Welcome to the Kintyre Cottages Website

Kildalloig Estate is located south of Campbeltown Loch on the romantic Mull of Kintyre. It offers 4,000 acres of unspoilt and remote rolling countryside, with stretches of secluded beach with coves and rock pools, and includes the fascinating little Island of Davaar, with its Lighthouse, cave painting and wild goats. The island can only be reached on foot at low tide when the causeway, known as "the Dhorlin" is uncovered for 3 or 4 hours twice daily.

Kildalloig Farm is managed for conservation, and is registered as Organic with the Soil Association. It produces organic Aberdeen Angus beef and Blackface Lamb. The farm also has a flock of pedigree registered Bluefaced Leicester sheep, and some rare breeds including North Ronaldsay sheep.

There are a variety of walks available at Kildalloig - on the coast where seals, otters, and numerous species of ducks, waders and other sea birds can be seen - and in the hills, where grouse can be seen flying low and peregrines and golden eagles soar above. The Forestry Authority also provides a comprehensive network of attractive walks in the many woodlands throughout Kintyre. There is a superb and largely undiscovered walk along Machrihanish Beach - a long expanse of golden sand with stunning views.

There are boat trips from Campbeltown harbour for sea fishing, or wild life and whale watching. Ferries to Gigha, Islay and Arran are within an hour's drive. Trips "Round the Mull" on the only working paddle steamer, The Waverley, are available from Campbeltown every summer.

Three golf courses are available within a short drive - Machrihanish with its famous first tee, scenic Southend, and Carradale, which has two excellent restaurants nearby.

The Island of Davaar is at the entrance to Campbeltown Loch. It is about 140 acres in size and 378ft above sea level at its highest point. There is a large grassy area at the end of the Dhorlin with a path leading to the Lighthouse and Light-keepers cottages. It is very steep and rocky towards the south where the force of the sea has formed a number of caves including the cave containing the rock painting of the crucifixion by Archibald MacKinnon. At low tide the Island is connected to the mainland by the Dhorlin, which at low tide is 1.5 miles long. It is completely cut off from the mainland at high tide.

The Davaar Island Lighthouse was first constructed as a "mock up" on the mainland using numbered bricks - then the bricks were brought over to the island and the lighthouse built. The Lighthouse was fully automated in 1983, and there was then no need for the lighthouse keepers to live on the island. Following this, the light-keepers' cottages were unoccupied until they were converted to self catering holiday cottages in 1992.

Located in a deep bay and shrouded by hills, Campbeltown lies 4 miles away with its selection of shops and restaurants. It has a large new swimming-pool and leisure complex called Aqualibrium. Campbeltown was once known as Kinlochkilkerran, but was renamed by the Earl of Argyll who was of the clan Campbell during the 17th century. Two centuries later the town enjoyed great prosperity when shipbuilding and fishing industries were booming, and when there were over 30 whisky distilleries which specialised in the production of Scotland's famous amber-coloured liquid. Only two distilleries survive today - Glen Scotia and Springbank. Springbank offers tours and whisky-tasting sessions by appointment. There is a also a Springbank shop where special whisky vintages and bottlings can be purchased along with whisky related gifts.

Further attractions to be found at Campbeltown include the Campbeltown Cross situated on the quayside, and the quaint Art Deco cinema built in 1913 and affectionately referred to as The Wee Picture House. The cinema has a weekly repertoire of old and new films. There is a Museum and Library, and also a Heritage Centre which has captured the history of the town and has fascinating exhibits from times gone by. You can also visit the Owl Centre where there are a number of tame owls and other birds of prey, and the Campbeltown Pottery, which makes unusual and attractive blue and green plates, cups, jugs and gift items. In August there are a number of cultural events including the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, where Scottish and Irish bands can be heard, and the Arts Festival where the many local artists gather to display their work.

Ideally positioned for exploring Kintyre, the cottages are also within reach of the Western Isles - ferries to Gigha, Islay and Arran can be taken from the mainland. Gigha lies just 3 miles off the coast of Kintyre, and is a very productive and fertile island. Along with its distinctive goat's cheese, over a quarter of a million gallons of milk are produced each year by its Ayrshire cattle. Together with the island's deserted white sandy beaches, the Achamore Gardens there provide the main attraction for visitors.

Arran, being the most southerly island, is also the most easily accessible, and its geology and golf are the main crowd-pullers. Boasting seven golf courses, enthusiasts can enjoy three 18-hole courses and a unique 12-hole course at Shiskine, near Blackwater. Described as a 'Scotland in miniature', the dividing line between the Highlands and Lowlands passes through the centre of the island, with the northern half mountainous and bleak, in contrast to the greener southern half, which enjoys a milder climate.

The island of Islay, best known for its single malt whisky, also provides a good habitat for birdlife, and is the place where scores of white-fronted and barnacle geese spend the winter months. During late May and early June, the Islay Festival takes place, when whisky sampling, pipe bands and folk dancing accompanies the general celebration of the island's Gaelic roots.