Winners Scottish Thistle Regional Awards

We are delighted to be a winner in two categories of the Scottish Thistle Regional Tourism Awards and we now go forward to compete in both categories in the prestigious Thistle Awards final in March.  We were awarded the “Best Holiday Accommodation” and “Discovering Scotland” awards at the Regional Finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards held on Friday November 7th at Hampden Park Glasgow.

The Awards recognize success, excellence and quality in Scotland’s Tourism Industry across a range of different categories.  We beat stiff competition on both Awards but were particularly delighted for our Sales Manager, Marie McGhee for winning the “Discovering Scotland”  Award, which is for individuals who go the extra mile in providing an outstanding visitor experience. 

On our tenth anniversary it is very rewarding to be recognized for the unique experience and individual attention that we offer all our guests.

David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland Regional Director said “Argyll and the Isles tourism businesses are certainly leading the charge when it comes to excellence, and that’s exactly what the Scottish Thistle Awards is all about; celebrating those who are doing everything they can to ensure visitors are offered the warmest possible welcome and a first-class memorable experience”

A total of 670 businesses were nominated for the Scottish Thistle Awards in 2014 with 555 businesses entering the regional heats.  A panel comprising of some of the most senior figures in Scottish tourism, as well as Tourism Ambassadors were responsible for determining the winners in each category.

The Scottish Thistle Awards will form part of the Signature Programme, part of Scotland Tourism Week 2015, running from March 3-5.  Glasgow will be the hub of Scotland’s Tourism Industry for three days, showcasing Scotland as an ultimate destination for food and drink tourism and Scottish hospitality.

Cruising the Outer Hebrides: Seafood, Scenery and Swimming is all Part of The Majestic Line Experience

Many thanks to Travel Writer Helen Ochyra for coming on board our 6-night cruise "Heritage and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides" and providing this feature on her experience.
 
Cruising around Scotland is not like cruising anywhere else. And cruising the Outer Hebrides in a small vessel with an experienced crew who really love the islands is a special experience. Secret anchorages become accessible, locally sourced sourced seafood dinners and a flexible itinerary are the norm on a Scottish islands cruise with the small vessel specialist, The Majestic Line

I recently spent six nights on the Glen Massan, pictured above, a lovingly restored wooden fishing vessel, sailing around the southern Outer Hebrides (Mull, Islay, Jura), exploring their heritage and wildlife.

All Aboard

We boarded in Oban. This is the west coast’s main port and self-styled seafood capital of Scotland. I tested this out with dinner at the Seafood Temple Restaurant, feasting on delicious, sweet lobster overlooking the bay and the setting sun. Later, as the crew of the Glen Massan ferried our luggage from the restaurant to the ship, I nibbled plump prawns at Cuan Mor a seafront restaurant, bar and brewery.

This standard of service set the tone for the trip. The crew of four (skipper, engineer, bosun and chef) were on hand 24 hours a day. Unlike on many cruises, the bridge was constantly open to passengers, to use the binoculars and look out for wildlife or just to chat to the skipper. Drinks were brought up to us on the sun deck, often along with cakes homemade by chef Andie.

Each day we discussed our itinerary over breakfast - my choice freshly cooked porridge with a shot of whisky and a dash of honey, but if that's not your favorite way to start the day, don't worry, there's plenty of variety. The whiskies we drank were often inspired by our destinations. The bar was stocked with a good range, including my personal favourites Laphraoig and Lagavulin, enjoyed more than ever, with the distilleries picked out in bright whitewashed brick on the Islay coast to starboard.

Land Ahoy

We made land on a total of six islands but sailed past many more, including Mull, which was a real winner in the wildlife stakes – sea eagles perched on trees, otters playing at the base of the cliffs. Each time we went ashore we were tendered in, the crew using a small but sturdy craft to manoeuvre as close to dry land as possible. Only on Lismore on our final afternoon did we have to make any kind of leap and even then I didn’t get my feet wet.

On Gigha (pronounced GHEE - yuh) we saw crab scuttling beneath clear waters, on Colonsay birds wheeled above as we hiked to secluded bays and on Islay (pronounced EYE-luh) the main attraction was the whisky, tasted at the distillery and taken back to the boat. There were daily opportunities for hiking and near-daily chances to swim in the sea. We spent plenty of time off the boat.

A Sailor’s Life

In some ways, this was almost a shame, because I came to love my floating home. The experience of staying onboard such a small vessel had concerned me slightly at the start of the week, as I wheeled my suitcase off the train at Oban. But by the end I had adapted completely. Majestic Line cabins have proper beds in them, which can be made up as double or twin, and en suite bathrooms with a shower, toilet and wash basin. Each one also has natural light, either through an opening window or non-opening porthole, and bedding and towels are changed mid-week (though towels are dried daily by the bosun).

Meals were taken together, around one large table, so the group (a maximum of 12 passengers can fit aboard) spent plenty of time together, discussing the scenery, the wildlife and, above all, the food. And the food was excellent. The galley may have been small but chef Andie made the most of it, producing perfectly cooked venison, succulent steaks and even the trout some of the other passengers caught in Loch Spelve. All the seafood served on board is from the isles and the meat comes from Andie’s favourite Ayrshire butcher. There is plenty of local produce here.

Because the weather was in our favour, we spent plenty of time on the loungers on the sun deck, but there was a very comfortable lounge area, which was large enough for everyone and had unrestricted access to the bar. A basket of chocolate bars sustained us between meals, of which there were three a day, plus morning and afternoon tea, when those homemade cakes brought everyone to the table.

Taking in the scenery from the top deck – looking out at the verdant Mull coastline or over to the dramatic peaks of the Paps of Jura – I realised that cruising in Scotland is not like cruising anywhere else. Calm waters sparkled under a bright blue sky, marine and birdlife flowed past the ship continuously and the scenery had me reaching for my camera more often than my whisky. No, cruising in Scotland is not like cruising anywhere else. It is better.

The unmissable Island of Mull

Dont miss the Paul Murton programme;  Mull: Far from the Madding Crowd, Monday, September 29 where Argyll born Paul explores Mull and its satellite islands in the second episode of the series "Grand tours of the Scottish Islands. Beginning his journey on the tidal island of Erraid, which inspired famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, Paul island hops to beautiful Ulva and the mysterious island of Inch Kenneth, where some of the earliest kings of Scotland are buried, and finds out about its connection to the eccentric English aristocrats, the Mitfords. Paul’s final destination is the beautiful and remote Treshnish Islands where he experiences a spot of ‘Puffin therapy’.

The second series of Grand Tour of the Scottish Islands  can be viewed on BBC One Scotland on Monday evenings between 7.30-8.00pm. For anyone living outside Scotland, the programme is available on Sky channel 951 (for HD) or 977 (for standard definition) or on BBC iplayer.

If you are inspired by the programme why not book on one of our Mull cruises – only five more days left to book at 2014 prices!

Around Mull: Inlets and Islands 6-night cruise

With breathtaking scenery, rare wildlife and amazing heritage, this is our most popular cruise.  Stop over at Tobermory, Calgary Bay, Fingal's Cave and the Isles of Gometra, Ulva and  Iona. The whole area is a paradise for wildlife, including the Treshnish Isles where it is possible to get very close to nesting birds. Book at 2014 prices until September 30th!  Find out more

Around Mull: Wildife Explorer 6-night cruise

Wildlife is commonly seen on our Mull cruises and this wildlife explorer cruise is for those keen to see as much wildlife as possible, with a day wildlife tour on land to extend the range of species seen. Anchorages have been chosen for their beauty, tranquillity, natural environment and wildlife. Find out more

Buy now at 2014 prices - only 5 days left!

Our 2015 prices will begin on September 2014 so book now for our best prices! Our Sales Manager, Marie, and her team are always happy to help and provide all the information you might need.  If you have any queries, please get in touch on 01369 707951 or email info@themajesticline.co.uk., we are happy to help.

A wonderful sighting of the West Coast Orcas

 The sighting of a pod of very rare Orcas caused great excitement on our August  Skye and The Inner Hebrides Cruise.  Our guest Tony Bradhurst managed to get some photos if the pod of 4 Orcas as our vessel was heading across Loch Snizort after leaving  Portree on the morning of Tuesday August 5th heading to Dunvegan Castle.

Later that day as the vessel headed from Dunvegan Castle to Loch Harport, passing the most westerly point on Skye, the Orcas were seen again. Tony believes it was the same pod - the Orca with the notch in the back of its dorsal fin is in both lots of photos.

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually the largest members of the dolphin family.  Excellent information is provided on the Scottish Orcas on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) website which we have borrowed from to provide this post. 

There is only a small population in the Hebrides, which ranges over quite large distances, and is constantly on the move therefore sightings and encounters are rare. Groups of up to 8 animals have been recorded off the west coast of Scotland; different combinations of Orcas known to Hebridean HWDT have been seen together over many years; group composition appears to be fluid and can change between years.  Adult animals can be individually identified by the size, shape and distinctive nicks and markings of their dorsal fins, and the HWDT photo-identification catalogue recognises about 10 individuals.  However, HWDT think it is likely that there are Orcas in the area of the Hebrides that have not been photographically identified. Orcas can swim at speeds of 35 mph, which enable them to travel vast distances quickly. One of the most distinctive male animals, named ‘John Coe’, has been identified regularly since 1992 throughout the Hebrides as well as off the coast of Ireland, England and Wales.

HWDT has been studying the group for two decades and sadly, in that time there have been no calves recorded.  It is likely that the females in the group are post-reproductive and due to their social isolation they are unlikely to recruit any killer whales from other populations. This means that the conservation status of this group is critical.     

Orcas are very intelligent and can be inquisitive and approachable. They rarely bow-ride like the other species of dolphins seen regularly on our cruises.  Globally they feed on fish, shark, octopus and squid, as well as birds, seals and other cetaceans.  It is unclear what Orcas in the Hebrides feed on, although HWDT has one confirmed report of an animal killing a harbour porpoise.  There have been no recorded incidents of aggression towards humans in the wild.

Distinctive features of Orcas

Adult orcas measure 5.5 to 9.5 metres in length and can live for up to 90 years; females are generally smaller and longer-lived than males. The robust body is mainly jet black, with a bright white lower jaw, side patch and eye patch. The belly is also white, as is the underside of the tail. There is a grey patch behind the dorsal fin, known as the ‘saddle-patch’. The adult males’ dorsal fin is the largest of all cetaceans at up to 1.8 metres and is an important identification feature. Females and young animals have a smaller falcate (curved) dorsal fin. Pectoral (side) fins in all animals are paddle-shaped.

An account of our "Around Mull" cruise from Guest, Chris Brock

Having travelled up to Oban from Norfolk, I was eagerly awaiting my second cruise with The Majestic Line. I met up with Ray and Carole Herbert, who I had met on my first cruise in 2013, and we had agreed to stay at the same B&B in Oban. There we met Tom, an elderly gentleman who was a veteran of Majestic Line cruises. He would be on the same cruise as ourselves. In the evening we ate at EE Usk, a highly rated local fish food restaurant on the quayside, and could see the Glen Tarsan and Massan at anchor. On the Saturday morning we went into Oban, and by nowThe Glen Tarsan was moored on the quay. There we met our convivial captain Iain, who kindly informed us we could bring our luggage down to the quayside early and the crew would put it on board for us. Around 3pm we went down to the meeting point, and started meeting up with our fellow travellers, before transferring to the Tarsan, and having our welcome aboard toast, meeting our crew, Iain the skipper, Gavin the engineer, Stephen the bosun, and Mike the chef. We set sail, started to get to know one another, and departed for Mull via the Sound of Kerrera, heading for Loch Spelve, our first overnight stop.

After we anchored, we had our canapés at 7pm followed by a delightful meal, which is a feature each evening.On the Sunday, following breakfast, we departed for Duart Castle. We arrived at Duart castle, and landed, spending a good couple of hours exploring. In the afternoon we set off for Tobermory, arriving in fine rain, but that did not deter us from landing and having a look around. On Monday morning we landed there again, finding a few place to explore. On our way in from the Tarsan, we passed the Shag colony in the sea wall, and had good views of these small divers.

Departing Tobermory we rounded the most northerly point of Ardmore Point being treated to the pelagic Manx Shearwaters on the way, before arriving on Lunga, largest of the Treshnish Isles, around 2pm. We spent a good hour walking amongst Puffins, Razorbills and watching Fulmars nesting. This was an ideal photo stop as the Puffins were so close, that even telephoto lenses were not needed. Leaving Lunga we set sail for our first attempt at Fingal's cave on Staffa. Sadly, on this and the following attempt we couldn't get in due to the onshore seas,however, it was a great treat to see what has recently been rated as one of the 7 natural wonders of the Commonwealth (BBC Sunday 20th July). Later on the Monday we anchored off Inch Kenneth, where stayed for the evening, being treated to Otters playing on the rocks, and Highland Cattle on the fore shore. Tuesday we landed on Inch Kenneth, the home of the Mitford family earlier in the 20th century. While we were there the sun shone as we explored the chapel and the decaying farm, before setting sail for Iona, where we landed after lunch. Some went off to explore the abbey, others went looking for Corncrakes (heard but not seen!), others just chilled!
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon on an idyllic, peaceful island. As we were not being picked up until 5.30 we were able to experience the peace of Iona without the hundreds of tourist around, a stunning and beautiful island. Iain then guided the boat around to Bunessan, where we anchored, ate, at enjoyed the most perfect sunset. On the Wednesday, we moved up to the island of Gometra, where we had a short walk,
explored the bothy and Thunderbox number 10, then back to the boat for lunch. In the afternoon, Iain sailed around Ulva to the ferry. Stephen and I decided to hike the six miles around Ulva. We had grand views of deer on the hill tops, and all around looking back towards Mull. We were treated to fields of Blue bells, as well as seeing how the island is being cleared of forestry to allow it back to its natural state. On Thursday we sailed for Calgary Bay, a lovely remote bay, and although the weather was not so good, we all had a great time, before sailing for our last night near Loch Aline.

We had stunning views of a Sea Eagle as we passed Grass Point, with Iain slowing the boat right up, so we got a good look.The Majestic Line provides superb holidays. The crews are delightful, and can't do enough to make the stay memorable and happy. Each night Chef serves up top quality, local food, brought to us by the crew. We were also fortunate to have Tom with us, who knew so much Scottish history, and regaled us with tales of his life. For a truly relaxing holiday, the Majestic Line really knows how to do it, that's why I have already booked for 2015!

Chris Brock July 2014