The silver sands of Shoe Bay on the private island of Eilean Shona bear a striking resemblance to beaches in Barbados, offering a Caribbean-like escape in the Scottish Highlands. Holidaymakers can rent a selection of vibrant cottages on this secluded island, which is only accessible by boat.
Access and Transportation
To reach Eilean Shona, visitors must first undertake a three-hour drive through the Highlands from Glasgow or take a sleeper train to Fort William, followed by an hour's journey. From Dorlin Pier, the island's RIB (rigid inflatable boat) collects guests for a five-minute crossing. Upon arrival, a quad and trailer transport guests' belongings and supplies to and from the cottage.
History and Ownership
The picturesque island, which inspired J. M. Barrie's Neverland, has been owned by Vanessa Branson, sister of entrepreneur Richard Branson, since 1995. Vanessa and her ex-husband, Robert Devereux, purchased the island and now operate it as an exclusive holiday destination.
Activities and Amenities
Guests can enjoy building campfires, cooking fresh mussels, crabbing, painting, picnicking, or exploring the island's numerous coastal and woodland trails. For more energetic pursuits, wild swimming, sea kayaking, and paddle boarding are popular activities, all well-suited to Eilean Shona's shoreline.
Shoe Bay, Eilean Shona's private silver sand beach, is within easy reach of all cottages. Visitors can spot seals, sea eagles, sea otters, red squirrels, and pine martens. The island's old village hall has been transformed into a social hub, offering wi-fi and phone signal, a table tennis table, reference books, and board games, and hosts a weekly 'pub night'.
For further details or to reserve accommodation, visit eileanshona.com.
