Isle of Raasay Hotel


Below the Hotel	View from the Hotel Grounds

At just 14 miles by 5 miles at it’s longest and widest Raasay has a lot to offer for such a small island.

An island of contrasts; the south of the island is home to most of the islands population (approximately 200 people) and is green with gentle hills, the north is barren, rocky and undulating. The west coast runs gently to the sea whilst the east coast has dramatic sea cliffs and is home to our Golden Eagles.

Raasay provides spectacular views of Skye and the mainland, with a magnificent 360’ panoramic view as far as the Outer Hebrides to reward those who walk to top of Dun Caan, the islands distinctive flat topped peak.

The island offers gentle strolls through the woodland and around the bays near the hotel to more challenging walks on the east coast and beyond the end of the road to the northern tip of Raasay. For the more adventurous, this year is the second year of the Raasay Rumble - a 10 hour endurance mountain bike event set for September 29-30th 2008.

With it’s unique mix of flora, fauna, archaeology, geology and history Raasay really is an enchanting island. The local and visiting wildlife includes Red Deer, Golden and Sea Eagles, Otters, Mountain Hare, Grouse, Woodcock, the unique Raasay Vole and in the warmer months Seals, Dolphins, Porpoise and Basking Sharks may visit.

Archaelogical sites of interest include a 2000 year old souterrain, an Iron Age broch, Pictish stones, 15th century Brochel Castle, 19th-century battery and First Word War iron mine buildings, all of which are easily accessible.

The island is steeped in history and colourful characters. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed the night after fleeing the battle of Culloden, after which the island and its population paid a high price for their loyalty. In 1773 during their tour of the Hebrides Boswell & Johnson stayed on Raasay and Boswell danced a jig on top of Dun Caan and more recently the Queen has picnicked on the beach at Inver whilst sailing on Brittania. Raasay was home to Calum Macleod, the subject of the recent best selling book “Calum's Road” by Raasay author Roger Hutchinson; and to the Gaelic poet Sorley Maclean whose famous poem "Hallaig" captures the atmosphere of the village on the east coast abandoned during the Highland Clearances.

Whatever the reason for your stay and whatever time of year you visit us you will always receive a warm welcome and we are sure that you will want to return to the Isle of Raasay.

What’s Happening on Raasay

Community Centre
The building of the new community centre is nearing completion and should be open after Easter.

Raasay House
Raasay House is closed for this year with work on the £4 million renovation now underway following a community buyout of the house, gardens, other areas of land and the islands mineral rights in 2007. Due to be completed in early 2009, Raasay Outdoor Centre will then return as the tenants.

Ferry Terminal
Work has commenced on the new Cal Mac ferry terminal situated in Churchton Bay, also due to be completed in 2009 this means that access to the ferry will only be a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

e-mail - info@isleofraasayhotel.co.uk