Review of Ben Scrien Cottage
Reviews from our community
19 reviews
6 hotel reviews
32 helpful votes
We arrived at Ben Scrien Cottage on a dark and driech Saturday night, after a rock and rolly sort of crossing from Mallaig to Lochboisdale. Sandra's directions had been helpful so at least the last driving leg of the journey was uneventful, but we were tired, queasy and a little apprehensive at what the week ahead might hold!
Therefore it was so lovely to open the door and be greeted by a warm, spotlessly clean house. Traditional Gaelic folk music was playing on the sound system. A welcome basket with wine, madeira cake, tablet and shortbread was laid out on the kitchen counter. It was like arriving to a big hug. That feeling stayed with us for the whole week.
At Sandra's suggestion, we had ordered provisions from the local shop which she had delivered to the cottage ready for our arrival. The cottage also boasts a seriously generous collection of books and leaflets about local flora and fauna, including OS maps and suggested walking routes on Eriskay, the Uists, and Barra. These were invaluable to us. There is also decent wifi.
Happily the weather picked up, and we enjoyed days of glorious sunshine. We walked up Ben Scrien, met the charming Eriskay ponies, and were rewarded with a 360 view of the entire island surrounded by blue and turquoise seas. We kayaked from the nearest beach (which we mostly had to ourselves) and swam in the sea. We ate at the local pub, the Am Politician, on two evenings and meandered back home the longer way, along the beaches and through the machair flowers. The sun sets over the sea in front of the cottage, and even if it's cloudy the evening light is spectacular.
We also went down to the village hall to play bingo with other holiday makers and locals - a great laugh, highly recommended.
One day, Sandra brought over eggs from her hens, and later on in the week sent over some delicious cooked crab claws, along with a hammer to break into them, which was much more fun than I had expected! She and her family were great hosts.
Eriskay is a really small island with just a smattering of houses but has a close-knit community feel to it, so although it's quiet it doesn't feel lonely. It's well placed for exploring Barra (there's a good ferry service between the two islands) and the Uists, thanks to the causeway. All our party loved both the island and the house and we were sad to leave at the end of our week, but all promised each other we'd be back.
315 reviews
73 hotel reviews
131 helpful votes
Lovely dog friendly cottage with great views. The proprietors are really friendly & helpful. The garden is totally enclosed - even our Jack Russell couldn't get out!
Loads of guides & maps available, and the local community shop is only 2 minutes walk away, And it sells everything you need.
The ferry to Barra is a 15 minute walk via the road; or 20 minutes along the beach.
A super week - thank you.
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
We really enjoyed our stay in Ben Scrien Cottage. The cottage is in a great position on this small and beautiful island. The shop and pub are within walking distance and has direct access to island walks. The accommodation is great and very well equipped with anything you could possibly need. Sandra, DJ and Mickey went out of their way to make sure that we had everything that we needed. Mickey even took me fishing and we caught breakfast for the next day.
6 reviews The cottage was spotlessly clean and very well appointed. The heating was on and a beautiful gift basket was there upon our arrival. The location could not have been better. Ben Scrien rose up directly behind the cottage easily accessible for pre breakfast climbing. The local store and the AM Politician were within minutes walking distance and the ferry to Barra was just down the road. Beautiful Beaches, interesting walks and easy hills were all at our doorstep. Sandra even brought us a mobile phone to use should ours not work on the island. Just wish we could have stayed longer.
3 reviews My husband and I and our two sons and their partners had the pleasure of staying here while on the island, as the family home was too full. I have passed this cottage many times and did not realise how beautiful it would be inside. The accomodation was absolutely spotlessly clean and very cosy. Sandra has clearly thought of everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. We were able to cook a super two course meal as the kitchen was amazingly well equipped, including a dishwasher to dispel any arguing over who would be washing the dishes. The beds were very comfortable, even the pillows, which can sometimes be an issue while away from home. I can honestly say it was the best nights sleep I had while not in my own bed. Thank you Sandra for making a sad reason for visiting into a bearable one.xx
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10 reviews
6 hotel reviews
5 helpful votes
My wife and I spent 10 wonderful days at Ben Scrien along with our two labradors. The cottage has a very secure fence around it which is a bonus if you're taking your dog on holiday as well. Sandra made us feel very welcome, and even dropped over some locally-caught seafood at one point. The sea views from the cottage are fine, although take just a short walk up the hill behind and they are stupendous! The cottage itself is in a wonderful location with lots of walking within a stones throw - both beaches and hills. The local shop stocks just about anything you might need, and is a 5 min walk away. The local pub (Am Politician) was not a high point of the holiday, however, in fairness it doesn't really set out to cater for tourists. As an alternative, the Polochar pub about 15 mins drive away on South Uist has a great menu.
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7 reviews
First trip to the Beautiful Outer Hebrides.
Arrived at picturesque 'Ben Scrien' cottage after a long trip from West Yorkshire. Cottage immaculately prepared with gentle music and welcome hamper greeting us on our arrival. Susan, the owner, popped her head around the door and gave us a lovely warm welcome to Eriskay. The cottage was ideally situated for the Uists and Barra, nestling at the bottom of Eriskay's principle land mark, Beinn Scriathan (186m) - an ideal post breakfast wander to say hello to the famous Eriskay ponies.
The Uists and Eriskay in particular are known for the Machair - fertile low-lying grassy plains on the west of the islands literally covered in wild flowers such as orchids, ragged robin, clovers, vetches etc. A beautiful sight.
The islands abound with wildlife including both golden and sea eagles, red deer, otters, seals, dolphins, whales and too many bird species to mention.
You could walk directly from Ben Scrien to the most spectacular beaches on Eriskkay or hop in the car and go and explore. One memorable trip is to jump on the local roll on roll off ferry to Barra from Eriskay and visit the 'coolest' airport/cafe in the world and see the planes land on the beach before exploring more beautiful beaches on Barra and its neighbour Vartersay.
Ben Scrien proved an ideal launch pad for a great week, with family and friends, exploring the islands and blowing the cobwebs away. Maybe it was a little tight for 6 adults but would be perfect for a young family who do not want the usual two weeks in 'Costa del Grot' and wish to get away from the rat run. Pet friendly too, so 'Scout' the Springer could come and enjoy the Hebrides as well!
The islands have lots to offer. Try a 'Lady Jane' boat trip with Skipper Nick - maybe you too will get a chance to see a Sea Eagle 'feed' close quarters.
Magical place. We'll be back.
Chris
| How easy was it to book the property? | How easy was key pickup/access to the property? |
| Overall condition of the property | Bedding & mattresses |
| Kitchen & utensils | Bathroom cleanliness |
| Other facilities & amenities | Service |
| Friends getaway | Families with young children |
| People with pets |
- Was the property as advertised?
- Would you recommend the location of this property?
- Was it a good value for the price paid?
- Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?
