The Kintyre Forum

Back for a great vacation in Scotland. The intent was originally to come to Campbeltown for the music festival, but having tried to get lodging in town since May and June and finding that everything was booked for that weekend already, I switched gears and went to plan B. This is the second time this has happened. The first time I cancelled a trip over Christmas/New Years 2007 because there was also no lodging available then either.

Campbeltown has some popular events, the music festival, the marathon, etc, that seems to me would be an even greater success if campbeltown had more options for lodging. If I tried to book this one in May and they were already full for the the weekend of the music festival, seems like a good source of money is being lost to the community. I had over $3000 to drop into the area myself. Imagine what a difference even 100 more visitors would make just for a few days.

As for plan B... excellente.

I couldn't agree with you more Bobbie. As you know, I had exactly the same problem myself that weekend and in the end had to abandon my ideas and postpone my trip up there. Last summer when I stayed, I eventually found family hotel accommodation seventh time lucky and that was at the end of the Scottish school holidays. Saying that, isn't the problem a seasonal/variable one? Places would be very busy at the times you mention and then be empty the rest of the time so I imagine it would be very difficult to maintain demand at that peak level throughout the year. Or am I wrong? Davie would probably be most qualified to answer that one.

I have a suggestion that may be scornfully cast aside but . . .
Quite a few years ago, we had a big golf tournament at St George's, Sandwich (sorry, I know nothing about golf but it was an important one I know) and the demand for accommodation was surpassing what was available. People were making a lot of money by hiring out their houses, rooms and even backyards on which to camp! We had our friends from the States staying so we didn't look into it but pals of ours rented out their house. Couldn't ordinary forum members make a bit of cash by advertising a room at these busy times? Obviously, it would have to be at times when businesses are choc full so as not to upset any economic patterns but it would be great for those who are desperate.

Or is that too desperate?

Och, who needs Speakers Corner to be controversial!!!!!!

Perhaps a plea on the forum would have helped you, as I know of at least two self catering properties that were available over the music festival weekend.

I was going to do that John but I did contact a few members and all their suggested places were full. Last year when I couldn't find anywhere I did make a plea on the forum and all leads were fruitless. In retrospect though, I should have done exactly what you have suggested.

John A wrote:Perhaps a plea on the forum would have helped you, as I know of at least two self catering properties that were available over the music festival weekend.

I did mention it back in May or June on the forum, John.. Also, I contacted every bed and breakfast, hotel that I could get ahold of and self-catering place that I wouldn't have had to drive from and all said sorry, but they were booked. Mind telling me which self-catering places they were? I know 4th gen had one, but god knows I can't drive on the right and he is quite a few miles out of town (although i would have LOVED to have stayed).

Bobbie, how many did you get a reply from? I have family in the town and when i was home in July wanted to stay in a caravan or self catering that could accomodate 4 adults, we were not that fussy but really didnt want to put the relatives to a whole lot of trouble. I got no replys to any e-mails and my sister who lives locally got no answer to her phone calls, dont even ask me about the car rental fiasco! When we got there we discovered that most of the places we had tried to contact had availability. Maybe the tourist office IF IT HAD E-MAIL could handle all of this for the local businesses.
end of rant!

Bobbie En Tejas wrote:
I did mention it back in May or June on the forum, John.. Also, I contacted every bed and breakfast, hotel that I could get ahold of and self-catering place that I wouldn't have had to drive from and all said sorry, but they were booked. Mind telling me which self-catering places they were? I know 4th gen had one, but god knows I can't drive on the right and he is quite a few miles out of town (although i would have LOVED to have stayed).

Sorry didnt see your post in May or June.
4th Gen's property was one of the ones I knew about the other was my own cottage 5 miles from town a taxi run costing less than £10 also very friendly hosts who are more than happy to give lifts to town at pre-aranged times beautiful suroundings and lovely walks (oops is this sounding like an advert better stop).

My original point was not to promote my own place but to show that the forum is an ideal place for finding accomodation and other services when all other avenues have ben expolored.

John, I am sure there is plenty of action at your's and 4th gen's place, but i was kind of thinking of being where the music action is...

Tbh, there has been talk in the past of bringing in revenue to the town and I think this is a valid point. Without transportation, I would not want to be miles away. I would want the option of changing clothes, combing my hair, taking a shower or just vegetating and coming and going. I did seriously considering staying at 4th gen's, but it just didn't seem feasible to be so far away.

It was a thought that with the kinds of events and the amount of people who would be drawn to those events, Campbeltown is in dire need of lodging within walking distance. Just in 6 posts there are 3 of us who couldn't find lodging within MONTHS of the festival, not last minute. I could see that with the organizational skills in town (the marathon being an excellent example), that many more events could be organized with the facilities to accommodate... Just a thought.

As for westport's question, I did get replies from some and none from others. I did have a self-cater booked around May and was thrilled to death until we realized there was miscommunication and it was only from the Monday AFTER the festival to the next Saturday because the festival weekend had already been booked. The owner was kind enough to return my deposit.

the self catering house near me was vacant over the music festival which I was quite surprised at...mabey it was the price..... it was on cottages4u website...

Eh?

Should have added, I can't believe you didn't get one room anywhere 4 months in advance.????

Which is why I started the thread. On May 19 alone I have 3 emails telling me that that was the weekend of the music festival and they were full.

Amron, maybe it was the price. For some of the prices, I expect grapes, fine wine, palm fronds and a cabana boy

Genuinely surprised you couldn't find accommodation so far in advance. Town has been busy with workmen too however, but there is always somewhere?

I could have cleared my outhouse for you.

Ship called Dignity wrote:Genuinely surprised you couldn't find accommodation so far in advance. Town has been busy with workmen too however, but there is always somewhere?

I could have cleared my outhouse for you.

That is so very kind of you, ship, so so very kind

Ship called Dignity wrote:Genuinely surprised you couldn't find accommodation so far in advance. Town has been busy with workmen too however, but there is always somewhere?

I could have cleared my outhouse for you.

Or given you my caravan as Carradale only a short bus trip to the wee toon .