Oldshoremore Croft Cabins

We had a fantastic beach walk with the donkeys, and the hosts were so friendly and caring that we’re planning to return next year. The cabin was really cosy, with an amazing view, a nice bathroom and a small kitchen. It had everything we needed. M & I

We spent about four hours clearing the steep access road by hand so we could leave safely, despite being unwell. There was no snow shovel, only ordinary shovels, and the salt we were told about turned out to be a small pile of dirty gravel. The hosts never checked afterward to see if we’d managed to get out. If we’d waited for help, we’d probably still be stranded. The cabin is at the bottom of an extremely steep access road, about 0.9 m long, leading down to the sea. When we arrived, we were told that if it felt slippery, some guests preferred to park at the top and walk down, and that it was up to us. Nobody clearly warned us that worsening weather could leave us unable to get out at all. The next morning, snow and severe ice made the road impassable. It hadn’t been gritted or cleared. We contacted the hosts straight away. Their only suggestion was a free extra night, which wasn’t practical: the forecast was for worse conditions, and we had run out of food. The way the hosts communicated afterward made an already bad situation unacceptable. Their emails blamed us, questioned our judgment and included personal remarks that felt insulting. The tone was condescending, dismissive and disrespectful, far short of what I’d expect from a professional host. We understand extreme weather is outside anyone’s control, and public roads may not be maintained. But at a remote place in winter, guests need clear warnings, good communication and respectful treatment. We’ve had outstanding hospitality throughout Scotland, but this was a negative exception. Especially for winter trips, we can’t recommend this accommodation. I’d strongly advise caution when booking, because the hosts won’t care about you.

The hosts kept stressing that they were “not a charity,” though we never asked for charity. We wanted basic respect, empathy and professional communication. Repeating that phrase while insulting guests says more about the hosts than the situation. After a winter departure problem, we asked for reasonable compensation. They refused, and that refusal itself wasn’t the issue. The string of emails that followed was hostile, aggressive, degrading and deeply unprofessional. We were personally attacked and spoken to condescendingly. They called us “stupid” and “irresponsible,” accused us of “trying to get free accommodation,” and wrote: “People traveling in winter in the Scottish Highlands would normally be prepared and not travel with no food — that is irresponsible and stupid.” Another message said, “Good luck in your future travels and trying to get free accommodation.” We were also told, “I hope you don't make yourself look too stupid trying to explain an emergency situation.” There was no genuine apology for the language or tone. The hosts doubled down, dismissed our concerns and tried to belittle us. A later comment that “emotions had understandably run high” didn’t excuse or address the personal insults. This wasn’t firm or direct communication. It was verbal abuse, and it falls far below any standard of professional hospitality. Disagreements happen, but abusing guests is never acceptable. We’ve travelled extensively, including throughout Scotland, and never experienced this kind of hostility from a host. If something goes wrong, potential guests should expect confrontation rather than support. My one piece of advice: please let your wife handle customer contact in future. UPDATE: The host's response says everything about his personality and behaviour. Form your own opinion. We’re adults and won’t engage in this childish behaviour. One side must always be the reasonable one, and we know the truth, so we can close the topic with a clear conscience. All the best for your future!

We stayed in a warm, cosy cabin after a frosty night outside, sitting on the bench under the stars at 10 pm and looking out over the beach. We had family visiting from Belgium between Christmas and New Year and brought them to this lovely spot. It’s run by a local family who were really accommodating. The beach walk with a donkey and Shetland pony was absolutely brilliant. We knew when we booked that there was no TV or WiFi, which suited us perfectly. It was just what we wanted for family time: somewhere to get away from everything and enjoy the peace and quiet. We enjoyed it so much we’ll be back. Keep up the good work.