Tracey and Ash hand over to Michelle and Glenn

Hello from Glenn and Michelle!!

We have bought Invercassley Cottage and we are now just setting up the B&B and Self catering facilities for the year ahead  (some of you early birds have already booked directly with us – thanks!!).

The website and booking systems are literally just this week starting to go online so, as they all get switched back on we are hoping to start to see some more reservations for new or returning guests for 2024.  We know from Ash and Tracey we have a lot to live up to.  We are really looking forward to looking after you!

One of the last things Ash and Tracey did was to offer Self Catering as well as the B&B so they turned the B&B part of the home into a self contained annex so that guests have all the facilities and privacy of a holiday rental but with the added bonus of having a home cooked breakfast delivered to them each morning. These are options we intend to keep on – so please get in touch to discuss your requirements and we’ll do our best to work around your plans.

After the last few years we think that everyone is looking forward to a holiday , and it looks like staycations will prove popular so why not book your 2024 stay now and have something to look forward to

Glenn and Michelle

Sky at Night – Dark Skies of Sutherland

For those that love star watching the big open skies of Sutherland are perfect for watching the sky at night. The scattered population and small rural hamlets mean there is little in the way  of light  pollution, and North West Sutherland is known as one of the darkest sky locations in the UK and possibly Europe.  With cold crisp cloudless autumn and winter nights. its the best time to go stargazing . Why not go outside with your telescope and get some spectacular views of the astronomical sights around us ,including the beautiful Milky Way as seen by this photo taken by guest Chris Barkway. There are also two Dark Sky Discovery Sites just a short drive away in Lochinver and Tain

The Northern Lights or Aurora  Borealis are another spectacular sight on many travellers bucket list,  and as Scotland is on the same latitude as Stravangar in Norway  and the Nunivak Islands in Alaska its another natural wonder that Sutherland can offer. Again autumn and winter offer long hours of darkness and frequent  cold clear nights, and combined with a night of increased solar activity you could  be rewarded with the dancing colours across the night sky. Its a good idea to download one of the many Aurora apps which will warn you when the sightings are likely, but remember they are often at their visiable in the early hours, so best for night owls. Although we do not face North at Invercassley, a short drive up on the Lairg road or the hills around Altass will give you wide open views of the Northern Skies . Another great location is in Rogart , nr Lairg where one of the country’s top Aurora photographers is based and his photos can be viewed on social media pages.

So on your next visit why not wrap up warm and see what views of the celestial world you can find here in Sutherland.

Breakfast at Invercassley

Spoilt for choice “a good hearty cooked full breakfast”

One of the reasons for staying in a B & B is the prospect of a great breakfast in the morning which someone else has cooked for you, and will also clear away and wash up. I am sure when most of us are at home and dashing around in our busy normal life a slice of toast or bowl of cereal is all we can manage to fit in. However on holiday breakfast takes on a new meaning, its something to take time over, chatting with family & friends and enjoying extra cups of coffee or slices of toast. Its the chance to pour over guidebooks and maps to plan the days adventures, and pick up tips of hidden gems from the hosts.

Often the highlight is a good hearty cooked full breakfast to set you up for the day. Like many, as a child my parents would say “ eat as much as you can for breakfast , then we don’t need to buy lunch” and I am sure that still holds true today. At Invercassley we pride ourselves on our breakfast menu and try as much as possible to use home made or locally grown/made products ; eggs from our chicken and ducks, tomatoes from the polytunnel, meat products from the local butcher and crofts with plenty of toast made with homemade bread and jams/ marmalade from local producers . However if you are on a longer holiday , the thought of a cooked breakfast every morning can fill some guests with dread , and have them checking the waistband of their trousers every day. As a B & B owner you need to come up with something different to tempt the appetite and offer a real choice every morning. A popular favourite on our breakfast menu are pancakes , freshly cooked each morning with all you have to decide is whether they are served with crispy bacon & maple syrup or with homemade natural yoghurt and fruit.  Next up are the omelettes , made with a choice of fillings and with eggs collected that morning from our birds. Guests never fail to be amazed at how yellow our free range eggs make the omelettes look never mind how good they taste. For those looking for a more healthy diet we offer the option of a breakfast cranachan , based on the traditional Scottish dessert, with yoghurt replacing the cream and an optional drop of whisky for authenticity . Not forgetting those who hark back to childhood memories we can also serve boiled eggs with soldiers of toast standing to attention on the plate. Still that’s not all, with poached eggs on toast/muffins, croissants & brioche rolls, porridge, fresh fruit and yoghurt and cereals there is enough to give you a different breakfast choice for every day of your holiday. The hardest part will be choosing what to have.