Airdabhaigh
Carinish, North Uist Western Isles
HS6 5HL
Tel: 01876 580611
Airdabhaigh means "the
house by the sea", and is a beautifully appointed bed and
breakfast establishment that also offers courses in
traditional Highlands and Islands crafts. Owned and personally
run by Flora MacDonald, it is a traditional Hebridean croft
cottage that has been restored and renovated to offer the very
best of modern conveniences while still retaining its
old-world charm. It sits beside Teampuill na Trianaid (Trinity
Temple), once a great seat of learning and possibly Scotland's
first university. There are two rooms on offer - a twin and a
double, and both are comfortable and cosy, with good
furnishings and decoration. Guests can have a full Scottish
breakfast, using local produce where possible, though lighter
options include yogurt and fresh fruits, all with home-baked
bread.
But Airdabhagh offers so much more
as you can also enjoy the option of taking part in one of
Flora's indigenous craft courses. You could spend your time
wandering the fields and beaches collecting dye stuffs,
turning them into dyes and weaving them into small tapestries.
You could learn about Gaelic culture, its language, its poetry
and its music. Other courses and workshops include
paper-making, calligraphy, creative Gaelic writing, history
and historical walks and traditional Hebridean cookery,
including butter making. Flora would be more than pleased to
discuss your own pastimes and hobbies before you arrive so
that she can offer something that will please and interest
you.
