A. If taking the ferry from Gill’s Bay to St Margaret’s Hope, on arriving follow signs for Kirkwall and the Mill is approximately 1.5 miles from the village on the left hand side of the road, a small stone building sitting down on the shore. If coming from Stromness, travel to Kirkwall, then follow the signs to South Ronaldsay. The Mill O’Cara is the first building on the right on the shore after coming off the last Barrier (there are Four) and following the road for half a mile.
Here's how the Mill O'Cara looks in Google Street View:
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Q. What facilities does the Mill have?
A. The Mill has a TV and DVD Player, radio and CD Player, fridge freezer, electric cooker with grill and oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and TVs in the bedrooms.Q. Are there facilities for children?
A. Stone floors, steep stairs and an unprotected burn running through the garden make it less than ideal for children under 10 years.
Q. Is the Mill suitable for a person with disabilities?
A. The Mill has been rebuilt from an old building and on five different levels. It is not wheelchair friendly.
Q. Are there shops nearby?
A. There are three shops and a Post Office 1.5 miles away in St Margaret’s Hope and in the other direction, about the same distance away on the island of Burray there are two shops and a post office.
Q. Are there any good restaurants or pubs nearby?
A. In St Margaret’s Hope there are 2 pubs and 3 restaurants, one being the Creel restaurants, renowned for its seafood dishes. In Burray there is the 4 star Sands Hotel, which has both a pub and a restaurant, and the Fossil Centre and Museum which has a lovely café.
Q. Are there any petrol stations nearby?
A. There is a petrol station in Burray at one of the shops.
Q. Can my dog stay at the Mill?
A. We are sorry but we do not accept any pets.
Q. Do I have to pay extra for heating?
A. No. Under floor central heating is included in the cost.
Q. Will we need to take our own towels and linen?
A. Bedding, towels and bathrobes are provided.
Q. Can I smoke in the Mill O’Cara?
A. The Mill is non-smoking.
Q. Can we stay for a shorter / longer time than a week?
A. In summer and at Easter (high season) the Mill is a weekly let from Saturday to Saturday. In the low season 3 nights is the minimum stay.
Q. Can we stay at the Mill O’Cara in the winter as well as the summer?
A. The Mill is open all year.
Q. Can we stay over the holidays (Christmas / Hogmanay / Easter)?
A. Yes.
Q. Are there any good walks to do whilst we stay at the Mill O’Cara?
A. There are books and maps available in the Mill to help you plan walks. There is also information on everything else that Orkney has to offer.
Q. Are there any sandy beaches nearby?
A. There is a lovely sandy beach half a mile away at Churchill Barrier Number Four and plenty more on the island within 4 to 5 miles. There are beautiful beaches on the Mainland too, details of which will be given at the Mill.
Q. Are there any activities / events in the evening?
A. There is a new golf course just opened, tennis courts and bowling green in St Margaret’s Hope. There is a sports centre in Kirkwall with a cinema included, not to mention one of the smartest nightclubs in Scotland. There are also plenty of music sessions taking place in pubs throughout the year.