If the cottages have been occupied the previous week, we invite you to spend a while exploring the Big Harbour area while we clean and prepare what will be your home for the next week.  Tea and coffee are available -  why not bring a packed lunch to keep with you and make the most of your time at this end of the island.

When your cottage is ready, you can take the mile or so walk from Big Harbour over the hill track to Dry Harbour.  On the way, the spectacular  location of Rona will reveal itself with awesome views across the sea in all directions of the Cuillins to the south, Torridon to the North, and Lewis and Harris far away across the Minch.

win a free return holiday
We aim to get you settled into your holiday cottage as quickly as possible after your arrival on a Saturday. To help achieve this we offer the chance to win a return holiday to the island, free of charge.  All we ask is that you leave your cottage as clean as you found it.  If you qualify, your name will be entered into an annual draw held in December.  The picture link showed Antoine & Winnie Bosvieux from Paris, taking their prize holiday in 2008.  This year's winners are Andrew, Wendy and Josh McGahan who will be taking their winning holiday in 2009.

recommended kit list

food & drink
A full set of provisions to last you and your party for a week; The cottages are fully equipped with all cooking utensils etc.

The water supply to the cottages is a natural spring. Although nobody has ever experienced any problems, we advise boiling the tap water as a precaution as water quality can vary depending on weather conditions.  You may prefer to bring bottled water.

If you are trying to minimise your food miles (and luggage!), we do have certain local food and drink items available for sale:  please e-mail ronalodge@isleofrona the week before your holiday for a seasonal availability list.

We do ask that you pack your food thoughtfully: waste is a major issue on the island so please bring as little food packaging as possible.  We operate a recycling policy for glass, plastic and cans - though we would be delighted if you would take your recycling with you to deposit in Portree on your return journey home.

clothing
Walking Boots
Wellingtons
Waterproofs
Warm Jerseys
Woollen Hat
Gloves
Thick Socks
Shorts
Swimming Gear

Rona, in common with the rest of Scotland can be warm and sunny one minute and wet and windy the next. You should take clothing to prepare yourself for these extremes. Good waterproof clothing is essential. Each cottage has a washing machine/drier, but you should allow for every eventuality.

personal items
Personal first aid kit/ Medical care items
Toilet Kit
Extra towels for swimming
Training Shoes
Sunscreen
Midge Repellent (May to August)
Sunglasses

other useful items
Camera and plenty of film or memory cards
Binoculars
Notebook and pencils
Bird and plant guide - though some are provided in the cottages
Torch and spare batteries - again, supplied in the cottages but extras useful!
Small day haversack
Small Flask
Compass
Penknife
Walking Stick
Map