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Phone: +44 (0) 1631 564 501

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we are most regularly asked. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please do get in touch. If you have already booked you can use your 'manage my booking' log in to access all our Welcome Information online.
Got a question that's not answered in our FAQs? Just scan the QR code and pop us a message via Whats app.
I am travelling on the world famous West Highland line to Oban – how far are you from Oban station?

We are less than 3 miles from the station and easily accessible by taxi (there is a taxi rank immediately outside the station). However, to get the most out of our beautiful area you would benefit from hiring a car. And if you drive an electric vehicle we have a Swarco charge point linked to the Chargeplace Scotland network.

Will you send travel directions of how to find Cologin?

We will send directions with your check in details on receipt of your final balance payment. To find us from Oban simply take the A816 heading south towards Lochgilphead and turn right to Lerags about 2 miles from the town centre. Follow the single track Lerags road into the Glen for about ½ mile and turn right again into Cologin. We are just a few minutes drive from the town centre but our location is wonderfully rural and very peaceful. If you are using a satnav be careful using our postcode as the glen shares the same postcode and some older satnav systems will take you several miles past our entrance as they follow the postcode location which is entered further down the glen. You can try using Kilbride, Argyll as this should not take you too far beyond our entrance. Once in the the glen I would turn off the satnav and use your eyes! Our entrance is well signposted….

And for those that use the FREE what3words app here is our location.

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This what3words address refers to a 3 metre square location. Tap the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it.

Our group will have more than one car – will that be a problem?

There is adjacent parking for at least one car at every property and depending on size you might be able to double park two cars in your allocated space. If you’re staying in the first three Outer Hebridean chalets please park perpendicular (at right angles) to the decking as our one bedroom chalets are semi-detached so parking space is limited. We have an overflow car park for trailers and extra cars within a short walk of most of our properties so parking is not a problem. Please do not park on our grass!

Do we need to bring one pound coins for the meter?

No, all accommodation bookings at Cologin includes a ‘fixed fuel supplement’ – this pre-paid daily charge is already added to your booking for any rental of more than 2 nights so there is no need for you to read your meter on arrival/departure. Please note, it is subject to our ‘fair usage’ policy to prevent misuse or excessive use and to encourage responsible and environmentally friendly use. Cologin Farmhouse and Cruachan are both supplied with one basket of logs on arrival. Extra logs can be purchased at £7.00 per basket. These can be booked as extras during the online booking process – if you intend firing up the wood burning hot tub during your stay at the Farmhouse we recommend adding at least 1 extra bag.

I’m travelling from abroad and won’t have room for towels – can you provide them?

Bath towels are provided as standard – we also provide a hand towel and bath mat for the bathroom/s. If you need extra bath towels these can be hired at £2.50 per towel – if you are booking extra bed linen then bath towel/s will be included as part of the bed linen set. If you are staying in the farmhouse or Cruachan we also provide white towelling adult bathrobes as standard.

I have a baby and will need a cot - can you supply this?

All our Inner Hebridean (2 bedroom) lodges have space for one travel cot per bedroom and we can provide a cot free of charge – but you must book your cot as an extra. If you need more than one cot, then our ‘assisted wheelchair access’ lodges have enough space for two cots in either bedroom. I am afraid we don’t accept babies in our one bedroom chalets as the bedrooms are too small for a cot, the properties don’t have baths and they are semi-detached. Don’t forget to bring your own cot linen as we cannot supply any bedding items.

We also use the wheelchair accessible lodges for families with three children as the twin bedroom is large enough to accommodate a fold down z-bed leaving the lounge free in the evening for the parents!

How child-friendly is Cologin?

The Barn is a family-friendly pub and restaurant and holds a full ‘Children’s Licence’. This allows children under the age of 14 (accompanied by their parents) and young adults under 18 to visit the Barn until 9.00pm. The Barn offers a children’s menu and half portions from the main menu. Parents should note that the playpark is close to the Barn and visible from the beer garden. We also provide cots and high chairs free of charge (please bring your own cot linen) and all our accommodation has microwaves so you can warm bottles and baby food as you wish. As we have a private water supply we always recommend that you boil tap water before using for very young children and babies.  The playpark (with wooden climbing frame, swings and slide) is within easy reach of all our properties and is close to the Barn. It has a bark surface and is fenced from the carpark and duck pond, however, it should not be used unsupervised by an adult and we cannot accept liability for your children in the park. Children’s Activity Packs are also available to book as an extra when you select your accommodation.

Is there mobile phone reception in the area?

Depending on the network there is sketchy mobile phone reception in our Glen. Most networks are picked up in Oban, but Vodaphone works best at Cologin or you can use wifi to make a call via whatsapp or Messenger.

What if I have to cancel my holiday?

Cancellation can result in a financial loss especially if we are unable to re-let your holiday property – please check our booking terms and conditions for full details. You may have annual holiday insurance, but if not please do think through the consequences of cancellation and read our cancellation policy before you enter into a contract with us by booking accommodation at Cologin. We have partnered with XCover (Booking Protect) to offer customers a simple method of protecting against financial loss in the unfortunate event that you have to cancel your holiday. This ‘extended booking protection’ can be added when you place your booking online or by telephone. Have a look at our recent blog post which explains the cover offered as it may be a suitable alternative to holiday insurance if your policy does not include cover for cancellation.

Do you allow smoking anywhere at Cologin?

Not indoors as all accommodation at Cologin is strictly non smoking. The Barn – our country pub on site – is also a smoke free zone but you can still smoke outside! Please dispose of all cigarette stubs carefully and if you are smoking on your decking use the ceramic pots provided. Please be respectful of other guests – our one bedroom chalets are semi-detached so the decked areas are adjacent.

Do you have lodges with Wheelchair Access?

We have two lodges on site that are suitable for ‘assisted wheelchair access’ – see our full accessibility statement for details. We will always try to meet the specific needs of our guests so your best option is to give us a call to talk things through.

We have two large dogs – will our pets still be welcome?

We are dog owners ourselves and Cologin and the Barn Bar are dog friendly. We welcome up to two pets (charges apply) in our Inner Hebridean lodges and Cruachan. There’s only space for one pet in our one bedroom Outer Hebridean chalets and please be aware that they are semi-detached so whilst each chalet has its own private decking they are adjacent.

All pet owners must ensure that their dogs do not foul the site. We also ask pet owners to keep dogs on a lead not just to protect our ducks and chickens (who are more often chased by toddlers than terriers) but as a courtesy to other dog owners and to those who may be wary of strange dogs. Don’t forget we’ve 17,000 acres in the hills above Cologin where your dogs can have a really good run off the lead. You can also bring your dog into The Barn Bar – on a lead only and under close control. The Barn may restrict the number of dogs in the pub during meal service and you must ensure that your pet does not cause an obstruction or offends any other customers as you will be asked to leave!

Please never let your pets on the furniture and always clean up after your dog – there are dog bins strategically positioned around the site. With a little advanced warning we can normally accommodate your pet/s in our stables if you need to go away for a day without your pet. We also have a dog cage you can borrow and a huge pile of old duvets to use as dog beds if you prefer to leave your pet in your lodge but don’t trust them to stay off the furniture! Just ask for an old towel for cleaning muddy paws – we’ve plenty available – or use the outdoor dog shower next to the farm gate.

Do you give discounts?

We are delighted to offer senior citizens a generous 10% discount. We also offer a range of other discounts including a 10% discount for all our return customers. Please note, all our discounts are restricted to full week lets and exclude the peak season. Discounts can not be applied retrospectively and only one discount can be applied to any one booking. All Cologin discounts are only applicable to direct bookings.

Can we drink the water?

Our water is from a natural spring and passes through a comprehensive water filtration plant which includes UV lights to kill any bacteria. It does have a slight peaty tinge to its colour as the filtration system won’t remove this completely. We have used this source for 35 years without incident and our water is not chlorinated and tastes like water should do! We are subject to random water samples because we have a pub on site and environmental regulations require a zero contamination reading on all tests (including colour) which is being enthusiastically enforced by Argyll and Bute. This does mean that our peaty water will occasionally ‘fail’ and we then have to submit a new sample. If that happens by law we are required to put a BOIL NOTICE in our properties until the water has been re-tested and passed.

If you do find a boil notice in your lodge and you would like bottled water just let us know. Our advice all year round is to boil tap water for young children, babies and vulnerable adults. And remember that as the water is so pure and soft your shampoo and toothpaste will produce far more froth than you are used to!

For those in the farmhouse using the fresh water wood-burning hot tub you will find the colour is quite dramatic as there’s such a large volume of water in the tub. Best approach is to consider it a spa treatment and enjoy a good soak.

Do you have Internet Access at Cologin?

We offer a free full fibre wi-fi network at Cologin and you can log on using any device on our fair usage policy. Please use the individual log in details provided in each property and remember that it’s a shared network so try not to be the ‘user’ who crashes the entire system as your access will be revoked for the duration of your stay. We are considering adding an option for guests to purchase extra bandwidth if downloading large files is important to your enjoyment of your holiday or you are here on business and you need connectivity. Just get in touch to discuss before you book.

Do you have washing machines at Cologin?

Cologin Farmhouse has its own washing machine, but all other properties at Cologin have access to the large machines (both washers and dryers) in the Laundry. Washing powder is provided free of charge but you will need one pound coins for the meters on the wall. Make sure you use the correct meter for the machine you are using.

Do you recycle at Cologin?

We ask all our guests to help us recycle by separating out rubbish and using the containers provided for paper/cardboard, plastics and glass. This reduces the amount of general waste that goes to landfill. Each property has it’s own general black waste bin and these are emptied between guests. We will leave a spare bin bag, but if your bin is full please take your your bin bag to the large commercial bins and do not leave it outside your property where it will be ripped apart by seagulls. There are several recycling points in Oban – the most convenient is at Tesco and if you’re heading in to shop then do take your recyclables with you for disposal.

What do you provide and what should I bring?

First, we do NOT supply hairdryers so please bring your own along with your toiletries, potions and lotions. Here is a quick summary of what we do provide:

Starter supply of loo rolls – we provide unbleached bamboo toilet rolls and have a subscription service with Naked Sprout. (Occasionally demand will outstrip supply but don’t worry we won’t leave you without.)

Liquid soap/hand wash  (free from SLS and harmful parabens) – please note we refill dispensers to reduce waste.

Two cotton t-towels and an oven glove.

A cleaning cloth and a pot scourer.

Washing up liquid (biodegradable) – please note we refill and reuse old bottles.

All beds are made up for your arrival and we will leave a bed throw on top of the duvet. There are 2 pillows per person (usually one firm, one soft) and pillows have pillow protectors.

We provide one large bath sheet per person and will leave a hand towel and bath mat in every bathroom. You can add additional towels during the booking process and if you are staying longer than a week we will offer fresh bed linen and towels. Of course, accidents happen and if you spill your morning coffee and need a fresh duvet cover (or more) then just get in touch.

Now that the threat from Covid is being successfully managed we have returned to providing a physical copy of our welcome folder and guest information and we also leave a Peace Lilly in each property – this lovely little plant helps purify the air so please leave it behind when you leave!

And our suggestions for what to bring:

Torch – there are no street lamps in the countryside;

Wellies/boots or accept that your lovely white trainers may not stay white if you’re going to enjoy the rural walks that surround Cologin. You’ll find Oban a relaxed friendly town and you don’t need jackets and ties for even our poshest restaurants. Dress up if you wish but smart casual is all you will need if you’re out and about in town;

A positive attitude – you’re on holiday and sometimes the west coast weather will do it’s best to screw up your plans but just take a moment and be thankful for the rain – after all it’s tomorrow’s whisky! Just make sure you pack a brolly or a hat or take a jacket with a hood and you’re good to go;

Don’t go mad packing the car with food – it’s easier to do a shop when you’ve arrived. Online ordering and delivery is possible but you have to pick a slot that’s after 4pm. We’ve plenty of supermarkets (Tesco, Lidle, Aldi, M&S, Farmfoods), a craft beer shop, two wine and whisky shops, a brilliant online food hub,  two independent butchers, homemade ice-cream stores and specialist food stores/delicatessens so you’ve plenty of options.

Check in and Check out details

Check in details will be sent by WhatsApp/text message on arrival day so please ensure we have your mobile number. Our cleaning team finish early afternoon and we will give you access as soon as final checks have been made. Officially check in is from 4pm but if your accommodation is ready earlier we will let you know.
Check out is BEFORE 10.00am – please just leave the lodge key in the OUTSIDE of the front door so our cleaning staff can see that you have left so they can access the property. All Covid protocols have now been removed and it is no longer necessary for you to strip beds, however, our cleaning team would be grateful if you could. We will send an email the day before you depart to remind you what is required before you leave.

Late arrivals are possible, but we need to know in advance to avoid your booking being marked as a ‘no show’.

Can we book and pay online?

Booking via our own website is secure and you can pay via our online payment processor. Please note: by law Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is required. This means that as a business we require two different authentication factors to prove your identity (2FA). This affects both online and offline businesses and protects consumers against fraud. It can mean that your payment will fail if you do not have 2FA or 3D authentication enabled on your credit or debit card. Your bank may contact you requiring a password or a one time pin number before it will authorize your transaction and this is the most common cause of failed payments online.

Will we have outdoor furniture?

All properties at Cologin have their own private outside area. For the lodges it’s a decked area and this season we’ve added a few side gates to our pet friendly lodges, which are useful if you want to contain your pet (or toddler) on the decking. All 2 bedroom lodges and 1 bedroom chalets access the decking directly from the property . Please note, the one bedroom chalets are semi-detached so whilst each chalet has private decking the decked areas are adjacent.

The farmhouse has two decked areas and a large south facing garden. One area is for the wood burning hot tub and that is separated by a gate from the main patio which is accessed from the dining room. Cruachan also has a large south facing raised deck, fire pit and private fenced garden and all properties at Cologin have outdoor chairs and tables. There are plenty of grass areas at Cologin with some lovely suntraps and shady nooks so feel free to take a picnic rug and enjoy the great outdoors.

Please don’t use indoor furniture outside. Just ask us if you want/need an extra outdoor chair and we will provide one – we don’t have sun-loungers so you may want to bring your own.

READY TO BOOK?

When you book directly with us on this website or by phone, you’ll always receive the best price and terms.