ARGYLL HOTEL,

Isle of Iona, Argyll, PA76 6SJ,

Scotland

Tel: 01681 700334   Fax: 01681 700510

The Argyll Hotel is situated on an island that is just one mile by three, which is located in one of the last great refuges of nature in Western Europe. This proximity to our environment entails a responsibility to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural wealth of the Hebrides for future generations.

   

Full of Hebridean flavour and hospitality, the hotel is situated in the centre of the small village street overlooking the Sound of Iona

As a business we are committed to minimising our impact upon the environment, and whenever possible fostering greater understanding of appropriate ecological practices. This encompasses the entire range of activities surrounding the hotel's day to day management, together with its long-term vision and objectives.

Ingrained within our environmental ethos is a firm understanding of community, and the hotel's social commitments to small island life. Both proprietors live full time on the island, and six staff members are local Mull/Iona residents. Whenever possible all tenders, produce, and resources are acquired locally.

Accommodation

All 15 rooms, except one small double, are en-suite with plenty of piping hot water to hand. Soaps, shampoos and bath-oils from the island of Coll will ensure a relaxing welcome and if the island nights still prove a little chilly, then there's the tea-making facilities and electric blankets to be found in every room.

      

Dining

Dining at the Argyll has always been a fine affair, and this year will be no exception with new opening times, A La Carte Menu, and of course our superb daily specials. The restaurant is naturally predicated upon offering the best of local produce as well as the vegetables from our own organic garden.

The wine list on the other hand is hardly of local Hebridean origin, but is firmly rooted in a deep and spiritual appreciation of the small French chateau.

There is plenty to do in the area:-

Historic Buildings

Both the Nunnery and Abbey are open all day - with an entrance fee of £2.50 charged at the Abbey Gate. Tours are organised around the Abbey by Historic Scotland, and can be booked on arrival.

The Heritage Centre is based in the Thomas Telford - designed Manse, just up from the Nunnery. Filled with photos and displays, the centre tells the story of the local fishing and crofting community. A tea room is open for snacks and refreshments.

Walks

Obviously the natural features of Iona offer lots of walking and exploring opportunities. Both the North and South ends of the island have particularly dramatic and scenic beaches, and the West coast of the island has a large sweeping bay that looks out over the Atlantic. There are few official paths, and mostly it is left to the visitor to make their own way around the island. Maps are available for sale on the island, and if you are interested in having a wee picnic for your walk - we are only too happy to make up a packed lunch.

Golf

The machair of the west coast of the island provides perhaps one of the most enigmatic golf courses in Scotland.

Arts & Crafts

From early Celtic history, Iona has both symbolised and patronised some of the finest Celtic artwork. This is carried on today through several cottage artists who produce various types of work: Mharian Arts is to be found at the end of the village street and is run by Mhari Killin who produces original design Celtic jewellery and ornamental work. The Iona Pottery is just opposite the Abbey is run by Gordon Menzies. Gordon is well known for both his decorative pottery as well as his impressive folio of Iona pictures. Jeff Minter has been resident on Iona for over twenty years and is a professional woodcarver. His work can be found in several of the craft shops based on the island.

Boat Trips to Staffa

People have been visiting the island of Staffa for centuries, and on Iona generations of isle folk have been guiding visitors over the waters to the view the splendours of Fingal's Cave and the island's abundant bird-life. There are two family based boats running from Iona, each normally doing two trips a day over to Staffa. Generally, the boat-ride takes about forty minutes, and you get an hour or so walking around the island. The steps to Fingal's cave can be a little tricky when wet, but the acoustics in the giant sea-cave are well worth the walk.

Isle Of Iona

One cannot recall anyone saying that getting to Iona is fast and simple. Since it is an island off another island you need to take two ferries. First you must get onto Mull, and this can be done either via the Oban - Craignure route or via the Lochaline - Fishnish route.

The Oban route is the most commonly used, since it is the quickest from Glasgow and Edinburgh and has public transport connections linked to the ferry timetable.

The Lochaline route is used mostly by traffic coming down from the North-West coast, and if taken via the Fort William road (A82) requires taking yet another ferry at Corran to cross over Loch Linnhe to the A861. If you are coming down from the North West it is nevertheless well worth the effort as the drive is very dramatic.

Once onto Mull it is an hour or so from Oban or Fishnish over to the Ross of Mull and to the village of Fionnphort. There the Iona Ferry runs back and forth across the sound at regular intervals. Since the ferry service restricts car passage only to island residents, those travelling by car must leave their vehicles in Fionnphort. If so, you can drop your luggage and passengers on the pier beside the ticket office, and then park opposite the Pub and Shop or the Columba Centre away from the parking meters.

Travelling to Iona by Public Transport

When travelling to Iona by public transport the route is by train or bus from Glasgow to Oban, then the ferry to Craignure on Mull, then a bus from Craignure to Fionnphort and finally the short ferry run onto Iona itself. The whole trip from Glasgow to Iona will take about 7 hours and don't worry if your train or bus is getting late - the ferries will generally wait for late connections.

By Train to Oban:- SCOTRAIL run daily services from Glasgow's Queen Street station to Oban

By Bus to Oban SCOTTISH CITYLINK run daily services from Buchanan Street in Glasgow to Oban 

By Bus From Craignure to Fionnphort  BOWMANS COACHES run services from Craignure to both Tobermory and Fionnphort.

BOOKING INFORMATION

To book a room at the Argyll you will need to check availability, and to leave a deposit of £45 per person to confirm your booking. If you have any special requirements or dietary needs, please let us know with your confirmation for we are only too happy to help.

For children we have cots, camp-beds, and clip-on high chairs, and as for food we have a limited children's menu and an openness to be flexible with meals.

Dogs are happily welcomed to the hotel provided they are not too rambunctious or likely to run a-muck in the dining room. It is worth noting however, that due to problems in previous years local crofters like to see dogs under control and on a lead at all times near live stock.

For Prices of our accommodation please see our web site:-  www.argyllhoteliona.co.uk

Email: -                           reception@argyllhoteliona.co.uk