The Sound of Raasay separates the Isle of Raasay from the east coast of Skye and as soon as you get off the ferry which plies across it you realise that you are in a place with a completely different, tranquil and peaceful pace of life without all the tourists and climbers that flock to 'mainland' Skye.

Inverarish is the only real settlement on Raasay, snuggled among woodlands a couple of miles from where the ferry lands. It is a hamlet of little lanes and quiet roads, with one excellent general store and a hotel a little way to the north, beside the Outward Bound Centre.

Inverarish Cottage is one of a small terrace of traditional dwellings which once housed prisoners of war that were sent there during the First World War. It's doubtful if they'd recognise it now, so well has it been refurbished and modernised.

You can easily tell that the renovation of the cottage has been a labour of love for the owner, who enjoys coming here herself whenever its popularity with guests permits. The sitting room has plenty of chairs and sofas that just beg you to come and relax in them. It is kept cosy as can be by the open fire that sits in a traditional fireplace with a tiled surround and cast iron grate.

A door leads through from here to the dining kitchen, which faces the back of the house and where the units are perfectly in keeping with the original floorboards and the rustic dining furniture. The kitchen is also amazingly well-equipped with a full range of appliances. A multi-fuel stove adds to the snug ambience and will keep everyone warm as toast.

Upstairs are two comfortable bedrooms, a double and a single. The view from the double bedroom across the gardens to the Sound of Raasay and the hills of Skye beyond is quite spectacular. A shower room completes the indoor accommodation.

Outside, while the cottage only has a tiny garden of its own, there is a lovely picnic area right opposite which provides outside space in a delightful setting. There is also off-road parking available for one car.