Hebridean Whale and Dophin Trust July 2013 Report

July 2013 was a very interesting month for sightings with a total of 131 reports submitted to HWDT. While the number of sightings was quite low, the variety of species reported was high and included fin whale, turtle and killer whales.

Skippers Log: 6-night Cruise to Skye and the Hebrides departing June 8th

Skipper Martin McWhirr, Alastair Lamont, Engineer and Michael Grahl, Chef

The Cuillins of Skye from The Majestic Line Vessel

We were yet again blessed with excellent weather for this cruise, which allowed our Skipper a free reign in choosing more far-flung anchorages. On this cruise, the vessel explored the Sleat Peninsula on Skye as well
as calling in at the remote Hebridean Island of Rum. Every cruise is different but this will give you a taste of some of the fabulous highlights on offer.

The Glen Massan left Oban for Tobermory on Saturday afternoon where we anchored for the night. On Sunday morning we headed to Inverie in Knoydart for a wilderness walk ashore and a delicious beer in the Old Forge, one of the most remote pubs in the UK.

Skippers Log: Around Mull Inlets and Islands Cruise June 1st

Skipper: Martin McWhirr

We had brilliant weather and an excellent group of guests, making for a great week all round.

We departed from Oban and made for Loch Spelve on the Island of Mull, cutting over to Loch Don so we could get the benefit of the abundant wildlife down the east coast of Mull.   We were rewarded with seals, porpoises, wild goats, red deer, buzzards and a pair of hen harriers.

The boat with magic at its core

Two days after Andrew Hook's article appeared in Scottish Review about the Hebridean TV series my wife and I left Oban on the Glen Massan, a North Atlantic fishing trawler that has been beautifully converted into a small cruise vessel.

Nothing like any cruise ship I have encountered before, this one has six guest cabins and carries an absolute maximum of a dozen passengers.

Recipes for Argyll Hill Lamb, Argyll Tamworth Pork, Argyll Aberdeen Angus Beef and Argyll Wild Venison

We have been asked for some recipes for Argyll produce so here are some meat recipes from our Chef, Stephen Boswell, who is a huge fan of the Argyll brands for taste and tenderness. Our guests are always delighted with what Stephen provides on board!  If you can’t source Argyll meat, Stephen recommends that you ask your butcher where the meat comes from and check that it has been hung properly according to the type of meat.  If you have any queries, or would like some tips for these recipes, let us know and we'll be happy to help .