Island Holiday

Self catering Cabin, Bunkhouse & Chalet

The South Uist Hostel's Cabin (Pod), Bunkhouse and Chalet is where mountain meets sea in the tiny township of North Glendale (Gleanndal or 'The Glen of Muses') on the rugged eastern coast of the Isle of South Uist. Whether you're wanting a stroll down to the sea or a ramble up a hill for breathtaking views, all you need to do is step out the door.

The self-catering holiday accommodation is located on a working croft, by the shore of Loch Boisdale - a sea loch - so you will have a great opportunity to do a bit of seal, otter, deer and bird spotting, as this whole area is abundant in wildlife, some of which is rare or endangered.

2021 Special Offer - Stay the week!

7 nights for the price of 5 to make your holiday planning a little easier, as we all carefully come out of lockdown. Simply phone Paul on 07964 681 901 to check availability and make a booking.

COVID Safe - We're good to go!

South Uist is one of the islands of the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) archipelago, 70 miles off the North West coast of Scotland, out in the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning nearly 200 miles across 10 breathtaking islands, the Hebridean Way route boasts rugged hills and dazzling coastline. North Glendale is the ideal pit stop to rest and explore a little, along this iconic island-hopping holiday.

Cabin

Newly installed in 2021, the Cabin (often called a Storm Pod) is a self-contained luxury holiday haven. Perched beside a small fresh-water loch and overlooking Loch Boisdale. It has a ¾ double bed, single bed and a fold-down bunk. Cooking facilities and a separate shower with WC. Outside there's a fenced courtyard with great Hebridean views for your enjoyment.

Starsach View

The Cabin's enclosed courtyard is perfect for watching the amazing Atlantic sunsets, while enjoying drinks and a BBQ. Midges allowing of course! Meanwhile inside, the windows provide picture-perfect views of both lochs.

Surprisingly Spacious

Unlike the 'arched storm pods' this cabin's design makes it feel larger inside and with more head-room for the taller guest. The fold-down bunk also turns the single bed into a comfortable sofa and is the ideal place to snuggle up for some seal spotting.

Built-in Comfort

With seating, underfloor heating, cooking facilities, TV, en-suite shower room and complimentary tea & coffee on arrival; you'll have everything you need to enjoy your holiday.

  • Type: Cabin, shepherd's hut or bothy
  • Sleeps 3+1 in an open plan room.
  • Fully equipped kitchenette - with kettle, toaster, mini-oven, microwave and fridge.
  • Separate spacious shower and toilet room.
  • Enclosed outdoor area with bench and lighting.
  • TV and free on-site WiFi.
  • All linen and towels are provided.
  • This holiday accommodation is not shared with other guests.
  • what3words Location: ///workforce.broadcast.trip
November to March = £70
April to October = £75

per night
Weekly from only £350 with 2 nights free!
  • Sleeps 3+1 in 1 room
  • Shower & WC
  • Self catering kitchenette
  • TV
  • No laundry facility
  • Free WiFi (signal may be weak)

Bunkhouse

The open plan Hostel offers 4 bunks, a 2 person sofa-bed, a well-equipped self-catering kitchen and dining table; with a separate shower room and WC. Electric heating is powered by the croft's wind turbine and solar panels. While the hostel/bunkhouse's large skylights don't offer much in the way of views, these are available instantly upon stepping outside, making it an ideal pit stop for walking and cycling holidays along The Hebridean Way.

Bunk Beds

There are four single bunks, some of which are accessed by a ladder, so the upper bunks are unsuitable for younger children. They also have curtains for added privacy and there's storage for backpacks underneath.

Exploring

The bunkhouse is a great base for backpackers, cycling and walking holidays. Putting you in striking distance of the East and West Atlantic coasts of Uist, as well as the islands of Eriskay and Barra, with its famous beach runway. Every corner you turn will be one picturesque vista after another.

All the Essentials

The open-plan hostel has a full galley kitchen, seating/dining area and washing machine. There is also a secure bike store, which is available upon request. Parking for cars and motorbikes is available, but spaces may be limited at peak times.

  • Type: Bunk house, hostel or dormatory
  • Fully open-plan hostel, with separate shower room / WC.
  • Dormitory of 4 single bunkbeds, with curtains for your comfort and privacy.
  • Double fold-out sofa bed, for up to 2 additional guests.
  • Galley kitchen with kettle, toaster, hob, microwave, fridge-freezer and washing machine.
  • A communal seating and dining area.
  • All bed linen is provided, but please bring your own towel.
  • Overflow space for larger groups may be available at a discounted rate.
  • This accommodation is usually shared with other guests, unless you book all four bunks.
  • Due to COVID-19 this accommodation can no longer be shared with other guests. All 4 bunks now need to be booked by a single group (household/social bubble) and the price has been updated to reflect this.
  • what3words Location: ///asks.options.stability
November to March = £50
April to October = £55

per night
Weekly from only £250 with 2 nights free!
  • Sleeps 4+2 in 1 room
  • Shower
  • Self catering kitchen
  • Mixed dormitory
  • Washing machine
  • Free WiFi

Chalet

The caravan-style Chalet located next to the new Cabin, directly overlooks the sea loch which is just 50 metres down the hill. With two twin-bedded rooms and a one double-bedded room the chalet can comfortably sleep six people. The accomodation also comprises a well-equipped kitchen, sitting room with TV, shower and WC.

Up to 6 Guests

The chalet is a large and fully equipped, 3 bedroom static-caravan, that has been upgraded and reinforced to withstand the Hebridean weather, in warmth and comfort. Sleeping up to 6, it can easily accommodate large family or group holidays.

Loch Views

Even when it's not exploring weather, you can sit and enjoy a meal in the chalet's open-plan living room and kitchen, with its views of Loch Boisdale's wildlife.

Ideal for Families

From an outdoor area for BBQs when the weather's nice, to a full oven for when the midges are out, the Chalet has everything a large family might need. Including free on-site WiFi, TV & DVD, washing machine, shower room and a separate WC.

  • Type: Chalet, static caravan or cottage
  • Sleeps 6 in two twin bedrooms and one double bedroom.
  • Galley kitchen - with full oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster and washing machine.
  • Living room, shower and toilet.
  • TV and DVD player.
  • All linen and towels are provided.
  • This accommondation is not shared with other guests.
  • what3words Location: ///fittingly.verbs.found
November to March = £60
April to October = £65

per night
Weekly from only £300 with 2 nights free!
  • Sleeps 6 in 3 rooms
  • Shower
  • Self catering kitchen
  • TV & DVD
  • Washing machine
  • Free WiFi (signal may be weak)

Overflow Camping

  • Due to COVID-19 all camping pitches and shared facilities are currently closed

If your group needs extra space, there is a level camping ground which has a great view across the loch. The campsite has a separate toilet and shower block, with an adjoining changing area. Campers can also have access to the hostel's self-catering kitchen if required. Guests who require only camping, may also be able to use this facility, you do not need to pay a deposit for this, simply get in touch to reserve your pitch at the following cost.

1 or 2 people = £10
3 or more people = £15

per pitch per night
  • Up to 6 tent pitches
  • Shower block
  • Self catering kitchen
  • Toilet block
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free on-site WiFi

COVID Safe - We're good to go!

Due to COVID-19 bookings for single bunks, campervans and camping, are not possible at the moment, as all shared facilities are closed.

You may be asked to check-in a little later than usual, to allow for enhanced cleaning and thorough airing of your accomodation. Windows might need be left open prior to your arrival, so the accommodation may be initially unheated.

Availability depends upon the Scottish Government's current COVID restrictions and is subject to change without notice. The covid rules in Scotland may be different to other UK nations, please visit GOV.scot for more information. Appropriate travel insurance is highly recommended.

You're advised to take a COVID test before travelling. UK residents can order a free pack of tests to be sent to their home by going to: gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

Make a Booking

Please contact Paul by email or on 07964 681 901 to check the availability of the accommodation you'd like to book.

Messages are usually responded to within a few hours, but please allow up to 1 day. If your accommondation is available, you will be asked to pay a deposit - using the Accept & Pay button below - to confirm your booking. Please note that accommodation will remain available for others to book, until a deposit has been paid. If you are unable to pay your deposit with PayPal, you can also pay by bank transfer. Please speak to Paul about this when you confirm availability.

Pay Online

If you don't have a PayPal account, please ask Paul about paying by bank transfer. Once you have confirmed availability of your accommodation, you will be asked to click the 'Agree & Pay' button below. Simply login-in to your PayPal account and enter the ammount you'd like to pay.

  1. You can choose to pay the full ammount as soon as you've confirmed availability.
  2. Or you can pay a smaller deposit, with the rest due when you arrive.

A minimum deposit of £15 per night, is required to secure your booking. For example a stay of 3 nights, would be a deposit of £45 (3x £15). The remainder of your booking fee is payable upon arrival by PayPal, bank transfer or with cash, although you can pay sooner if you wish.

Please read the terms and conditions, as payment will indicate your acceptance of them.

Terms & Conditions at a Glance

  1. Deposits - Your deposit (of at least £15 per night) secures your booking. It covers the cost of preparing for your visit and is non-refundable.
  2. Cancellations - If you have already paid in full, but cancel before arrival, you can ask for a refund (minus the deposit).
  3. Damage - A guest found to have caused damage to any property, will be required to pay for repairs or replacements as necessary.
  4. Behaviour - The proprietor may ask a guest to leave, if their actions are likely to cause harm or distress to others.

Terms of Booking & Booking Deposit in Detail

By placing a booking with us (the property owner / his/her representative) you (the lead guest) and your booking party (guests) agree to the following terms and conditions as set-out. During your stay you agree to abide by the subsequent conditions as set-out. If you have any questions about booking with us, please contact us before making a booking.

To place a booking with us the lead guest must be at least 16 years of age. The maximum number of staying guests per room is illustrated in the room occupancy details on the website. Where the person making the booking is different to the lead guest taking up the occupation, the person making the booking may be held responsible for cancellation, non-arrival and damages as set-out within. Only the lead guest and the named booking party are allowed to use the property and its facilities, any third party visitors are only allowed access at our express permission.

To secure any booking we require a deposit to be paid in advance, this deposit amount is = £15 per night.

Deposit payments must be 'cleared funds' before a booking can be confirmed. Deposits are only refundable under the conditions set-out here within.

Payments can be made online prior to arrival with PayPal, bank transfer or by cash upon arrival. Any charges raised against us by our banks for handling dishonoured cheque's, bank transfers or any other payments, must be reimbursed by the lead guest within seven (7) days of any request to do so.

All guests agree to respect the privacy and peace of all other staying guests, neighbours and the owners at all times. We reserve the right to cancel a booking with immediate effect if guests are not honouring this agreement or causing a disturbance / nuisance to other guests, neighbours or the owners.

Check-in & Check-out

Guests must check-in and check-out by the times stated below;
Check-in: After 14:00pm and before 19:00pm on day of arrival
Check-out: Before 11:00am on day of departure

Cancellation, Returned Deposit & Non-Arrival Conditions

Guest who need to cancel a booking should contact us as soon as possible. Deposits already paid are non-refundable. Any other payment may only returned in accordance with the following conditions;
Cancellation made 15 days or more in advance of arrival date = Full refund (excluding deposit)
Cancellation made 14 days or less of arrival date = 50% refund (excluding deposit)
Cancellation made 48hrs or less of arrival date = No refund issued, full amount of booking due

Non-arrival guests, who are unable to attend or fail to attend for whatever reason forfeit their deposit paid and the full amount of the booking will be due. It is suggested that booking guests take out appropriate holiday / cancellation insurance where required.

In the rare event we need to cancel your booking with us, please be aware that we cannot be held liable for circumstances beyond our control and that our liability to you is limited to the refund of any payment already made.

WiFi Fair & Appropriate Usage Policy

Where WiFi Internet access is provided, guests accept to use this access to the Internet fairly and appropriately. We may monitor network performance and user usage in order to maintain a fair and high level of service to all our guests.

The Internet access provided is intended for general use such as access to the world wide web, email, messaging, social media, light video / music / media streaming. It is not intended or ideally suited for heavy media streaming, online gaming, extensive downloads / uploads. Access to illegal activity or use of our network for illegal activity is prohibited and will be reported to local authorities.

Due to the nature of this service, it is in no way guaranteed and may become slow, be unavailable or incompatible with your device.

Damages & Lost Property

We reserve the right to charge the lead guest for any damages caused through the course of a booking by any member of the booking party or third parties associated with them. This includes breakages, spillages, stains, damage to furniture or fixtures and fittings. Any accidental damages should be reported as soon as possible in order to minimise damage and associated costs. Lost keys / fobs / access cards will incur a replacement charge per key / fob / card lost.

Any lost property, if discovered and found, left behind by guests during a stay will be held for a period of 1 month. While we will make our best efforts to reunite lost property with their owners we accept no responsibility in replacing lost items and encourage guests to ensure they have all their belonging before checking-out. We may offer to post lost items via recorded delivery at the cost to its owner, otherwise collection can be arranged.

Smoking & Vaping

Smoking of any tobacco products including, but not limited to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff or chewing tobacco, is only allowed in designated areas as sign posted throughout the accommodation and is in accordance with the Health Act 2006.

Vaping is permitted in most areas, provided that it is not a nuisance to other guests. Anyone who is vaping and is asked by any person to stop, should immediately cease or move to a designated smoking area.

Pets & Service Dogs

We do accept dogs throughout the accommodation, including service dogs. Guests should request permission before bringing any other kind of pet. Animals must be kept under control at all time and are not permitted on beds or other soft furnishings. The lead guest will be held liable for any damage caused by an animal in their party's care.

Parking

Where on-site parking is provided guests accept that they park their vehicles at their own risk.

Your Personal Details & Privacy

We are required to keep a register of guests over the age of 16 who stay with us, this includes full names and may also include nationality, and/or passport numbers, place of issue, details of next destination if they are non-British, Irish or Commonwealth guests. This is in accordance with the (Immigration (Hotel records) Order 1972). These records are kept for a minimum of 12 months and in accordance with the DPA (Data Protection Act 1998) and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Our policy surrounding the personal details you provide as part of any booking or enquiry through this website / or third party website, including the privacy of those details are explained and set out in our Privacy Policy which you can read here.

You accept that any entries you make to an on-site guest book, if available, will not contain personal information or details you would not want disclosed. Any entries containing personal details that may fall into the DPA and GDPR may be removed and destroyed.

Our Right To Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel any booking without compensation, refund or reimbursement if the terms of these conditions are breached.

This transaction is not eligible for PayPal Buyer Protection, because it is a "service provided in-person". Choosing 'Paying for an item or service' will simply deduct an unnecessary fee, but using the default 'Sending to a friend' will save that fee. You are of course free to choose whichever you're comfortable with.

Working Croft

The accommodation is located on a real working croft, where there are agricultural structures, supplies, equipment, sheep dogs, sheep, lambs and their 'fertiliser'. So please come with footwear suitable for a proper Hebridean experience.

Check-in/out

Please proceed directly to your accommodation, it will be unlocked in anticipation of your arrival. When it is time to go, please leave the door unlocked and the keys where you found them.

Pets

Pet dogs are allowed by prior agreement, but they must be kept on a lead. The croft's sheep and working dogs are accustomed to roaming around together, however your pet isn't, so letting them off their lead can be dangerous, especially during lambing season. Other pets are not permitted.

Our Environment

The accommodation's all electric heating is powered by the croft's own wind turbine and solar farm. However it is not 'off-grid' so please try to save energy as you normally would.

BBQs & Campfires

Outdoor BBQs are allowed if contained and extinguished properly, but open camp-fires are not. The island is mostly peat, which is traditionally used as fuel when cut and dried, unfortunately it also makes the area vulnerable to wildfires.

Dementia Awareness

Please DO NOT call at the croft-house. Paul's mother has dementia and while she will attempt to help you in any way she can, she is not in a position to do so. Thank you for your understanding.

FreeWiFi

In 2021 the WiFi is being upgraded to provide a faster and more reliable service, however it may be unavailable without notice, while this work is completed. - The free on-site WiFi is a complimentary service, so it is not guaranteed in any way. It is intended for light use, such as social media and checking emails. Heavy use such as streaming video, is not recommended. Please do not rely upon it as your only means of communication, we recommend you have a working mobile phone with you at all times.

Help & Support

Your self-catering accommodation is unattended, so you will be left alone to enjoy it in peace. However if you require assistance during your stay, please phone Paul on 07964 681 901.

Location & Directions

The Glendale Hostel is owned by Gaelic singer and music tutor Paul McCallum, the township is also known as the "Glen of Muses" where the language, culture and music of the Island is still kept alive by the proprietor and his neighbours.

The beautiful white sandy beaches of the Western shore are only two miles away, bordered by stunning machair dunelands covered in wildflowers and are abundant with birdlife. The Uists hold breeding bird populations of international importance, including Hen Harriers, Eagles and Phalarope. Snowy Owls are also a regular visitor to the Uists! Beside the beach is also the famous 18 hole Askernish Golf Course which was orginally laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1891 and which has recently been lovingly restored.

Daliburgh and Lochboisdale are only a few miles away, providing a variety of services including shops, cafe, fish & chips, post office, doctor's surgery, filling station, garage, bank and tourist information. The Uists also offer cafes, bistros and hotels where you can enjoy excellent local food and drink. As well as a museum, local arts & crafts, horse riding, boat tours and much more.

Address

Paul McCallum
Croft No. 3,
North Glendale,
ISLE OF SOUTH UIST,
HS8 5UD

Telephone: 07964 681 901

Ordnance Survey grid reference: NF788175
what3words Location: ///giggled.siesta.thread

Directions

Heading South on the A865 from North Uist (Lochmaddy ferry terminal) and Benbecula (airport) or West from Lochboisdale (ferry terminal), turn onto the B888 at the junction outside the Borrodale Hotel in Daliburgh and continue South. After a couple of miles take the second left turn to North Glendale, where a single track road takes you around the South of the loch. Continue East along the side of the loch, through the first township South Lochboisdale, until you reach North Glendale at the road's end. You will see the Hostel's Cabin and Chalet on the corner, just before the road becomes a track. For precise directions from your location, please use the map above.

Parking

There is on-site parking for approximately 3 cars. If you need space for a larger vehicle or EV charging, please arrange this in advance.

Bikes

A secure bicycle store is available by prior arrangement. There is also limited parking space for motorcycles.

Ferry

North Glendale is at the Southern end of the Western Isles. The most popular way to get here is via the ferries connecting Oban or Mallaig on the mainland, to the nearby Lochboisdale Ferry Terminal. For current timetables, fares and bookings, visit the Caledonian MacBrayne website. Pick up from the Lochboisdale or Eriskay ferry terminals may be available upon request. There is also an alternative ferry route between Lochmaddy on North Uist and Uig on Skye.

Flying

Flights from Glasgow, Stornoway, Inverness and Barra, land at Benbecula Airport (BEB). Visit the Loganair website for schedules and bookings.

Buses

Visit the local council website for current bus timetables. Services are also provided by Hebridean Coaches, for more information you can phone them 01870 620 345.

Mobile Phone Signal

The best mobile phone signal reception is on the EE (and BT Mobile) network, because they work with the emergency services. 1p Mobile also operate on the EE network and are very good value, should you want a temporary pay-as-you-go sim card for your holiday.

Musical Interlude

Paul McCallum ~ Ceolas Concert, Celtic Connections | © Iain MacDonald - February 2012