Burnside Cottage
Canisbay, Highland
Good Hotel Guide Review
‘I have not stayed in a better B&B,’ wrote our inspector of this dog-friendly, eco-friendly guesthouse, run with ‘efficiency and helpfulness’, moments from Orkney Ferry terminal. ‘We were treated like friends.’ The hosts, artist Stephen George and his wife, Kacey, moved here from Bournemouth in 2018. Self-professed ‘kind of modern hippies but without compromising on luxury and comfort’, they came in search of (and have clearly found) a more ethical, sustainable life. A single-storey crofter’s house, Burnside has two guest suites with views over countryside to Stroma and the Orkneys. Both have a seating area, dining area and mini-fridge, fresh milk, cookies, vegan toiletries. One has a separate bunk room. ‘We were warmly welcomed by Kacey, who showed us to our room. It was cosy and clean with comfortable beds.’ Meals for vegans and omnivores are delivered by trolley, with choices including a veggie burger, beef burger, ribeye steak, teriyaki tofu. ‘We enjoyed first-rate walnut and lentil spaghetti Bolognese, and pasta with smoked salmon, crème fraiche and lemon juice.’ ‘Portions were generous and tasty.’ At breakfast, the hosts also provided a bacon treat for the dogs.
Hotel details
Address
Gills
Canisbay, By Wick
Caithness
Highland
KW1 4YB
Scotland
Telephone
Bedrooms
2 ground-floor suites, 1 with small bunk room attached to sleep a family. Plus self-catering apartment. Partially suitable for wheelchair.
Open
Mar–Dec exc 23–27 Dec.
Facilities
No public rooms, in-room TV, EV charging in car park (not onsite), 1/4-acre garden.
Background music
none.
Children
aged 3 and over welcome, charged at adult price.
Dogs
allowed in suites (£15 per stay, donated to dog rescues. Bowl, towels, biscuits).
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £150, singles from £140. À la carte £35.