Guests say
Tigh Mairi offers a truly stunning location with breathtaking views, making it an ideal base for exploring Harris and Lewis. Guests consistently praise the peaceful setting, spacious garden, and the cottage’s traditional charm. The property is well-equipped for self-catering stays and is particularly appreciated by dog owners. While some guests noted issues with damp, occasional cleanliness lapses, and dated décor, most found the cottage comfortable and enjoyed their stay. The Wi-Fi is variable but generally functional. Overall, Tigh Mairi is a welcoming and practical choice for those seeking a scenic and relaxing getaway.
Several guests found the property clean on arrival, but there are repeated mentions of areas needing more attention, particularly the kitchen and occasional mould or damp issues. While not a major deterrent for most, improvements in cleaning standards would enhance the experience.
The location is universally praised for its spectacular views, tranquillity, and proximity to local attractions. Guests highlight the beautiful garden, easy access to Tarbert and Scalpay, and the cottage’s suitability as a base for exploring the islands.
Most guests found the cottage comfortable, with warm bedrooms and a cosy atmosphere. Some noted minor issues such as steep stairs, tired décor, and damp, but these did not significantly detract from their overall comfort.
The cottage is well-equipped with essential kitchen appliances, a washing machine, and a power shower. Some guests mentioned missing or dated items, limited freezer space, and minor maintenance issues, but overall found the facilities adequate for a holiday stay.
There are no mentions of welcome gifts or extra thoughtful touches in the reviews, so a score cannot be provided for this category.
About this property
Tigh Mairi is perfectly located for exploring the Isle of Harris and the islands of the Outer Hebrides.. 1 step to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Living room: Freeview TV, DVD Player, Open Fire
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing Machine
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, Single (3ft) Bed
Bedroom 2: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, Single (3ft) Bed
Bedroom 3: Single (2ft 6in) Bed.
1 electric storage heater, electric heaters, electricity, bed linen, towels and Starlink Wi-Fi included. Initial fuel for open fire included.. Garden. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are a few steep, stone steps into the lower part of the garden and access is via a steep track. This property has a security deposit of £150.. Tigh Mairi is a well-equipped and comfortable detached house that has had some renovation work done with a new bathroom and shower, April 2026. This traditional style croft house is in an elevated position and offers the most breathtaking views over the island of Scalpay. It is accessed by a steep track with a cattle grid.
Some points to note are that this property is not one of the more modern refurbished properties that are available on the island, should you prefer that. Please see the photos for a representation. Please note that there is no dishwasher. Due to the location, the phone signal is quite weak inside the house, but there is a landline you can use for emergencies. Starlink Wifi has been added for 2026. The house has heaters and an open fire, but is not centrally heated, so you might also want to bear that in mind if you feel the cold easily.
In Tarbert, 4 miles away, you will find a grocery shop, post office, places to eat, 2 pubs, the Harris Tweed Shop and the very popular Harris Gin Distillery. Harris has a wide range of landscapes, all of which have their own charm and interest. On the west coast lie some of the most spectacular beaches with large open machair areas.
In the north, the terrain is rugged, mountainous and has a lunar feel to it, with the exposed rocks being a result of glacial erosion from the Ice Ages. The area is known as ‘The Bays’ because of the many small, quiet inlets. Wildlife is abundant, a birdwatcher’s paradise, loch, sea angling and hill walking; The Clisham, the highest mountain in the Western Isles, is only a short drive from Tigh Mairi.
There are many art galleries, Harris Tweed weaving, boat trips to St. Kilda, and so much more. In general, the attraction of the Isle of Harris is its peace and tranquillity, the magnificent scenery and beaches and with the shoreline just 400 yards away, come, explore and enjoy. The spectacular beaches of South Harris are 14 miles away. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.
Free WiFi
Access to the house is via a steep track (please use 1st gear).
Please leave the gate closed at all times so that sheep do not get in the garden.
There is limited internet signal and/or mobile reception at the property.
EPC Rating = B
We highly recommend that you book your ferry as soon as possible as ferries get very busy. You can call Calmac on 0800 066 5000. For ferries that travel to Orkney are Northlink Ferries 08001114422 and Pentland Ferries 0800 688 8998.
There is a security deposit of £100 to be paid directly to the owner.
Scottish Letting Licence ES00564P
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (15)
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Leanne
We had a wonderful stay at Tigh Mairi. The location was perfect and the views were absolutely incredible.The cottage is basic and traditional, which we personally like, and had everything we needed. The WiFi was great throughout our stay.The only negative for us is that the kitchen could've been cleaner on our arrival. We had to wipe the worktops down, clean a glass that was clearly dirty and there was a spill of what looked like juice in the fridge with a dead fly which hadn't been cleaned. It wasn't something that spoiled our holiday, but something that could easily be improved. We wouldn't let this put us off and have put it down to an oversight.One small maintenance issue is the toaster doesn't stay down to toast, so we had to hold the lever down whilst it toasted.Not criticism, just a heads up for guests: if you have a larger car like myself, it can be a tight squeeze getting turned at the top of the drive. There shouldn't be any problems getting a smaller car turned.Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, particularly the location and amazing views.
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Andrew Scott
Apart from kitchen tap needing a new washer it’s a lovely wee cottage with beautiful views out over Scalpay.I will definitely be back!
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Charles Jennings
Lovely location, quite, views spectacular,house clean and tidy, all good just what we needed for walking, sea fishing and sight seeing holiday at a good price.