Dunalastair Holiday Houses, Frequently Asked Questions
Which cottages have changeovers on Friday?
Balmore Cottage, Tuim Cottage, East Lodge, Rose Cottage and Old Laundry
Which cottages have changeovers on Saturday?
Old Post Office, Maragdubh, West Drumchastle and Bridge Cottage
Is there off-road parking adjacent to each cottage?
Yes, there is off-road parking adjacent to each cottage.
Are the gardens enclosed?
Not all the gardens are enclosed. Rose Cottage, Old Post Office, West Drumchastle, Balmore, Maragdubh, Old Laundry, Tuim are enclosed or have an enclosed area. Bridge Cottage and East lodge are not but have mown grass.
When can we arrive at the cottage at the beginning of our holiday?
From 4 o'clock onwards unless special arrangements have been made. If you are going to arrive after 7 pm, please let us know.
What is the departure time at the end of our holiday?
We ask guests to check out by 10 am. on the day of departure. This is to allow time for cleaning and preparation before guests arrive.
Can we order Groceries for our arrival?
Groceries can be delivered for your arrival from the village shop, Country Store, (see Booking Form or Links page) This has new owners who have revamped it to make a very useful general store. You can also order in advance from an excellent delicatessen, Food For Thought, in Pitlochry and you can collect on your way to Dunalastair. (see Links page under Scottish Deli).
Do we need Cancellation Insurance?
Yes, we strongly advise that you do. We can suggest Schofields Holiday Cancellation Insurance (see Links Page). For overseas visitors, please include cancellation insurance with your other travel insurance. If you have to cancel your booking, you must telephone us as soon as the reason for the cancellation occurs. You must also confirm your cancellation in writing. Deposits and balances are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation and you should be covered by appropriate insurance. Please note that you are liable for the balance due even if you have to cancel before it has been paid and this will be refunded, less a £50 administration fee, only if we have been able to re-let the holiday. We advise that you ensure that your holiday insurance covers you for this.
What equipment is included in the cottages?
Equipment includes electric cooker, fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer, toaster, electric kettle, pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, iron, tea towels, bath mats, colour TV with Sky Freesat (except Bridge Cottage which has DVD player only),DVD players, CD players, pillows, duvets, extra blankets. There are dishwashers in East Lodge, Bridge Cottage, Balmore, Rose Cottage, Old Laundry, Tuim Cottage and Old Post Office.
Do I need a car?
Unless you are a prepared to get a taxi to and from your cottage from the nearest public transport, and are only planning walking trips from the cottage, it would be advisable to have a car. They can be hired in advance in Pitlochry (see Links page). The cottages are from 30 to 45 minutes from Pitlochry by car, depending on the cottage location.
What basic supplies are provided?
We provide basic cleaning supplies such as Flash and toilet cleaner, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, a roll of lavatory paper, soap for hand-basins and some black rubbish bags. Please bring washing machine powder and other supplies. A welcome tray is ready for your arrival with tea and coffee, sugar, milk and shortbread.
What is the situation regarding midges?
We do not suffer from midges as much as in the west of Scotland. They only appear in the summer months anyway and if there is any breeze, they are not a problem. On still evenings one tends to notice them most. If you are coming in Junel July and August it is as well to have some midge repellent.
Do you allow short breaks?
Yes, but not normally in June, July, August and September. See availability calendar.
What type of heating do the cottages have?
Tuim Cottage is heated by an oil-fired boiler and radiators. The other cottages have storage heating and convector heaters plus extra portable heaters and Rose Cottage has a Raeburn Cooker in addition.
Are electricity and oil included in the rent?
Yes.
Are Bed Linen and Towels included in the rent?
Bed Linen and towels are included and the beds are made up for arrival.
Where can we go pony trekking?
Blair Castle Trekking Centre is open from April to mid September (except Saturdays). Taymouth Stables at Kenmore is open every day except Tuesdays. Booking essential.
Where can we eat and drink locally?
There are two hotels with bars (Dunalastair Hotel and Loch Rannoch Hotel), a guesthouse/restaurant (Bunrannoch House Hotel) in the village of Kinloch Rannoch as well as other restaurants a bit further away. You pass the Loch Tummel Inn on your way in from Pitlochry and before you reach Tummel Bridge. You can get a nice meal there. There are many places to eat in the surrounding towns. There is a list in each cottage.
Are there shops for gifts, cashmere, etc nearby?
There are numerous shops in and around Aberfeldy and Pitlochry and there is the famous House of Bruar an enjoyable half hour's drive from Kinloch Rannoch over the hills and near Blair Castle.
When is the trout fishing season?
From March 15th to October 6th.
When is the Salmon fishing season on the River Tay?
From January 15th to October 15th.
Can we hire fishing equipment locally?
Not at present.
Do you provide a permit for trout fishing on the river Tummel on Dunalastair Estate?
Yes, we give you a permit for trout fishing automatically when you arrive. The permit covers the river from Kinloch Rannoch to the bridge at Tummel Bridge, excluding Dunalastair Loch.
Do we have to fish from a boat on Dunalastair Loch?
Yes, a local byelaw forbids fishing from the bank on this loch. Boats are available free for your use but you do need to reserve them in advance by ringing Jim Shankland on 01882 632 354 or visiting him at Lochgarry Cottage. We allow electric outboards only, however we do not provide these. Lifejackets are provided and should be worn.
Is there internet access in the cottages?
Regretably we are currently unable to provide this. However iPhones will get signals from Vodaphone.
Can I bring my pets?
Pets are welcome (maximum 2 dogs) for which there is a charge of £16 per pet per week. Dogs must be kept under control as this is a working sheep farm. Please bring your pet basket as under no circumstances may pets lie on bedding or seating. Any damage or extra cleaning caused by pets will be charged for. Pets must not be left in accommodation unattended or allowed into bedrooms. Guests must clear up after their dogs in the garden areas. There are certain designated areas where dogs can run off the lead but they must be under control so that they will not worry livestock. There are a few particular areas from which we ask that they are kept away from July to December as there are pheasants and partridges about there. Details are in the cottages.
Where can we walk?
You can walk around the estate on estate roads and tracks and on the hills and in fields where there are no stock or crops. There are some places where dogs can be walked off the lead provided they are under control. There are certain places where pheasant and partridges are encouraged and it is appreciated if dogs are not walked in these areas, which have notices. During the deer stalking period, 21st September to 21st October we ask walkers to check with the keeper if they are planning to go to the hills so that he can advise them where to go to avoid stalkers. Stalking (culling) is an essential part of the environmental conservation on Dunalastair. Rannoch has many other beautiful places to walk including Schiehallion, the 'hill of the fairy caledonians' and the famous Black Wood where you will see ancient Caledonian pines and rare wildlife. Folder of walks in cottage. Leaflets available locally.
Are logs provided and coal and kindling?
One basketful and one good-sized bag of logs is provided free of charge. Further bags of logs will be charged at £4 per bag. The log fire is made up ready for your arrival. Coal and kindling (£10) - you may order coal and kindling in advance (at Booking stage) and pay for it on arrival as it is not provided by us but by a local person. You might like to bring firelighters.
Is there a tennis court we can use?
Yes, there is a tennis court at Lochgarry House which you can use free of charge. If you require tennis rackets and balls, ask at the house.
What about ticks?
We do have ticks here and all over the Highlands and it is advisable to wear long trousers when out walking in long grass, heather or bracken in spring, summer and autumn. After a walk it is sensible to check yourself for ticks and remove them if attached. They do not often attach themselves to humans, mainly to dogs and other animals. We provide a tick removal kit. If you put antiseptic on the bite, that should suffice. However, Lyme Disease is a rare infection from tick bites, so if the site of a bite gets red after a day or two, see the local doctor for preventative antibiotics. Dogs do not usually need any treatment other than removal. We all have dogs and have never had serious problems.
Do we need wellie boots for walking around the estate?
If you do the walk to Macgregor's Cave from Bridge Cottage, you need wellies to cross the burn. In winter wellies are useful for low ground walks as there is sometimes mud about. Otherwise, walking boots are usually adequate.
Can we get mobile reception at Dunalastair?
Vodafone and Orange have masts in the glen and a signal from Vodafone can usually be received in or near the cottages. However, this cannot be guaranteed. Other providers do not usually work. In emergencies, messages to 01796 474 179 or 01882 632 314 or 01882 632 241 will be passed on to the visitors concerned.
Are buses/taxis available locally?
Yes, Broons Buses & Taxis in Kinloch Rannoch provide a bus and taxi service. Ring them on 01882 632 331.
Can we drink the water?
Being in a remote area, the water comes from private water supplies and although it is tested regularly, we cannot guarantee the quality 100%. It is sometime brownish as it comes through the peat. However, we have been letting cottage for 35 years and people have been drinking the water during all this time and we have never had a problem. If it concerns you, we recommend you boil it or drink bottled water. We ourselves use water from a private water supply and find it delicious especially with whisky and tea! No chlorine taste.
Can we smoke in the cottages?
No, we have a strictly no smoking policy.
Do the cottages have phones
Only Old Laundry has a phone. There is a public phone box (card payment only) right outside Old Post Office. The other cottages do not have phones.
Do you provide cots and highchairs?
We can provide these without charge. Please indicate your requirements on booking. However, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN COT LINEN ETC.
How should we leave the cottage when we depart?
As is normal with self-catering cottages, we ask that you leave the cottage and its contents clean and tidy, emptying all rubbish into black bags and putting it in the wheeliebin. Washing up should be done although dishwashers may be left running. Ovens and grill pans should be left as found. Beds should be stripped and linen left on bedroom floor. A quick run around with the hoover too. We reserve the right to make an extra charge of £35 where extra cleaning is required as a result of the cottage being left in a mess as the staff only have a limited time to prepare cottages for the next guests.
