Kelp Cottage self-catering, North Uist
Kelp Cottage is a beautiful oasis of calm, offering a tranquil hideaway for guests to explore Uist. Situated in the township of Locheport in North Uist, this spacious 1800 stone-built cottage is surrounded by a lovingly tended established garden with plenty of seating to suit any time of day, including a cosy suntrap adjacent to the patio doors and accessible access around the two garden seating areas. Little visitors are encouraged to explore the secret paths and search for fairy doors.
From your morning cuppa watching the sun rise over Eaval, the highest hill in North Uist, or a lazy mid-morning coffee on the south-facing patio, to something chilled in the afternoon, the beautiful garden offers a space to unwind and relax. And, … all of this is before you even reach the summerhouse. Having low-voltage solar panels, the summerhouse battery bank has enough capacity to keep the fairy lights sparkling for you to enjoy in the evening, after a day out and about exploring the island.
The spacious master king-size bedroom with a jack-and-jill ensuite has a wet room shower and a separate bath. Upstairs is a cosy double with north facing view over Beinn Langass and a twin room boasting north and south views.
A well-appointed kitchen/ dining room offers ample opportunity to be creative with your culinary skills. If you don’t feel like cooking, there are several excellent restaurants within a short drive. If you fancy a short summer evening walk, then Langass Lodge is about a 40-minute walk from Kelp Cottage, along the path of the Hebridean Way.
If you would like to take advantage of picnics either car-based or walking, Kelp Cottage has a cool box and day haversacks available for guests to use, along with stainless steel flasks and ice packs. Why not take advantage of take-away options from the outstanding cafes and food trucks around the island. They all offer incredible local produce options, then head to the beach. If you fancy a sea of loch swim or spending the day at the beach, we have beach towels available for use.
Facilities
Indoors
- PFull Bosch kitchen – Electric cooker, oven & cooker hood, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, washing machine & tumble dryer.
- PMicrowave, kettle, toaster, hand blender
- Wifi Internet Access
- TV & DVD player
- PIron & ironing board
- PHairdryer
- PVacuum cleaner
- Bluetooth speaker
Garden
Our beautiful established garden has been lovingly developed over the last 25 years. What you see has taken many hours of dedication and was designed with joy and excitement in mind.
There are several accessible concrete paths, wide enough for a wheelchair, and several little grass paths to be explored. A garden room with seating offers a sheltered space to sit and enjoy the garden and listen to the birds, read a book or perhaps sit with your favourite cuppa.
Some of the history of Kelp Cottage
Kelp Cottage was built in the late 1800s and originally belonged to Louise’s grandmother and was run as a working croft. Louise enjoyed many adventures during family holidays on the croft in Locheport. Together with her husband Charles, they were delighted to bring it back into the family in 2024.
Some interesting wee facts about Kelp Cottage. At the height of the herring industry, the old pier building across the road was bustling with lots of fishing boats moored adjacent to the pier. The soil in the garden at Kelp Cottage was developed from topsoil from Ireland which arrived as ballast on fishing boats. The hawkeyed, may also notice old railway sleepers in the vicinity of Kelp Cottage. These arrived as ballast too.
Wildlife
You can almost certainly expect to see ‘Bryan the Otter’ during your stay. His range is visible from the front door in the sea loch of Locheport and the Oban to the rear of Kelp Cottage. He can also sometimes be spotted travelling through the croft. ‘Bryan’ is a wild otter who has been given a name. He is in no way tame or even people tolerant and he will disappear quickly if he becomes aware of you. The best time to see him is early morning and evening.
There is more to see than Bryan though, remember to look up and listen! You will be rewarded with a variety of island bird life, including Golden and Sea eagles, and Short-eared owls. If your visit is through the summer, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks will be singing. Within the garden, we have several nesting Wren families and a couple of Blackbirds. Chattering Starlings will keep you entertained in the garden, oddly there are a couple who mimic a cockerel and a Meadow Pipit.
What’s Nearby
Shoreline Stoneware Pottery & Gallery
Enjoy a visit to our family-run pottery and gallery. Owner and potter, Louise and her husband Charles, have called her grandmothers family croft in North Uist their home for over 30 years. They offer the largest collection of original art and craft on Uist.
With a selection of media, including ceramic sculpture, original acrylics, watercolour, mixed media, jewellery and locally made award winning Scottish Tablet. Enjoy browsing the work of over 30 local artists and learn more about our beautiful island.
The gallery is open between 10am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday.
Balranald
Balranald, on the west side of North Uist is a beautiful area to spend a day. Offering the RSPB information center Balranald Hebridean Nature Reserve, North Uist, Scotland – The RSPB and self-guided nature walk around the headland, as well as two beach areas suitable for a wee sea swim. There are an array of seabirds to enjoy and often interesting beach finds to make. After a mornings activity, The Dunes Cabin & Larder offer hot and cold snacks, local seafood and vegetarian options. Check social media for opening times. The Dunes Cabin- North Uist Takeaway
Berneray
It’s very easy to spend a day visiting Berneray. With several beautiful beaches to walk and explore, including a seal viewpoint, there is a lot to take in. Berneray Bistro offers a delicious menu for lunch and evening meals, along with take-away options. bernerayshopandbistro.co.uk Coralbox is a small independent gift shop located on Berneray, stocking a wide range of Hebridean, nautical & island themed items along with jewellery, soaps & much more. https://coralbox.ecwid.com/
If you fancy a short summer evening walk, Langass Lodge https://www.langasslodge.co.uk/ is about a 40 min walk from Kelp Cottage, along the path of the Hebridean Way.
Lots of other wonderful cafes, restaurants and food venues are around the island. Its well worth taking time to sample the incredible seafood and tasty baking treats on offer, as you explore the island.
Tarriff
Prices are for a 1 week stay from Saturday – Saturday, throughout peak season.
Shorter bookings are available through winter months, by arrangement. Please email for Christmas and New Year price and availability.
Maximum stay per booking is 28 days.
Winter: November, December, January & February £950
Mid-season: March & April, and September & October £1125
Summer: May, June, July & August £1275
Read the Terms & Conditions of the Rental
How to find us
Look out for the ‘Shoreline Stoneware’ sign at the junction from the A867 and Locheport road B894.
Kelp Cottage is situated just under a mile along the B894 Locheport road. As you drop down a very slight brae, with the old pier in view, the cottage is on your right. Parking is up beside the house.
Contact Us!
Developed by magicbug
Short term let license: ES01380F
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating: D
Maximum number of guests: 6
License holder: Charles Fraser