Where luxury embraces the ambience of the Outer Hebrides
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With a promising forecast ahead we’re pleased to announce our next sailing to Taransay, (after a number of weeks of weather disruption)!
Bookings now being taken for Wednesday 18 September at 09:00 from Horgabost beach.
Don’t miss out and reserve your place now.
https://isleoftaransay.com
Isle of Taransay Venison available now.
We have a selection of cuts available to purchase from minced, diced, haunch, steaks and loin fillet. All enquiries to [email protected] please with details of the cut(s) you are looking for and approximate weight.
Collection only from Borve Lodge Estate Office (sorry, no postal delivery).
Oh how we love a wedding at Borve Lodge Estate! A wedding on Harris is a wonderful occasion as our Broch guests, Derek and Kristie discovered last week. After some very unseasonal and unpredictable weather, the clouds broke just at the right time, giving near perfect conditions for their beach ceremony here at Borve. The bride looked stunning in her lace gown and flowers by Bespoke Blooms By Maybury and the groom was equally handsome in his traditional kilt. Our warmest congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy marriage to them both.
Photography by
We have had a fascinating few days here at the estate, as we have been joined by Dr Rui Seabra, a Portuguese climate scientist who is establishing a network of sensors around the Atlantic Ocean to monitor changes in sea temperature. The small sensors are attached onto rocks, and collect real time data over the period of their 15-year-life. Its an ambitious and unique long-term project, with some 250 sites already completed on the coastlines of North and South America, Africa and Europe. And Harris is now part of this network, with sensor clusters installed in two locations in Taransay, and one on Borve beach. Establishing ‘facts on the ground,’ (or ‘in the water’ more accurately!), should yield data that will enable Rui and his team to evaluate temperature changes in the ocean, as well as marine biodiversity. We would like to thank those in the community who joined us to see Rui in action, and we are only too happy to be part of a project that is trying to address one of the biggest issues of our age, climate change.
Rui’s work can be seen on www.coastalwarming.com/cctbon
Aurora Rising!
The nights will soon be drawing in as we go into autumn and winter, which makes any Northern Lights activity much easier to observe. Here in the Hebrides we have some of the darkest skies in the UK and with the solar activity being much higher than it has been for some time, it’s set to be a promising year. (See picture in comments for an idea of a recent display).
If we have guests who are interested in seeing the aurora, just let us know when you check-in and we will keep you updated with any alerts during your stay!
There’s still time to book your winter break at The Rock House and The Broch, so head online and secure your stay with us.
Solar maximum so far exceeding expectations!
The number of Sunspots in 1 month is at its highest since 2001.
Based on previous cycles we should have a few years of heightened solar activity and aurora displays 😊
Exciting times!
Wednesday is promising to be a better day and so we are planning a sailing to Taransay with the first boat departing Horgabost at 9:00am, returning at 3:00pm. Bookings can be made online at https://isleoftaransay.com/visit-taransay/ (sorry, pets are not permitted on our sailings).
Grab your SPF50 for a very last minute sailing to Taransay on Saturday 27 July, leaving from Horgabost beach at 09:00, returning at 15:00. Book directly online at https://isleoftaransay.com/visit-taransay/.
Update -extra sailings added at 9.30am and 10.00am!
Breaking news... the wait is over and we are planning a sailing to Taransay on Monday 22 July. First sailing will be 9:00 from Horgabost beach and additional sailings will be added if demand is high. Book now at https://isleoftaransay.com/visit-taransay/
We are very, very excited to announce we have been selected as a finalist in the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards in the self catering and unique stay category. It is an honour to be alongside such worthy businesses and our team are so thrilled and proud to be part of this.
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
We're thrilled to announce that the shortlist for the Highland & Islands Thistle Awards has been revealed! 🎉✨
A massive congratulations to all the incredible nominees who exemplify excellence and dedication in our vibrant community. Your hard work and passion make the Highlands & Islands shine even brighter! 🌄🏴
Best B&B or Guesthouse Experience
Blervie House
Broad Bay House
Dunnet Bay Escapes
Glenegedale House Islay
Best Bar or Pub
Johnny Foxes & The Den
Scotch & Rye
The Station
Best Eating Experience
Downright Gabbler
One One Two Wine Bar and Eatery
The Dipping Lugger
Best Hotel Experience
Links House at Royal Dornoch
Ness Walk
The Dowans Hotel
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
Nevis Range
SeabirdsandSeals - Original & Best Noss Boat Tours
Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat
Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay
Borve Lodge Estate
Hideaway Under the Stars
Kabn Company
Best Visitor Attraction
Islay Sea Adventures
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat
Celebrating Thriving Communities
Cheryl Heggie School of Dance
Loch Ness Hub & Travel
Wick River Campsite
Climate Action
Dornie Croft
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Ness Walk
Inclusive Tourism
Girls on Hills
Seabirds-and-Seals - The Original Noss Boat Tours
Wavysail
Innovation in Tourism
Hebrides Cruises
Loch Ness Hub and Travel
Scottish Islands Passport
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
Eilean Dorcha Festival
Orkney Folk Festival
Taste North (Venture North)
Rising Star
Aedan Doig, Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa (Crerar Hotels)
Elliott Sabor, Orrin Restaurant & Bar
Harris Brooker, Speyside Wildlife
Kate Paterson, Golf View Hotel & Spa
Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Nevis Range
The Pierhouse Hotel
Tourism Individual of the Year
Fiona McLean, The Pierhouse Hotel
Paul Nixon, The Loch Ness Centre
Russell Fraser, Loch Ness Hub and Travel
UPDATE: Good news - Spotty has been found and is now safe! Thank you to everyone for all the good wishes and support in finding her.
Not one of our usual posts, but we are sending out a call for help in finding ‘Spotty’, who absconded from our cottage at Laxdale (Harris), yesterday afternoon. She has clearly decided to have herself a very grand Hebridean Adventure. She is microchipped and friendly, but may be a little disoriented and cautious.
Should anyone spot Spotty around the Laxdale or Fincastle area, or even further afield, can you please contact 07810 023255. We are hoping to find her safe and well very soon so we can return her safely home. Thank you. Please share.
Missed today’s sailing to Taransay? It’s not too late to visit this amazing island this week as we have scheduled another sailing for Thursday 13th June. Departing Horgabost beach at 9am. Please see the FAQs on the website for answers to general questions about the trips. Book online at https://isleoftaransay.com.
UPDATE: only two seats left for the 9am sailing! Additional sailings will be added if demand exceeds this - email [email protected] if you would like to visit but are a group with more than two passengers.
All Aboard! With a good forecast on the horizon we will be offering a sailing to Taransay on Tuesday 11th June, departing at 09:00 from Horgabost beach. All bookings can be made online and further details about the sailing can be found in the FAQs on our website at https://isleoftaransay.com/visit-taransay/ . Don't miss the boat and book now.
UPDATE: The forecast is looking good for Saturday 1 June for a lovely day on Taransay. Sailing time now 10am to allow a little more time for passengers to arrive at Horgabost.
Roll up, roll up.... Make the most of the forecast later this week, head over to Taransay and experience this amazing island for yourself. We are offering a sailing on Thursday 30 May 09:00 and given the weekend is also looking good, we're planning an additional sailing on Saturday 1 June 09:00 ! Additional sailings will be added if there is high demand. Book now at https://isleoftaransay.
UPDATE: now fully booked.
Due to popular request we are offering a sailing to Taransay on Monday 27th May departing at 09:00. Further sailings will be announced depending on demand and sailing conditions. Book now to avoid disappointment. See FAQ for more information.
Rezdy Online Booking
Well, it's been a month since we were named as 'Scotland's Greatest Escape' with the Broch and now we've had a chance to get our breath back, we thought it was a good time to say a huge 'Thank you' to everyone who sent cards and their congratulations to us.
We celebrated last week with a team outing to the Isle of Harris Brewery who gave us all a very warm welcome and where we enjoyed a fabulous meal.
We must also extend our thanks and give a shout out to the people and businesses who regularly supply and support us here at Borve Lodge Estate, as their help and services are invaluable and so much appreciated.
SkyDancer Coffee Roasters Hebridean Charcuterie From Croft No.9 Hebridean Smokehouse Ltd. ishga Skin Care Lewis & Harris Grounds Maintenance Lewis Builders Ltd Shaun Macdonald Electrical DM MacRae Plumbing & Heating, Gary Craven Garden and Property Services, Macsween Electrical, Macgregors and of course all our delivery drivers and postmen...... with sincere apologies to anyone we've omitted to mention ....
A special thanks must also go to the architect Stuart Bagshaw (SBA Architects Ltd) who brought Adam and Cathra's vision to life.
Thank you one and all !
*Bookings open until 9.30am 14 May*
Taransay Day Trip- last minute availability and places very limited: 10AM Tuesday 14 May 2024.
We are sailing to Taransay on Tuesday 14 May and have 3 spaces available! Don't delay as no other sailing is planned this week. NB. This will depart from Ardhasaig Pier (not Horgabost beach).
Book online at: https://isleoftaransay.com/visit-taransay/
And the Winner is......
The whole team at Borve Lodge Estate, are absolutely over the moon that our property, The Broch, has been crowned Scotland’s Greatest Escape 2024! It was a thrilling experience throughout, and we were honoured to welcome the judges to stay at the Broch, to show them our unique offering, and to whisk them across to Taransay.
A big highlight of the contest was to meet the owners and managers of the other finalist properties and to appreciate that there are other kindred spirits also offering quality experiences in Scotland’s remarkable and varied landscapes. Taking part in the programme reminded us how much Scotland has to give on so many levels. And whatever Scotland has, Harris has in spades!
The series also included another property on Harris and we hope these appearances will inspire visitors to come to the island, not just to stay with us, but also at all the other wonderful accommodation the island has to offer.
This success is a validation of our wonderful team, their extraordinary hard work, and dedication to every detail. Without their incredible and indomitable spirit, none of this would have been possible. A huge thank you to everyone: you know who you are!
So if you are looking for a great escape why not come to stay at Borve Lodge Estate on the Isle of Harris! We look forward to welcoming you.
Pictured below: Cathra and Adam Kelliher, (owners), with Grado
Just a quick reminder to look out for us on BBC Scotland at 8pm tonight in the grand final of Scotland's Greatest Escape.
The 7 finalists are:
THE BROCH, BORVE LODGE ESTATE (Unique & Unusual)
CROMLIX, Dunblane (Luxury)
THE BUS STOP (Budget Friendly)
GLENORCHY FARM, Dalmally (Lochs, Bens & Glens)
LINDORES, Fife (Foodie)
BENMORE ESTATE ISLAND PODS, Isle of Mull (Adventure)
DUISDALE HOUSE, Isle of Skye (Island & Coastal)
Another great article, this time from the Press and Journal.
Adam and Cathra Kelliher purchased Taransay from a local crofting family in 2011.
About 100 feet above the roiling waters of the Atlantic, on the far side of Taransay, the Rvival team find a different way to cross the geological arch. Just one of the activities which will be available to the Taransay survival adventurers.
Today we feature in the Daily Mail!
A few months ago Adam and Cathra Kelliher sat down to watch every episode of Castaway, the pioneering reality TV show which plonked 36 people on an uninhabited island.
Another great article on the BBC website today regarding our plans and project work on Taransay.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3g75vl38plo
Native tree-planting is among plans for Taransay, famous as the setting for a reality show 23 years ago.
And the award in the Unique and Unusual category for BBC Scotland's new series of Scotland's Greatest Escape goes to ... The Broch, Borve Lodge , with a perfect score of 20/20! 😁
Thank you to everyone for your kind messages. We cannot express how thrilled and proud we are to have been named best in our category as we were up against some worthy competition. Our small team work very hard to ensure the properties are perfectly prepared for our guests and this was reflected in the comments from the judges. We have to especially thank our housekeepers for the effort and attention to detail in ensuring the high standard of cleanliness and also mention our suppliers and contractors who work with us to ensure the Broch is beautifully presented.
We still have some short stays available during the summer period so why not book now and come and see for yourself.
We’re all set for 8pm this evening…
https://borvelodge.com/behind-the-scenes-our-adventure-with-bbc-scotlands-scotlands-greatest-escape/
Discover our unforgettable experience with BBC Scotland's "Scotland's Greatest Escape," featuring The Broch on the stunning Borve Lodge Estate.
A little reminder for Scotland's Greatest Escape on BBC Scotland, this Wednesday at 8pm and a little teaser clip of the show with our wonderful housekeeper Chris putting Grado through his paces!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hd08w6/player
More exciting news! 😁 We were thrilled to be invited to take part in the second series of Scotland's Greatest Escape. We are to appear in the 'Unique and Unusual' category which will air on BBC Scotland at 8pm on 28 February and on iPlayer. Tune in to share the experience with us.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2024/09/scotlands-greatest-escape-ep1
Bags packed and ready to go, Scotland’s Greatest Escape returns for another series, travelling the length and breadth of the country to find the ultimate holiday getaway.
Our plans for Taransay with Rvival have made it to page 3 of The Times today…
Our latest blog post is now available on our website. There are lots of exciting things in the pipeline for the year ahead and we will be sharing more information on the blog and social media over the coming months, so do look out for updates.
If you're looking for your 2024 Hebridean Escape, we still have some availability in our very spacious family cottages and for couples only in the stunning Rock House and Broch.
https://borvelodge.com/a-year-reviewed-featuring-the-hebridean-baker/
Discover a year in the Hebrides: from the Hebridean Baker's delights to Taransay's beauty. Join us for a journey of culture, adventure, and warmth.
Borve Lodge Estate
Harris
HS33HT
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| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
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About 100 feet above the roiling waters of the Atlantic, on the far side of Taransay, the Rvival team find a different way to cross the geological arch. Just one of the activities which will be available to the Taransay survival adventurers.
We've only had the one day sailing to Taransay this week and the weather has been a little up and down again, but here's lovely a short of our other landing craft, the Verley Anne, steaming down the Sound of Taransay on a fair day recently. Thank you to our ever-helpful crew member Ciaran for the great footage. Look out for announcements for our next trips in the coming week. #visitscotland #isleofharris #visitouterhebrides
Our landing craft, Mary Jane, in action during our recent trip to Taransay.
We love to share our passion for the place in which we live and work – the beautiful Borve Lodge Estate is on the rugged west coast of South Harris and includes the island of Taransay, the setting for the BBC TV series Castaway 2000.
Take a look at our website to find out more about our five self-catering holiday properties and the outdoors adventures you can enjoy with us while you’re on the Isle of Harris. www.borvelodge.com
Solace self catering Isle of Harris
Ardhasaig
Laxdale Cottage, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris
Greabhal View
Harris Holiday Homes - Leverburgh, Isle of Ha
Seashell Cottage
