My Raasay........By Greg

Well what to say… it’s been a crazy time since the news that the renovation of Raasay House was going to go ahead. The builders have arrived on the island with a vengeance and there is a constant influx of big trucks and workmen coming off the ferry; a hugely exciting time for the island. The new community hall is almost finished; the new ferry terminal is in the process of being built, Raasay House is being renovated; the extension to the school is almost finished. There is just so much going on around the island; and I am sure that it is all for the better.

I am feeling really excited about the renovation of Raasay House. I can’t wait to get back into the building and get cracking and finishing fitting it out and opening for a new season; I hope you all are feeling just as excited. I love Raasay and I am sure that with the refurbished House more people will be able to discover the magic that this place holds.

My first magical moment on Raasay - I remember the first time I ever came to Raasay; it was a weekend in March 2003 when Kirstin and I came up from murky, cold & grey Glasgow for job interviews. I had no idea what to expect other than I was going to an outdoor centre on a little island of the coast of Scotland. We spent about 4 days on the island and it was beautiful, sunny and a bit cold but fantastic. We went for numerous walks in the forest and beaches but my fondest memory would have to of sitting on a rock at the bay near Oscaig point. W e both sat there admiring the view when all of a sudden up pops a huge otter out of the ocean with a fish hanging out of its mouth. It then proceeded to devour this huge fish right in front of us. Then and there I knew that this was an amazing place and a place I would live and work.

This is just one of the numerous magical and special moments that Raasay has given to me. Come for a visit soon, it’s a bit sad not to have the constant influx of old friends, new and exciting faces and people discovering the magic of Raasay for the first time.

Cheers

Greg

Raasay House Refurbishment

We’ve had a busy start to 2008, and the great news is that Raasay House is getting a face-lift. The whole house is being refurbished: new bathrooms, more bedrooms, improved IT facilities, conference and meeting rooms, a new bar area and kitchens and new central heating! Outside, a new purpose-built structure will house all the outdoor kit for the activities, and include changing and shower facilities and great new equipment. Caledonian MacBrayne have started work on a new ferry terminal in the harbour below the House allowing instant access to the house minutes after you arrive.

Completion of the terminal is scheduled to coincide with the opening of Raasay House with all its new facilities and visitor amenities in spring 2009. So…. you’ll be able to visit us all year round not just during the short summer season. We will be introducing new courses and activities as well as even better facilities for holidays, weddings, parties and special events.

Rest assured some things will not change: our trademark welcome, service and hospitality that have been such a feature of Raasay Outdoor Centre over the last 20 years will remain very much part of the Raasay House experience.

Although the doors of Raasay House are closed for 2008, we are still very much in business and still active. We’re running a small number of residential outdoor education courses during the summer at Comrie Croft in Perthshire as well as a summer school at Clifton Hall in Edinburgh. Most importantly, we’re already taking bookings for the 2009 season. Call us now on 01478 660266 to take advantage of our early bird discounts.

Join us as we embark on this exciting chapter in the development of Raasay House. Follow the refurbishment of the house on our website and see our plans take shape over the coming months. Contribute to our blog by sending us your ideas for the future and sharing your memories and experiences of the old Raasay House. The website will also have the latest details of new courses, activities and special launch events.

We very much look forward to welcoming you back to the new look Raasay House in 2009.