Welcome to Ad Astra, our much-loved home overlooking the beautiful coastline of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran.

One of the most special things about Ad Astra is the view — we hope you take time to relax, unwind and truly enjoy your surroundings.

This guide contains everything you need to know to ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable stay.

 Please take great care when walking on any timber decks, steps or paths. They can become slippery when wet.                                                                                                   

Beyond the garden fence is an area of grass and wild plants leading down to the cliff face.

This entire area beyond the fence is extremely dangerous.

Under no circumstances should anyone go beyond the fence for any reason. This is for your own safety and the safety of children.

View of some of our wild plants on the cliff face

Most rooms have electric wall-mounted radiators. These are very powerful and efficient.

• We recommend you do not turn them above Level 2

• Turning them higher can create excessive heat and may pose a safety risk

• They warm the house quickly and efficiently at low settings

It is not recommended to use the wood burners during the summer months.

If you feel chilly, using the electric radiators is a much faster and safer way to warm the house.

However, should you wish to light a fire, please read carefully:

• Fires must be managed with extreme care

• The outer casing becomes extremely hot

• Always use the fire screen

• Never hang clothes near the stove

• Be especially mindful of children

When lighting:

• Use only dry newspaper, kindling and logs

• Ensure the stove door is firmly closed once lit

Important:

• Do not overload with wood

• Take particular care with the dining room stove (it is on a pedestal — logs leaning forward may fall out when the door is opened)

• Always use the gloves provided when reloading the fire

Improper use of a fire can have disastrous consequences — please treat this with utmost respect.

For safety reasons, candles are not permitted anywhere in the property.

There is a fixed barbecue available for your use.

Please ensure:

• All barbecue trays are cleaned before departure

• The area is left tidy

• Cushions for outdoor chairs and sofas are stored in what we affectionately call “The Bus Shelter.”

• Please do not leave cushions outside if rain is forecast

• In high winds, please stack the 8 outdoor dining chairs and anchor them securely against the wall

There are a variety of games in the dresser drawers and Books in the Spiral Staircase

Please:

• Enjoy them

• Take care of them

• Return them in the same condition

Please leave all kitchen utensils clean and as you found them.

Fischer & Paykel Dishwasher Drawers

We love our dishwasher drawers! They operate similarly to a standard dishwasher.

How to Use:

1. Pull out the drawer you wish to use.

2. Load dishes carefully — do not overcrowd.

3. Add dishwasher tablet to the detergent compartment.

4. Close the drawer firmly.

5. Press “Power.”

6. Select your wash cycle (Normal is suitable for most loads).

7. Press “Start.”

You can run one drawer independently or both at the same time.

Please ensure items are dishwasher safe before use.

There is a Nespresso machine for your use.

• A small number of pods are provided to get you started.

• Compatible pods can be purchased from the Co-op supermarket in Brodick.

The Co-op offers grocery deliveries.

You can arrange a delivery for arrival via:
https://shop.coop.co.uk/

Postcode for delivery: KA27 8PX

The wet room has been specifically designed to be wheelchair-friendly.

Features include:

• Spacious layout for turning

• Fold-back shower screens for full access

• Sink designed for wheelchair access underneath

• Access from both the bedroom and hallway (can double as a cloakroom)

A Quick Guide to using the Geberit WC is located on the glass shelves in the wet room.

Please note:

• Only use low-acidic cleaning products

• Always dilute detergents with water

Please recycle!

Please refer to the blue folder on the dresser in the kitchen for up to date Bins and Recycling information. 

On departure, please:

• Strip all bedding and leave in a pile in each bedroom

• Leave used towels in each respective bedroom

• Ensure barbecue trays are cleaned

• Leave kitchen utensils clean

• Empty the fridge/cupboards of any food items

• Stack outdoor Dining chairs if high winds are forecast

• Ensure all lights and electric radiators are turned off

We all know accidents happen! Don't panic. 

There is an inventory is in place at Ad Astra so any missing or damaged items will be deducted from your safety deposit.

An inventory is in place at Ad Astra.

Any missing or damaged items will be deducted from your safety deposit.