Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Minard Castle from

Glasgow, 80 miles (128km), 2 hours

Glasgow Airport, 70 miles (112km), 1 3/4 hours

Prestwick Airport, 100 miles (160km), 2 1/4 hours

Edinburgh, 125 miles (200km), 2 3/4 hours

Edinburgh Airport, 115 miles (185km), 2 1/4 hours

Fort William, 87 miles (140km), 2 hours

Islay (Port Askaig - includes ferry crossing), 60 miles (96km), 2 1/2 hours

Inverness, 150 miles (240km), 4 hours

Loch Ness (Fort Augustus), 120 miles (192km), 3 hours

Oban, 52 miles (85km), 1 1/2 hours

Skye (Skye Bridge), 160 miles (260km), 4 hours

Timbuktu (Tombouctou, Mali) 2750 miles (4400km)

Distances are approximate and times are rough estimates of driving times by car.

For other distances we suggest you consult Multimap, <www.multimap.com>. Click on "get directions" at the top of the page, then enter the name of the place and also "Minard Castle" to get detailed directions, distances and driving times. Please note that in some cases the name may not be recognised but the postcode is. For example, instead of "Glasgow Airport" enter "PA3 2PF". In other cases, try the name of the nearest town.

NOTE: If you are using GPS to guide you to Minard Castle, please be aware that the postcode will put you in the middle of Minard village, not at the castle!

Some systems may, however, correctly recognise the destination "Minard Castle".

To see where Minard Castle is, click on the Map link here, or on the Map, Transport and Directions page of our website. You can change the scale to see the location of Minard Castle in relation to the rest of Scotland. To return from the Map to the Minard Castle website, close the map window.

How do we find our way to Minard Castle?

Please see the Map, Transport and Directions page on our website for details.

Where is the nearest railway station?

Glasgow, for all practical purposes. There are some slightly nearer, with few trains and no car rental facilities.

How can we get to Minard Castle by public transport?

The only public transport from Glasgow (or anywhere else!) is by bus, and there are three busses per day in each direction. We are on the A83 road to Campbeltown and you would get off at our road end which is just past Minard village. You would probably like us to meet you from the bus as our drive is about three quarters of a mile long, so please let us know. You can see the bus timetable at <www.citylink.co.uk/timetables/Summer10/Glas2Camp.pdf> which gives all the details.

If we travel by bus, how can we get to a restaurant for dinner?

There is a taxi firm in the area but booking in advance is advisable and taxis are expensive because of the distances involved. We strongly recommend that you rent a car so that it is easy for you to get about. Otherwise, you should bring food for your evening meal with you!

How can we get to any of the islands?

There are regular ferry services, some from quite nearby and others from Oban. You will find details on the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries website <http://www.calmac.co.uk>.

Do you have en suite bathrooms?

All our bedrooms have en suite bathrooms!

Do you have king size beds?

No. Our largest bed is 78 inches by 60 inches (1.98m by 1.52m). This is the antique canopy bed in Room 1. Our other double beds are around 74 or 75 inches by 54 inches (1.88m or 1.91m by 1.37m). Our longest beds are the two single beds in Room 2 which are 80 inches by 36 inches (2.03m by .91m). Our other single beds are 75 inches by 36 inches (1.91m by .91m). All these sizes are approximate but are close enough to give a good indication of what to expect.

Does the price include breakfast?

Yes. You can have a full Scottish cooked breakfast, or a Continental breakfast, as you wish. A vegetarian option is available.

Do you have a bar?

No. Minard Castle is a bed & breakfast, not a hotel.

Where is the nearest bar?

Furnace Inn in the village of Furnace (five miles north east), or Lochgair Hotel in the village of Lochgair (five miles south west).

Do you serve evening meals?

No. Minard Castle is a bed & breakfast, not a hotel.

Where is the nearest restaurant?

Furnace Inn in the village of Furnace (five miles north east), or Lochgair Hotel in the village of Lochgair (five miles south west).

When are evening meals served?

Evening meals are served in most local restaurants from about 5.30pm until about 8pm or 8.30pm. If you are going to be late arriving you should eat on your way here.

Do we need to book a restaurant table?

This is advisable at busy times. We can make a reservation for you - please ask.

Do you have smoking rooms?

No. Minard Castle is totally Non Smoking. If this is a problem for you, we suggest that you might be happier in a hotel with smoking facilities. Some hotels have bedrooms in which smoking is allowed, but in general there is no smoking allowed by law in any public place in Scotland.

Can we have an early breakfast as we need to catch a plane at 10am at Glasgow Airport?

Not as early as you would need! We can give you a Continental breakfast by prior arrangement at about 8am but a cooked breakfast is not available until 8.30am. Also, at least three hours from here should be allowed before your check in time at Glasgow Airport to return your rental car first.

How early can we check in?

You can check in at any reasonable time. Rooms are usually ready by midday, and we can give you somewhere to wait if your room is not ready.

How late can we check in?

We like our guests to check in early enough for them to enjoy their surroundings. In any case, please try to check in before about 10pm. If guests arrive very late we lose sleep!