The North Highlands Octogenarian

40 years of holidays with the same, family owned Self-Catering, in Assynt

2007 is the 40th consecutive year that George and Muriel Philip have spent their summer holidays at the same caravan site in Assynt owned by the same family.

(George who was an actuary working in insurance, and had spent 5 years in the army in WW11 followed by 20 years of running Scout camps in Scotland and Scandinavia, and Muriel a former school teacher and cub Scout leader)

Achmelvich caravan holidays in the remote and beautiful landscape of Achmelvich in Assynt were a natural choice for the Philip family from Edinburgh. They first rented a caravan from the Macleod family of Hillhead in 1968 with their two young daughters Marjory and Aileen. It was the perfect base for safe yet adventurous family holidays enjoying the wonderful beach, boating (the same Mirror Dinghy has accompanied them for 35 years), fishing and hill-walking with the many friends made over the years. These friendships have been renewed and strengthened each summer.

In the late 1960’s, when milk was collected in a pail from neighbouring Flora Macleod’s croft, the caravans had coal fires, gas lamps and outdoor toilet tents, a far cry from the comparative luxury of the fully serviced caravans enjoyed today.

40 consecutive years of Achmelvich holidays later and Mr & Mrs Philip, now in their eighties, still enjoy spending the summer (despite the variability of the weather) in the same location, with their children and grandchildren who love the place just as much as they do, and are set to continue the family tradition for the next 40 years!

by Aileen Healey (Philip)

Durrant says: We are now in our 43rd year of Hillhead Self-Catering Caravans (Lochinver Holidays) at Achmelvich Beach. My wife Maysie and I run them after much help from my Late Parents & my family in the early days. Maysie joined me after visiting the Caravan Site on holiday 36 years ago, the rest is history. (I think the area was the main attraction!)”

To celebrate the Philip Family’s long time with us we hired Willy Watson's Statesman Cruise boat and went to the beautiful Kerracher Gardens and then back to Kylesku Hotel for much needed tea, and then North Highland Tourism Chairman Murray Lamont (of Mackay's Hotel Wick) who had travelled from Wick with his lovely wife Ellie to be with us for the occasion, presented George and Muriel with a bottle of HRH The Prince Charles's special Blend "Barrogill" Whisky, and flowers to both Muriel and Maysie.

This was a very nice gesture by NHT in recognition of visitor dedication to an area and what it must mean to them, and our long-term provision of Self-Catering in the Highlands. Much appreciated.

Most of the 21 people in the photo (not counting Murray and Ellie, Maysie and myself) holiday with us or have their own tourer, and all are friends of George and Muriel and family.

The number of years each family has been coming to Achmelvich is really staggering;

This is highly indicative of the following Achmelvich Beach has along with the peace and beauty of the North Highlands in general, families come right through the generations, we have many in 3rd generation.