellies are essential, as best for navigating the many untrodden paths, inlets and boat trips, however walking boots are good for long rambles and climbing over rocks.  Ensure you bring comfortable socks and maybe a pair of indoor shoes too. The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum on the drive up from Glasgow is a good place to stop, as well as multiple stores in Fort William.
Carna has a small number of paths around and across it, as well as animal trails, you can wander freely but we ask that you consider the wildlife and cause minimum disturbance to keep the impact down. We will explain where to go and what to look out for during your introductory walk.
We provide ALL household linen and towels and although there are no laundry facilities on the island there is a washing machine, tumble dryer and drying room available at our base at Laga Bay.
We do not provide beach or dog towels but they are available for hire, please see booking extras.

How do we get to the island? Where do I leave the car? Planning your arrival.

Please note that access to the shore to depart has changed and we now have a new access track. Please do not use the old track via the fish farm. Thank you!

Arrive at the departure point at Laga Bay approximately one hour prior to the boat leaving for the island. This allows time to unload and park your car and load your supplies into the boat. Obviously this time will vary with the amount of luggage you have. If this is your first visit to the island it is a good idea to contact us by phone or email before your holiday to discuss this further Tel 01972500208 or email hello@isleofcarna.co.uk

• Carna House, the boat departs Laga Bay at 14.30, suggested arrival time at Laga Bay 13.00.
• Carna Cottage, the boat departs Laga Bay at 15.30, suggested arrival time at Laga Bay 14.00.

Our team led by Andy Jackson is based at Laga Bay, where you will unpack your car and belongings. We provide full transfers from Laga Bay on the covered Charter boat “Laurenca 2” for people, pets, luggage and food.
There is parking for a single car in our car park at Laga Bay. Extra cars or outsize vehicles may be asked to park in our nearby private car park, providing safe off road mainland parking.

Who else is on the island?

There are two properties that we rent and manage on the island, so there may well be other visitors, unless you have taken both properties.  They are some distance apart and so maintaining your own space, keeping pet dogs apart etc. has never been an issue.
There is a third private cottage on the island, away from the other properties which is occasionally occupied. They use a different buoy for their boat, so if they are on the island, you may not see them.
The Isle of Carna has plenty of space over its 600 acres, so your privacy and tranquility will not be affected.

Occasionally there may be researchers and conservationists visiting the island during your stay to carry out surveys and essential conservation and environmental work.

Accidents and illness on the island

In case of accident or illness contact Andy Jackson by WhatsApp or telephone. Contact will be set up on your arrival. Appropriate action will then be taken and help given.

In a life threatening emergency help is available via the emergency services dial 999, VHS mayday and via Andy at base.

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