Island hosted by Ian
2 guests1 bedroom2 beds1 bathroom
Travel restrictions
Due to COVID-19 there are lockdowns in place across the UK and travel is not permitted other than in limited circumstances until at least April. Failure to follow the law is a criminal offence. Learn more
Entire home
You’ll have the island to yourself.
Enhanced Clean
This host committed to Airbnb's 5-step enhanced cleaning process. Learn more
Great location
100% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.
Cancellation policy
Add your trip dates to get the cancellation details for this stay.
House rules
This place isn’t suitable for infants (0–2 yrs) and the host doesn’t allow parties or smoking. Get details
ℹ️ Guests must acknowledge:
📌 Difficult climb down to island and floating footbridge
📌 Detached toilet and shower (see photos)
📌 Limited heating in winter months
Recommended in Rough Guide, Observer, and The Times Travel, our Cabin and Barrel are an excellent space for couples to experience our magical little corner of the Scottish Highlands here on our historic family-owned island.
The space
Enjoy your holiday in total privacy on the southern half of a historic family-owned island.
Unlike traditional campsites in the highlands, this "Captain's Cabin and Barrel" is just for you with detached private shower and toilet facilities, and a kitchen complete with all of the cooking essentials.
And extra special is your very own wood-fired hot tub.
The barrel is suitable for an adult couples.
There is a television and wifi.
Unfortunately, the site is inaccessible to those with mobility difficulties, as accessing the island requires a challenging 10-minute walk down the hill from the car park and crossing a slippery floating footbridge. Waterproof, high grip shoes are a must and guests must carry torches after dusk.
Guest access
Dry Island offers three different properties, the "Otter Cabin" Nature Observatory, your Captain's Cabin and Barrel, and the main house where we live with our family. You are able to walk the wild paths on the island but we ask that you keep your distance from each accommodation.
Other things to note
It's very important that guests acknowledge that the path leading from the carpark as well as the paths around the island are very rocky and slippery. Unfortunately, the island is inaccessible to those with mobility difficulties. High grip shoes are highly recommended. Paths are not lit after dark and torches are essential. The steps are steep up to the car park and require a good level of fitness.
Your private shower and toilet facilities are right next to the Captain's Cabin and barrel so you will need to go outside to use them and this will require a torch and good grip shoes after dark.
The weather in the Scottish Highlands is incredibly volatile, especially in the late fall/winter months. While electric heating is available in the cabin and also a cosy gas fire, the toilet and hot water shower are not heated and guests should keep this in mind when choosing to stay during the cold season.
📌 Difficult climb down to island and floating footbridge
📌 Detached toilet and shower (see photos)
📌 Limited heating in winter months
Recommended in Rough Guide, Observer, and The Times Travel, our Cabin and Barrel are an excellent space for couples to experience our magical little corner of the Scottish Highlands here on our historic family-owned island.
The space
Enjoy your holiday in total privacy on the southern half of a historic family-owned island.
Unlike traditional campsites in the highlands, this "Captain's Cabin and Barrel" is just for you with detached private shower and toilet facilities, and a kitchen complete with all of the cooking essentials.
And extra special is your very own wood-fired hot tub.
The barrel is suitable for an adult couples.
There is a television and wifi.
Unfortunately, the site is inaccessible to those with mobility difficulties, as accessing the island requires a challenging 10-minute walk down the hill from the car park and crossing a slippery floating footbridge. Waterproof, high grip shoes are a must and guests must carry torches after dusk.
Guest access
Dry Island offers three different properties, the "Otter Cabin" Nature Observatory, your Captain's Cabin and Barrel, and the main house where we live with our family. You are able to walk the wild paths on the island but we ask that you keep your distance from each accommodation.
Other things to note
It's very important that guests acknowledge that the path leading from the carpark as well as the paths around the island are very rocky and slippery. Unfortunately, the island is inaccessible to those with mobility difficulties. High grip shoes are highly recommended. Paths are not lit after dark and torches are essential. The steps are steep up to the car park and require a good level of fitness.
Your private shower and toilet facilities are right next to the Captain's Cabin and barrel so you will need to go outside to use them and this will require a torch and good grip shoes after dark.
The weather in the Scottish Highlands is incredibly volatile, especially in the late fall/winter months. While electric heating is available in the cabin and also a cosy gas fire, the toilet and hot water shower are not heated and guests should keep this in mind when choosing to stay during the cold season.
ℹ️ Guests must acknowledge:
📌 Difficult climb down to island and floating footbridge
📌 Detached toilet and shower (see photos)
📌 Limited heating in winter months
Recommended in Rough Guide, Observer, and The Times Travel, our Cabin and Barrel are an excellent space for couples to experience our magical little corner of the Scottish Highlands here on our historic family-owned islan… read more
📌 Difficult climb down to island and floating footbridge
📌 Detached toilet and shower (see photos)
📌 Limited heating in winter months
Recommended in Rough Guide, Observer, and The Times Travel, our Cabin and Barrel are an excellent space for couples to experience our magical little corner of the Scottish Highlands here on our historic family-owned islan… read more
Sleeping arrangements
Bedroom 1
1 double bed
Common spaces
1 sofa bed
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Free parking on premises
Dryer
Washing machine
Wifi
Breakfast
TV
Room-darkening shades
Free on-street parking
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4.52 out of 5 stars from 230 reviews
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Location
Badachro, Scotland, United Kingdom
Dry Island sits in the tranquil waters of Gair Loch (literally "short loch") where the Mackenzies have lived, fished and farmed since the 15th Century. Dry Island's current owner, Ian McWhinney is a descendent of the Mackenzies and still fishes for shellfish from the Island. He is very happy to take visitors out to harvest langoustines, crabs and squat lobsters from his creels.
Warm Gulf Stream waters make for a temperate climate which attracts plentiful wildlife, including seabirds, otters and whales which feast on the seasonal bounty of the sea. The loch is circled to the south by the dramatic Torridon Mountains including the 3300ft high Beinn Alligin and Slioch (3215ft), one of Scotland's finest mountains.
Inverness is the nearest city to Dry Island and is approximately 90 minutes drive away. Across the sea is Skye, the Isle of Rona and the Inner Hebrides and boat trips to the islands can be booked during your stay. The village of Badachro on the shores of Gair Loch has a fine pub with a restaurant in which to dine and relax after a day in the hills.
However you want to relax and unwind, Dry Island has so much to offer.
Warm Gulf Stream waters make for a temperate climate which attracts plentiful wildlife, including seabirds, otters and whales which feast on the seasonal bounty of the sea. The loch is circled to the south by the dramatic Torridon Mountains including the 3300ft high Beinn Alligin and Slioch (3215ft), one of Scotland's finest mountains.
Inverness is the nearest city to Dry Island and is approximately 90 minutes drive away. Across the sea is Skye, the Isle of Rona and the Inner Hebrides and boat trips to the islands can be booked during your stay. The village of Badachro on the shores of Gair Loch has a fine pub with a restaurant in which to dine and relax after a day in the hills.
However you want to relax and unwind, Dry Island has so much to offer.
Dry Island sits in the tranquil waters of Gair Loch (literally "short loch") where the Mackenzies have lived, fished and farmed since the 15th Century. Dry Island's current owner, Ian McWhinney is a descendent…
- 302 Reviews
- Identity verified
fisherman from Gairloch , local to Badachro. Family have lived on Dry Island for 100s of years. Am cheerful, knowledgable and have a good sense of humour
During your stay
You can feel comfortable on your corner of the island free from disturbance from us or guests staying in the other property. Upon arrival, with prior arrangement, and if you are coming for a few nights I may be able to pick you up by boat at the Badachro Inn.
You can feel comfortable on your corner of the island free from disturbance from us or guests staying in the other property. Upon arrival, with prior arrangement, and if you are co…
- Language: English
- Response rate: 80%
- Response time: within a day
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Things to know
House rules
Check-in: After 16:00
Check out: 10:00
Not suitable for infants (under 2 years)
No smoking
No parties or events
Pets are allowed
Long-term stays (28 days or more) are allowed
Health & safety
Committed to Airbnb's enhanced cleaning process. Learn more
Airbnb's social distancing and other COVID-19-related guidelines apply
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Cancellation policy