Frequently asked questions
FAQs about travel to Out Skerries, booking, pick-up and drop-off, and information about Rocklea Retreat. If there is anything else you wish to know please feel free to drop us line.
When do I check in?
Check-in is from 10.30am on the day of arrival. It is a personal check-in so please let us know what time you are coming.
Check out is 10.30am on the day of departure. If you wish to check out later (by 6pm) there is a late checkout fee of £50.00. You can use the TV lounge/tea/coffee making facilities etc. during the day while you wait for your ferry.
There are also tea and coffee making facilities in the ferry waiting room on the harbor.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, we ask for a 30% initial deposit if the total cost of your stay. This will confirm your booking. We will send a secure payment link via email using SumUp. The remaining balance will become due 10 days before your arrival date. Payment in full at this time is non-refundable. A payment link will be sent using SumUp via email.
Bookings taken 10 days or less before your arrival date are classed as "short notice". Payment in full required to secure and confirm booking. Non-refundable.
Corporate bookings: Payment in full to secure booking. Non-refundable.
Do you take card payments?
Yes, we a accept the following cards:
Visa, V pay, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Google pay, Apple Pay and cash of course.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel at any time but please be advised that the 30% deposit is non refundable. Once the remaining balance has been payed (due 10 days before your arrival) this is also non refundable.
Corporate bookings:
You can cancel at any time but the payment in full is non refundable.
Do you take late bookings?
It is always best to book early, but if you do book within a week’s notice we will try to cater for you as best we can but there may be some changes to the usual offerings r.e menu/specialist dietary requirements etc.
Ferry cancellations & travel
The weather is quite spectacular up here! but is well known to cause travel disruption.
We ask that you build in a sensible “buffer zone” of a couple of days extra travel time either side of your stay. Or certainly be prepared to have alternative/back up travel plans! Our ferry service here is extremely reliable, but the weather can be unpredictable - even in the summer.
If you need to stay another night or two it is fine with us. We do not book our rooms out ‘back-to-back’ for this reason.
You will be charged the same rate for the extra nights, and we will do our best to make sure you have a delicious hot meal in the evening too.
If you need any help with ongoing travel plans, we are always happy to help.
Pick-up & drop-off
Sumburgh Airport, Lerwick & Vidlin
We can pick you up! Pre-booking required and we will need your mobile number in case of travel changes.
Sumburgh to Lerwick £40.00 .... Lerwick to Vidlin/Laxo £40.00
Sumburgh to Vidlin/Laxo £80.00
Vidlin/Laxo to Lerwick £40. 00....Lerwick to Sumburgh £40.00
Please note ferry fare is not included.
Is there healthcare provision on Out Skerries?
Yes. We have a part-time resident healthcare assistant here. Please check with us before your stay if you wish to know if the HCA is on island during your stay.
There is a defibrillator in the HCA clinic porch (always open) on Housay.
We also have first aid kits here at Rocklea.
Can we buy alchohol on the island?
No. You are welcome to bring your own though!
The shop at Vidlin has an exceptionally delightful selection of wines and spirits.