Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the classes start?
Where do I stay? What accommodation is available?
I am bringing my family with me. What can they do while I'm playing the harp?
How much does the course cost?
When is the harp Course? What dates?
How do I get to the Harp Course?
I have special dietary requirements.
We are based in Mellon Charles, near Aultbea, in Wester Ross. About 77miles from Inverness in one of the most spectacular and rugged parts of North West Scotland. The area is steeped in musical tradition and culture and Gaelic is still spoken and sung locally. There are regular Cèilidhs where people meet dance and sing and Strupags where people gather for lunch and a 'chin wag'.
What time do the classes start? Back to top
The course starts on the Friday evening about 6pm with an informal meal then a short introduction to the course followed by a ceilidh. Sessions begin at 10am each morning and finish about 3.30pm in the afternoon, with breaks for coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fruit tea - and extremely yummy homemade bakes to go with them - with a tasty lunch in the middle of the day to sustain the brain for the afternoon session. Dinner will be served around 6.00pm.
Where
do I stay? What accommodation is available?
Back to top
Unfortunately, we can't provide any accommodation
during the courses. However this web site lists possible choices of accommodation
in B&Bs, Hotels, Caravans and Self-catering Cottages. It is very
important to book your accommodation early as there is limited
availability near to Sea Croft.
I
am bringing my family with me. What can they do while I'm playing the
harp?
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There is a huge amount to do during the day for non-harp playing family members. Further activities and places of interest are within easy reach. Smokehouse, Perfume Factory, Boat Rides, Wood Turner, Tearooms with Children's Activity Area, Garden Nursery and Inverewe Gardens. And further afield, the Wester Ross Coast offers golf courses at Gairloch, fishing, sailing, Pony Trekking, historic houses, Museums and spectacular countryside to explore. And of course there are the metropolis' of Gairloch and Ullapool if retail therapy is required!!
How much does the course cost? Back to top
The cost of the course is £100, which includes all tuition, all snacks, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and wine with dinner. Locally produced food, which is therefore organic in nature, will be used wherever possible and vegetarians and special diets are welcome with prior notice. . (email Carole for further details). T
When is the harp Course? What dates? Back to top
2010 ~ Friday, 8th October - Sunday, 10th October
How do I get to the Harp Course? Back to top
By far the easiest and most striking way to get here is by car - especially when travelling with a Harp.
By Road: From Inverness follow the A835 Ullapool Road to 12 miles south of Ullapool - Braemore Junction. Turn left at the Braemore Junction and take the A832 to Aultbea. On reaching Aultbea, turn right at the Aultbea Butchers down Birchburn and at the T Junction turn right again. Follow the road to Mellon Charles for approximately 4 miles. The Harp Course will be sign posted from there.
By Bus: There is a daily service from Inverness and a not so regular service from Ullapool The Timetables are available at www.rapsons.com/images/Area%20book%205%20September%202007.pdf
By Rail: Train to Inverness or Achnasheen or Garve, then coach/bus to Aultbea where you can be picked up and taken to your accommodation.
By Plane: Fly to Inverness, then coach/bus to Aultbea where you can be picked up and taken to your accommodation.
Another alternative is to travel to Inverness by your choice of transport then hire a car and travel on to Sea Croft. Sorry but it is not possible for us to meet you in Inverness.
I have special dietary requirements. Back to top
The bulk of our
food is grown locally and organically. The Fantastic food will be
provided by an experienced caterer - having a caterer allows us to
provide for most dietary needs including gluten-free or diary-free.
Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to
provide for a special diet.
Can
I rent a harp?
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Yes, you can rent a harp but there is only have a limited number
available. They are good quality instruments with 31 or 34 strings. The
cost to rent a harp is £10 a day - this is to cover the instrument's
insurance for the course.