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Isle of North Uist B&Bs

All > Scotland > Western Isles > Isle of North Uist
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Accommodation > B&Bs

If there is one type of accommodation that Scotland is renowned for, it is the Bed and Breakfast establishment. The "B&B" is an informal mode of accommodation which offers - as the name suggests - a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning in a private house. Sometimes you can order dinner as well but that is not very common except in the more remote areas where alternatives could be a fair distance away!

The popular thing about B&Bs is that it gives you the opportunity of meeting the local people and in many instances learning of their life-style - this is, perhaps, why B&Bs based on farms and crofts are so highly regarded.

The standard of most B&Bs in Scotland is very good rising to superb in many instances and "rules" are not, in general, unreasonable. You may have to ask for a late key if you are going to be out late at night and there will be basic times for breakfast and evening meal (if offered) service but as B&Bs tend to be small - usually 1 or 2 bedrooms - flexibility in meal times is not generally a problem. B&Bs, because of their size tend not to have sitting rooms/lounges for guests and once breakfast is over, visitors are generally expected to vacate the premises until later in the day (not always the case but a rule of thumb).

The bottom line is the word "respect" - this is, after all, their house which they are allowing you to stay in for a very reasonable sum.

Many B&B operators are in the business genuinely because they like to meet people from other areas and countries. Many, many friendships have been made between B&B operators and their guests who come from all over the world.

This informality (which is slightly different to B&Bs in the United States) is also evident in the way bookings can be made - B&Bs often just have a sign up outside the house and you just go to the door and enquire. Bookings can also be made at the local tourist information centre for a small fee but here you do not see the establishment before you book. Most also accept advance bookings and many now accept bookings over the internet by email or through an internet agency.

One thing you can be sure of - pure Scottish hospitality from the locals at no added expense!