Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre

The Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre is a vibrant, multi-purpose cultural and retail hub located on Viewfield Road (A87), just south of Portree. Housed in the beautifully refurbished building formerly known as the Aros Centre, this flagship facility blends modern Scottish craftsmanship with local community entertainment. It serves as an ideal base for travellers to shop, dine, and experience the cultural heartbeat of the island.

Motorhome & Campervan Stopover Details

The visitor centre provides a formal overnight parking arrangement (Aire) for self-contained motorhomes and small campervans. 

• Cost: £10 per night. You can pay by cash or card at the indoor cinema or coffee counter, where you will receive a registration slip to display on your windscreen. 

• Parking Rules: Campervans and small motorhomes must park strictly on the right/left designated tree-line sides of the entrance road and are required to reverse park. 

• Terrain: The ground consists of standard asphalt parking spaces. It is on a slight incline, so using levelling blocks/ramps is highly recommended. 

• Access Note: Spaces can fill up quickly during peak summer months, so arriving by late afternoon is advised.

Facilities

• Toilets: Fully accessible toilets are available inside the main building free of charge. These are only accessible during opening hours (typically 9 AM to 8 PM) while the restaurant or cinema is open. There are no 24-hour external plumbing facilities.

• EV Charging: An electric vehicle charging point is available at the far end of the car park.

• Accessibility: The facility features designated disabled parking spaces close to the main entrance and completely step-free building access.

• Services Omitted: There are no chemical black/grey waste disposal points, fresh water fill-ups, or electric hook-ups (EHU) for motorhomes. 

Dining Options

The main culinary draw inside the centre is Gasta Port Righ, a modern, licenced restaurant and bar boasting large windows with outstanding views over the surrounding hills and water.

• The Food: Gasta specializes in handmade Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, but also serves an array of breakfast rolls, fresh pastries, homemade soups, salads, and artisan coffee.

• Dietary Options: The menu features explicitly labelled vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices (including vegan croissants and dairy-free milk alternatives).

• Schedule: The restaurant serves from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, with last hot food/pizza orders strictly taken at 7:30 PM. There is also a quick "Gasta To Go" hatch out front for takeaway coffee.

Inside the Visitor Centre

• Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre

• A spacious boutique showcasing the full collection of natural, 100% soy-wax candles and reed diffusers hand-poured by the Isle of Skye Candle Company, alongside Scottish gifts, local jewellery, and home accessories.

• Las Port Righ

• A fully operational, refurbished independent arts venue screening blockbusters, independent classics, and hosting live theatre or music performances.

• Wellness Studio

• A bright space built into the centre hosting community yoga classes and local group sessions.

Local Information & Proximity

• Walk into Portree: The centre sits right on the edge of the island's capital. A paved pedestrian footpath runs directly alongside the main road from the car park into the town centre, taking roughly 20 to 25 minutes to walk.

• Portree Amenities: Walking into town gives motorhome users easy access to local pubs, seafood restaurants, supermarkets (like the local Co-op), pharmacies, and petrol stations.

• Exploring Skye: Positioned centrally on the A87, the centre serves as a perfect launching point for driving north toward the Trotternish Ridge attractions—such as the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing—or heading west toward Dunvegan Castle.