Around Mull Wildlife Cruise September 2013

Guest Blog from Margaret Matthew

The Majestic Line invited Matt Oliver, an ecologist and friend of the Majestic Line owners, on board as an extra pair of eyes to help spot the wildlife on this Around Mull cruise as part of VisitScotlands "Year of Natural Scotland". As Matt’s mum I took advantage of the spare bed in the twin cabin and offered to do a write-up of the cruise and wildlife seen.  The Skipper of the Glen Massan, Martin, has an excellent eye for identifying wildlife and the Engineer Alistair is an environmental biologist so has in-depth knowledge; however as they are often busy with their crewing duties, this was an opportunity for some additional dedicated spotting.  

A Serene and Scenic Sail in the Southern Hebrides

Heritage and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides 6-night cruise

Skipper’s Log, Glen Massan 24^th August

Departing from Oban, we enjoyed a scenic sail south through the Sound of Kerrera, cruising through a fascinating landscape of numerous small islands, both inhabited and non-inhabited, known as the Slate Isles.  With mirror-flat waters and the sun still shining we anchored for the night and our first meal on board in Loch Melfort. 

Basking Sharks make this Skye Cruise extra special

Skye and the Inner Hebrides 6-night cruise 17^th August 2013

Skipper’s Log, The Glen Tarsan

 

Departing from Oban, the first overnight anchorage for the cruise was sheltered Loch Spelve on Mull where red deer were spied on the surrounding hills. The following morning we set off to nearby Duart Bay for a visit to Duart Castle, the seat of Clan Maclean.  The visit was made complete by the presence of a White Tailed Eagle circling overhead and a fun loving Otter swimming near the tender boat on the approach to the castle, disembarking on the beach under the dramatic silhouette of the castle. 

A sea eagle and wildife extravaganza cruise to the Isle of Skye via Mull

Skipper’s Log – Glen Massan, 10^th-16^th August 2013

 

With all the guests aboard and a reasonably good forecast predicted, we left Oban for Tobermory on the Saturday night.  After a brief visit there on Sunday morning we made our way to Loch Nevis and Inverie at Knoydart, for a pint in the Old Forge and a leisurely wander round this little village in Europe’s last great wilderness. Then it was on to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle where we anchored for the night in a sheltered bay where three sea lochs meet. 

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.