Preparation and travel
What time can I arrive?
Please arrange your travel plans to connect with us at the bus stop in Fionnphort
Winter (October – March) at 12:50pm or 13:55pm – please stay updated with the latest ferry information to be aware of any changes.
Summer (March – October) at 2:45pm
How do I get to the Island?
Erraid is located at the end of the Ross of Mull, near Iona – the address is
Isle of Erraid, Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland, PA66 6BN.
Travel onto the Isle of Mull is by ferry.
Please check weather conditions and the latest ferry information when travelling, as the weather on the Scottish West Coast can be unpredictable and influence travel plans and transport arrangements. The ferries are the only public access to the Isle of Mull.
From Mull it is a drive by car or bus to Fionnphort
When you get to Fionnphort, we will connect with you to show you over to Erraid.
Is parking available?
Erraid is not accessible by car, but there is parking available close to the island at Knockvologan. From there it is about a 1 mile walk to get onto the island.
IMPORTANT It is essential that you are able to carry your own bags on and off the island (see video on travel page) so please bear this in mind when packing!
What should I bring with me?
Accommodation is charming but basic (and the weather unpredictable), so we recommend bringing these items to make your stay more comfortable and safe.
• Warm, layered clothing
• Sturdy, waterproof boots and/or wellies
• Waterproof layers, top and bottom
• Toiletries
• Torch
• Indoor footwear (slippers)
• Watch or Clock
• Earplugs
• Medications (there is no local pharmacy in the area)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
. Sunglasses + Hat
IMPORTANT It is essential that you are able to carry your own bags on and off the island (see video on travel page) so please bear this in mind when packing!
Please don’t bring:
• Candles, incense, or anything flammable – there is a significant fire risk
• Bedding or towels
• Hand soaps (these will be provided)
• Any illegal drugs
• Pets who are not service animals
• Expensive valuables – there are no safes and we cannot guarantee their safety
Savety instructions, please read carefully
Safety outdoors
Whenever you go out, please make sure you are safe. It is your personal responsibility to do a risk assessment when you are out walking on the islands of Iona and Erraid. These islands contain tarmac roads, sandy beaches, boggy areas and slippery and steep rocks.
• Please wear adequate footwear and take walking sticks if needed, especially when going off road.
• Take rain gear and layers.
• Take drinking water and mobile phones (however please be aware they do not always work in the wilder areas).
• Take a map from the house with you when walking around the island.
• Tell the facilitator or others in the house where you plan to go and approximately how long.
• Please be mindful of the animals, be careful not to stress them when walking through a field or on the beach. There are also many dog walkers in the area to be considerate of.
• The sea can be cold and there are strong currents, especially around Traigh Bhan beach at the north end of Iona. Be very careful, only experienced swimmers should swim.
Safety in the house
• Everyone inside the houses on Erraid need to assess the risks in each situation.
• Be careful around any fires and gas stoves on Erraid – especially when cooking or drying clothes.
• Follow instructions on using the cooker and or other appliances.
• No candles in bedrooms, never leave candles unattended in the public areas.
Can I swim on the Island?
Wild swimming can be lovely, especially in the summer season. However, please be aware of the following for your own safety:
• Make sure you do your own risk assessment before going out to swim.
• The sea can be very cold
• Be very careful, only experienced swimmers should swim.
Where is the nearest medical facility?
We carry only basic first aid equipment.
Please ensure you bring prescription medications and any other medically-necessary items with you. The nearest pharmacy at Bunessan Medical centre and the nearest Emergency Room is in Craignure.
During your stay with us
What meals are provided, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Breakfast materials are supplied in each of the cottages for you to prepare yourself. Guests are encouraged to source their own meals on Wednesdays but majoritively during your stay, a hearty lunch and dinner are provided by the community.
Meals are mostly vegetarian and, whenever possible, made with fresh produce from our gardens. When the tides and weathers allow, we enjoy fishing and are beginning to explore the abundance of seaweed — so we may occasionally share offerings from the sea as well.
We’re happy to provide options for gluten-free and vegan diets. If you have any specific dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know when you complete your online check-in after booking.
Is there WIFI and phone access?
There is Wifi installed in each of the cottages, but connection cannot always be guaranteed. The remoteness of our isle means there can be limited mobile phone signal, depending on weather and location. We encourage you to consider doing a ‘digital detox’ as much as you can – immerse yourself in the experience.
Are there shops available?
There is a very small tuck shop on Erraid which sells treats, snacks, postcards, gifts, books, and toiletries. There is also a grocery store in Fionnphort, which is about an hour’s walk (or plan your shop on travel days).
I have additional requirements, what support measurements are in place?
While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, we are restricted in what we can offer due to the remoteness of the location. Erraid is a tidal island and requires a one mile walk over rough terrain.
If you would like to contact us about your additional requirements and whether we can accommodate them, please use contact us.
Can I smoke during my stay?
Our community is non-smoking, so we’d really appreciate it if that could be respected. If you do smoke, please stick to outdoor areas – not around building entrances, in cottages, or in shared spaces.
Booking and Payment
Is there a deposit required and is it refundable?
There is a 10% non-refundable deposit required before a place can be confirmed.
The remaining 90% is due 30 days before the start date.
What can I expect of the group size?
This will vary depending on bed availability, but group sizes will be fairly small, limited by the cottage capacity.
What is the cancelation policy?
Please see our Terms & Conditions
