But B&Bs have to pay additional business rates.

Thanks everyone so much! Really appreciate this. I'm going to spend more time working on this tonight. I'll check out the Lodge at Edinbane for sure.

I'm not 100% committed to AirBnB, but I do like how nice the homes are.

I'm not going to do Inverness. I'm convinced, and I can tell you guys know what you're talking about.

I'll be back on later to run some things by you guys.

There are plenty of excellent B&B's on Skye and several good hotels. If you give us a budget, I'm sure some of us could give you recommendations.

>>I'm convinced, and I can tell you guys know what you're talking about. <<

We like to think so ;)

In thinking about your plans going forward -- understand that on the Mainland you will average between 35-ish and 40 mph, and maybe 30-35 mph on Skye.

Actually, B&Bs don't pay business rates. Just sayin'

>>Actually, B&Bs don't pay business rates. Just sayin'<<

According to http://business.scotland.gov.uk

>>6. Self-catering and guest house accommodation
If your property is available to let for 140 days or more a year, it will be rated as a self-catering property and liable to business rates. This applies regardless of how many days it is in fact rented out.

The assessor then applies a price per bed space on each property, based on its type, size and location, to produce its rateable value. Single bed space is the term used to describe how many people can sleep in the property.

Contact your local assessor if you think:

they are using the wrong number of single bed spaces to value your property
your property has changed and can now sleep a different number of guests
You are also liable for business rates if you run a guest house or a significant bed-and-breakfast operation (ie for more than 6 people at any one time).<<

We spent 3 nights on Skye last year in September. We didn't have a car so we took a guided tour of the island given by a man who grew up on Skye. It was fantastic. He gave us so much information, had great stories to tell and did all the driving (small van) while we just sat back and soaked in the gorgeous scenery. Luckily the weather was cooperative that day. Highly recommend.

Achay - do you have that man's information or website?

History Traveler - $100 US a night would be good? But we definitely are open.

bookmarking

Is Portree the best city to stay in in Skye?

>>Is Portree the best city to stay in in Skye?<<

There are no 'cities' on Skye. Portree is the largest village - but its population is less than 2500. If you want to be someplace w/ a choice of restaurants, banks etc then it is 'best'. But for touring around the island it probably isn't the best. The most central place to stay is Sligachan which is sort of in the center of things and at the main crossroads on the isle. It is a hotel/pub/restaurant and camp ground -- no village, just a place.

But there are also other areas to stay -- Skye is a very big place and the travel is slow so being as central as possible can be a big help.

janisj is spot on with her advice. With limited time I'd probably stay in or near Portree or Sligachan.

I'm actually having a really tough time finding availability for the two nights I'm there. If anyone has any suggestions or knows anyone... It's for Mon-Tues August 3 and 4.

>>I'm actually having a really tough time finding availability for the two nights I'm there.<<

Doesn't surprise me at all. August is the very busiest time for visiting Skye (MANY thousands of people go Edinburgh for the festivals/Tattoo and many of them use the opportunity to see another part(s) of Scotland.) It is pretty late to be booking - just two weeks from now.

What is your budget and what sort of room do you need (double, twin, single, family)? You can check w/ Visit Scotland (the tourist board) and see what they can find. http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/

I just checked the Sligachan and there is no availability those two nights.

You might need to have a plan B go a different direction.

JanisJ - At this point I'll pay whatever. A double bed. It's just the two of us. Husband.

Airbnb does have one place available on Skye on your dates, albeit not in Portree:-

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/24115...uests=2&s=00OM

That looks like a nice B&B but is in a pretty inconvenient location -- Towards northern end of the Trotternish Peninsula - it is a 90+ minute drive from the bridge and 2.5 hours from Armadale/ the ferry dock. It would mean hours of driving to tour anywhere else on the island. 90 minutes to Dunvegan Castle, 2 hours to Loch Brittle, 2+ hours to Elgol, etc

But if it is the only place w/ availability . . .

JanisJ - is Staffin a good spot?

Oh I think it's the same one RM67 posted. Shoot.

It's (allegedly) only about 20 mins from Portree and also on a bus route to the main town (though I honestly don't know how frequently or late the buses run). If you have a car it might be doable, despite not being central - though only you can decide how much driving you are prepared to do.

On the upside the accommodation does look nice and it has decent reviews. I also don't think £75 a night is too bad at all for August - though that is subjective.

I would ordinarily say think about renting a cottage but even most short breaks require at least 3 nights so that will almost certainly be out too.