"We fell in love with the seals and their music of the sea"

"We were in a fairytale... unforgettable!"

"Adopt me and I'll stay forever!"

"Extraordinarily gorgeous!"

"“I woke up seeing seals peek out of the sea”"

Burnside Lodge, Port Wemyss, Islay

Burnside Lodge is a two-room guest house located in the quiet village of Port Wemyss on the South Western tip of the Isle of Islay. While parts of the house are nearly as old as the village itself, the guest rooms in the newer part both have double aspect views of the Rhinns lighthouse designed and built by Robert Stevenson in 1825. The isle of Orsay seen from the windows is the year-round home to the local population of common and grey seals, who can be heard singing across the water on calm days.

Walks from the door take you around the neighbouring village of Portnahaven and up the coast to the semi-circular sandy beach of Currie Sands. Garden seating allows guests the time and space for watching the local birdlife and to listen to the songs of the seals.

Our Rooms

Both of our spacious en-suite rooms enjoy double-aspect views of the lighthouse, with light moving gently through the space from morning to evening.

They are set within the newer wing of the house, originally built as a boathouse by Gilbert McKinnon, the first owner of Burnside Lodge – a simple connection to the building’s coastal past.

For the 2026 season our rooms are £127 per room per night with a three night minimum stay. A number of breakfast options are usually available (for an additional charge) and can be arranged a few days before you arrive.

The Trophy Room

The Trophy Room on the first floor, the newest part of the property (built as a private sitting room by the previous owners), is now a double room with en-suite bathroom.

Both rooms have double aspect views of the lighthouse.

The Old Boathouse

The Old Boathouse on the ground floor, first used by Gilbert McKinnon to build boats, is now a light and spacious twin room with en-suite shower room.

Please note although on the ground floor there are steps down into the room.

Islay Sauna

Heat, Sea Air and Shifting Light

A few steps from the door – a simple, restorative experience inspired by Scotland’s growing coastal sauna culture.

Coffee & Cake

A rich baking heritage

Burnside Lodge has a rich baking heritage – from a much-loved part-time café and self-service cake cupboard to eight years supplying local businesses, a Scottish Home Baking Award, appearing in a German book about Scones and a number of guidebooks including the Rough Guide.