Camping & Site Facilities

Welcome to those attending the Gaidhealtachd for the first time, and also to our regulars! This page is to inform you of the facilities available and to suggest a few items that you might like to bring so as to make your stay more comfortable

Registration/Setting up camp – Saturday 20 January

The site will NOT be open before the 20th of January to anyone who is not on the Trust Board or on the official Gaidhealtachd list of site management/set-up volunteers. Anyone who arrives unauthorised earlier will be asked to return on the 20th.

Friday 19th is a set up only day/evening for the Trust Board and helpers. We can’t offer accommodation for all Friday night due to the cost structure of the camp, and for the need to set up the site.

Please don’t turn up unannounced or well have to turn you away till Saturday morning.

You are welcome to arrive at the school from the 20th  of January. The opening ceremony will be at at 10.30am followed by “meet the tutors” and lunchtime. Workshops will commence at 2pm. We encourage people to arrive early to set up their campsite before the opening ceremony. Camping sites & family rooms will be allocated, so you MUST report to the Gaidhealtachd reception area to register, before setting up your campsite.

Site Facilities

Holy Ground is a large camp situated at 1 Wharf Rd, Parua Bay, off a small beach and nestled in surrounding native bush. There is a caretaker living onsite. The camp includes a large 2 storey building which encompasses all the facilities. This building is set in about an acre of grass, which is right beside a lovely high-tide beach.

  There are camping, caravan, camper van options as usual – but guests can also stay inside in communal dormitories, more details are below. There is no discount for staying off-site.
  There are a small number of bunk rooms off the hall but these will be allocated by family/group news, not first in, first served.

 The camp is smoke, vape, alcohol and pet free. If you need a beer the Parua Bay Pub is close but be mindful walking there as it is along a busy dangerous road. Taking a dinghy might be preferable!

Shared space/programming space

  • Upstairs a large wooden floored hall and stage, with a large back room suitable for workshops and sessions
  •  The whole upper level is surrounded by a large deck with sea views. This will be suitable for chatting/gathering but also weather-permitting outdoor workshops
  •  Outside is about an acre of grass  – we will set up our usual marquee there. 
  • The games could be on grass or the beach or both

Accommodation

  • There are ample camp sites available to those who would like to camp, and campervans/vans are permitted.
  • If you need power to your campsite for medical reasons let us know.
  • Off one side of the upstairs hall are 7 small bunk rooms. One of these will provide music instrument storage, and others will be used for family/groups as needed
  • The downstairs has 2 dormitories separated by a shower/toilet block. These dorms sleep 24 on one side and 34 the other if needed
  • There are mattresses and bunks, but bring your own bedding for these.There is no privacy so you could pin up material or sheets 
  • There are ample toilets and showers accessed both internally and externally

Catering

  •  Off one side of the hall is a large commercial kitchen suitable for catered  and also self catering guests. 
  •  There is a large chiller and 2 deep freezers As usual bring your own plastic bin for storing your food.
  • As there are shops close by we suggest people don’t bring too many perishable items that need cooling, and instead purchase what you need during the week if possible. Milk for breakfast cereals will also be provided as part of your registration fee.

Beach
The camp is fully fenced and is across the road from the beach. Any guest visiting the water is doing so at their own risk. This is particularly important for our children who need their own carer or supervisors. Feel free to bring kayaks, boats, currachs or coracles. 

The beach comes off a busy road and all children must be supervised whilst leaving the site.

Local facilities

Parua Bay shops, cafes, supermarket and petrol are close by further up the road

Tea/Coffee
We have a dedicated tea-making area that is available for use throughout the day. We supply:

Tea, instant coffee, Milo, sugar and milk

Taking care of the site  – job rostering
The Gaidhealtachd is run purely on a volunteer basis. The Convenors and organisers receive no fee. Therefore we must all take care that the site is tidy and safe for everyone. Job rosters are posted in the main area for bathroom cleaning, pool supervision etc. You can add your name to a job or roster that suits you, and even if there’s no space on a roster, please keep an eye out for things that may need doing.

Everyone who attends is expected to help put the school back in order and clean up on the final day. A lost property table will be set up in the covered quadrangle. Please be sure to check that you have not left anything behind because we have nowhere to store it. Lost property not claimed will be disposed of or put out with the rubbish.

Evening Security & Protocol

As this is very much a shared space, we ask you to keep noise to a miminum after 10pm.  After the Ceilidhs, once the kids have been put to bed, there are generally sessions which can carry on into the small hours, for those who want to carry on singing dancing or playing – please ensure these are held in place where you are not disturbing those needing sleep. Be very quiet when crossing the field… some people do go to their tents to sleep after the Ceilidh!

 First Aid
We have a First Aid Kit for emergencies only, but you are expected to bring your own basic first aid kit for any minor incidents. At the first meeting we will make it known of any health professionals that are amongst the attendees, should any emergency occur – if it isn’t an emergency, remember they are on holiday!! Everyone is expected to behave in a manner that doesn’t endanger each other, and it is important that we look out for each other throughout the week.

We do not supply:

Cooking utensils

Plates / bowls / cutlery

Food (apart from catered meals if you have pre-ordered and paid for them, and on the banquet evening we supply meat & potatoes and vegetarian fare.)

 Camp checklist:

  • Your normal equipment for camping

  • For camping – an extra blanket or two as the nights can get chilly
    For bunkbeds – all bedding. Mattresses provided.

  • Plates, cups, cutlery (none of this is supplied, whether you buy lunches or not)

  • A water bottle for each member of your family, clearly labelled

  • Chilly bin for your own campsite, a box if you intend to use the chillers inside

  • Tea towels and bath towels

  • A torch

  • Earplugs if you are sensitive to snoring or people around you!

  • A hat & sunscreen – ESSENTIAL

  • Swimming togs (and any swim rings etc for little children)

  • First Aid kit for minor ailments (painkillers, bandaids, antiseptic creams, etc)

  • Cash (no eftpos on site)

  • Shoes and clothing suitable for dancing in