Owner’s Declaration

Message from Matthew Kirk, Owner of Springbank Cottage

I want to give you a personal assurance that it is my intention to operate safely and with a high degree of integrity as well as meeting all the legal standards and obligations set by The Highland Council and the Scottish government for operating a holiday rental cottage.

The cottage has been our family holiday home since 1967 and has been run by me as a holiday letting cottage for over 20 years. I take pride in offering a personal service to guests, many of whom return year after year. I do not operate any other short term rental properties.

We love staying on Skye and the family use the cottage as much as busy work lifestyles allow.  Letting it out as a holiday let to visitors brings revenue into the community as well as benefitting the property from being occupied.  We always strive to support local businesses and tradesmen and have invested significantly in the property to keep it up to date; no running water or inside toilet in 1967!

We treat our guests the way we would want to be treated -€“ fairly, openly and helpfully.  We want our guests to have an exceptional experience when staying on Skye.  We’€™ve come to know a lot about the natural history and geology of Skye over the years and love sharing what we know with guests to help them enrich their time on Skye.  Uniquely, we have an environmental activities room that show cases Skye’€™s natural riches and enables guests to get closer to the wild environment.

Status and condition of the property

The cottage is fully licensed to operate as a short term let by The Highland Council.  Our licence number is HI-30012-F. The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short Term Lets) Order 2022 is now in force.  This legislation requires ALL holiday rental accommodation in Scotland to be licensed by the local council.

The property is:

  • maintained to a standard that meets The Repairing Standard for rented accommodation as specified by the Scottish Government.
  • all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the property is safe for residential use.
  • fully insured to operate as a self catering unit (including buildings and public liability cover) through a specialist policy provided by NFU Mutual.
  • compliant with the current planning regime applied by The Highland Council.

Safety Standards

The cottage is operated with a high awareness of guest safety.  We place considerable emphasis on clearly communicating to our guests how they can safely stay in the cottage.  This is done through personal communication and information notices provided on the website and displayed in the cottage.

Fire Safety

Under the terms of the Fire Safety Regulation Part 3 Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 a full Fire Risk Assessment has been conducted and measures put in place to mitigate that risk through:

  • provision of appropriate heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • guidance on best practice;
  • and having an Emergency Fire Action Plan in place and on display.

Fire is a potential risk to guests and this page is dedicated to Fire Safety. This information is also displayed in the cottage.

Electrical installation: We have a valid Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report (24311798) in accordance with BS 7671 – Requirements for Small installations up to 100 A single phase supply.  All fixed electrical installations in the cottage are maintained by a registered NiC EIC approved contractor.

Electrical appliances: All moveable appliances, more than 12 months old, have a valid Portable Appliance Test sticker on them.

Wood burning stove: the condition of the stove is checked regularly, and maintenance carried as required.  The flue is cleaned by power brushing at least once a year. There is a CO alarm in the lounge.

There is NO mains, bottled or bulk tank gas supply to the cottage.

Energy Performance Certificate:  We have a valid EPC conducted to the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008.  The house has an Energy Efficiency Rating of E.  We are working to improve this rating through internal wall insulation.

Upholstered furniture: All items of upholstered furniture, such as chairs, mattresses and cushions, comply with the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988.

Water: Mains water is supplied through the Scottish Water network which we purchase through a supply contract with Clear Business.

Legionella: A risk assessment for legionella has been carried out.  Our Legionella Statement details the condition and performance of the water system.  This backed up by an Advice Sheet which is on display in the cottage.

Being considerate of neighbours

Guests are expected to be considerate and respectful towards our neighbours.  We have a Consideration of Neighbours clause in the Terms and Conditions of renting the property which guests must sign when booking.

Legal compliance

In operating this property I can confirm that:

  • Details of ALL earnings from this property are filed annually with HM Revenue & Customs;
  • I am NOT out of compliance with any mortgage, tenancy or other legal agreement;
  • I am NOT in breach of the current planning requirements applied to self catering units in Highland Region for which The Highland Council is the Planning Authority.

Thank you for your interest in Springbank Cottage and I look forward to welcoming you as a guest in the near future.  If you like what you see please make an enquiry.

Matthew Kirk,

Owner, Springbank Cottage

Skye – it’s a family thing……..