The Net Store sits in a west Highland fishing community, where successive generations have made a living from the sea.
Iona Livingstone built The Net Store on the site of her grandfather’s fishing net store, right on the water where he mended his white fish nets and brought his fishing boat, the Seaflower, in to refuel. The boat would go to sea from Monday to Saturday but Ardheslaig was her home and it was where she returned each week. Photos hanging in The Net Store feature Malcolm Livingstone, the Seaflower, his work and crew.
After the demise of the herring fishery, Iona’s father, Kenny and his brother, Donald “Dickie” Livingstone, aided by their brother Ian, developed the existing nephrops creel fishery (prawns/Dublin Bay prawns/langoustines). A full and all consuming working life followed.
Having relinquished a professional career, Iona wished to re-establish her connection with the sea and returned home to create a livelihood in Ardheslaig, with her husband, Gordon. Living in the local community with their two children, Iona and Gordon enjoy welcoming guests and are on-hand during your stay.