general information
Dinner time
CARNIE COTTAGE is a traditional Highland cottage with an extension that serves as the kitchen/classroom. The cottage is warm, welcoming and we sleep there too.
THE STUDIO is a purpose built space to hold workshops and events. It is 9 meters by 5.5, with an oak floor, good light and well insulated.
FOOD
I have a plan, bring the food and like to cook the Friday evening meal and prepare the food for the course. All help towards cleaning, washing up and making salads, gratefully received. Bring one snack to share for breaks.
Please familiarise yourselves with the kitchen as soon as you can!
TEACHING AND TIMINGS for music workshops
You can arrive anytime from 3pm on the first day. We'll eat at 7pm on the first night followed by a session facilitated by myself.
I have found a set up that works well to give enough time for group work and time to explore the island. We work for four hours, from 9 -11, have BRUNCH then work from 11.45 - 2pm. Then there's free time to walk and visit the island. The studio is available for you to use at this time too. We'll gather for an evening meal and have a ceilidh on the Saturday night, which is an informal get together with local friends and family who like to play music and meet new faces.
We finish in time to get the 3pm boat on the Monday ( or for the 4pm boat on the course that ends on the Sunday)
RECORDING EQUIPMENT
I suggest you bring some sort of recording device. Phones are good and there are many reasonable recording device options on the market.
If you have the sheet music for your song or tune, please bring it. It's not essential though. There is a photocopier in the cottage.
SLEEPING
Bring your own sheets and pillow case and towel.
There are various sleeping possibilites.
Carnie Cottage. It's dorm accommodation with up to 4 in a room. Two sets of bunks downstairs and two futon single beds plus a double bed upstairs. Cosy, warm and dry.....and handy because it's where we eat, classes etc. This is included in the cost of the course.
Other options:
Camping: If you'd like more privacy you can bring a tent and use the garden and all the facilities of the cottage
Bunk house: There is a new bunk house just up the road, 5 mins walk, with heated floors, real stove and lovely views. It costs £20 per person per night.
If you're staying in Carnie we have duvets and pillows but bring your own sheets,( single), or sleeping bag, pillowcase, towel and facecloth.
We try to keep separate sleeping area for men and women and so far it's always worked out, but more by luck than anything else.
If this is an issue for you, please contact me and I'll try to make sure that everyone's where they want to be.
SHOP
The shop is about 5 minutes walk away from Carnie cottage. It sells pretty much anything you'd want and also has free internet access.
Opening times - Friday until 5pm. Saturday 9 -1pm. Sunday closed.
INTERNET ACCESS
Carnie cottage has internet access.
LANDLINE PHONE
We have a landline phone which you are welcome to use. Donations in the box by the phone.
Number is 01631 760 207
Bringing a car onto the island.
It costs around £30 return to bring a car onto the island. The ferry from Port Appin is passenger only so a pick up is required.
DOROTHY'S TAXI
Please call Dorothy on 01631 760 220 to book a taxi to the cottage when you know which ferry you're coming off. A day or two in advance is strongly advised. Cost: £11 one way. The car can take up to 4 passengers.
Now, if for any reason that doesn't happen, don't worry. Liosachs are very, very friendly and will give you a lift if they are passing. I suggest you ask folk on the boat, "is anyone is driving past Carnie? If you do start walking there is every chance that a passing car will stop and give you a lift.
If, however, you do get stranded at the ferry and have to walk the four miles from Point ( Port Appin landing,) or 2 miles from Achnachroish (Oban boat landing).....IN THE RAIN, there will be a warm cup of tea and cake at the ready whenever you do arrive!