The Rectory Flat at St Columba's is available for clergy holidays and those with an active church connection. The flat is available on a self-catering donation basis for £350 per week.

This upstairs flat was fully refurbished recently. It includes a kitchen/diner and a large lounge with wood burning stove, new wide-screen TV and DVD player. Centrally heated throughout, the flat sleeps four with one double and one twin bedroom. A bathroom (with bath), shower and WC complete the facilities.

Portree is the vibrant capital of the Isle of Skye and the perfect base for exploring the island. The Rectory Flat is located just off Somerled Square in Portree and is within a few minutes walking distance to all of the town’s facilities. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs, several of these are located alongside the colourful harbour.

For bookings or further information please contact: Robert MacDonald Tel: 01478 613069 or E-mail: [email protected]

To secure your booking a minimum non-refundable donation of £100 is requested, please make cheques payable to St Columba’s Episcopal Church. Address: St Columba’s Episcopal Church, Somerled Square, Portree, IV51 9EH.

For more information on what’s happening on Skye please visit the following web sites www.skye.co.uk www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye

Bright spacious lounge with windows to two aspects and wood burning stove

Fully equipped kitchen/dining room

Twin bedroom Double bedroom

View from the dining room Portree harbour

Cross the Skye Bridge, A87, at the roundabout, take 3rd exit. Continue on the A87 for 32 miles to Portree. Portree, at the junction bear right on to A855 / Bridge Road for 0.3 miles. Turn left on to Somerled Square; continue for approximately 100yards to the junction. At the junction turn left on to Holme Farm Road, for approximately 100 yards, you will see St Columba’s Church and Rectory on your left.

Sat Nav coordinates:- Latitude N 57° 24’ 50” Longitude W 6° 11’ 44” Please remember to set your Sat Nav to avoid ferries otherwise you will end up at the Mallaig ferry terminal instead of the Skye bridge.

Follow the link below to Google Maps https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=57.413497,- 6.195259&spn=0.002493,0.006695&gl=uk&t=h&z=18

By car

By far the most popular means of getting to Skye but due to the distance involved, for example 500 miles from the Midlands you may wish to consider breaking your journey.

Although Skye is an Island there is a road bridge spanning the sea between the villages of Kyle (mainland) and Kyleakin (Skye). If you are using a Sat Nav please be aware when traveling from the south the device may select the shortest route which takes you to Mallaig where there is the ferry to Skye. Check your route carefully to ensure it takes the slightly longer route using the free road bridge unless you wish to experience the ferry crossing.

By Air

The nearest local airport is Inverness www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport and for international visitors its Glasgow www.glasgowairport.com To get to Skye from Glasgow there are a few options.

Car Hire

There are many car hire companies at the airports it is essential to booking in advance. The drive to Portree from Inverness airport is approx. 120 miles and will take about 3 hours. The drive from Glasgow is approx. 220 miles and will take about 5.5 hours. In the summer months when the roads are busy it can take a bit longer. It is always worth planning a stop in Fort William to break up the Journey from Glasgow.

Train

There is no railway on Skye. There are two train stations on the mainland connections that are very close and connect to local bus routes. www.scotrail.co.uk  Glasgow to Mallaig - then the Ferry to Skye.  Inverness to Kyle – then a Bus on to the Island.

National Busses

City Link presently offer coaches from both Glasgow & Inverness to Skye. Full details on their website www.citylink.co.uk It is essential to book your seats in advance

Local Busses

The local bus routes on Skye (village to village) are operated by the company Stagecoach. Full details on their website www.stagecoachbus.com.

The Church was built in 1884, the rector, the Rev’d Arthur John MacLean set about having a worthy church for the small Episcopalian Congregation to worship. The foundation stone of St. Columba's Church was laid by Bishop Chinnery-Haldane and the charge was raised to incumbency status in October 1885.

The Rectory linked to the Church building was added in 1891.

Views of St Columba’s, Church Portree

For further information on the church please visit www.argyllandtheisles.org.uk General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church: SC015962 Charity Number: SC020146