Hebridean Island Diary and Memories

Annette and Angus Vine kindly sent us their diary for their "Around Mull Wildlife Explorer£ 6-night cruise departing September 5^th on the Glen Tarsan:

Our fondness for the Islands, fuelled by the adventure of an unscheduled itinerary, and the unexpected, brought us to Oban again on 5^th September. 

After a short pub lunch, we were collected by Scott, our captain, and Ray, the engineer, and taken by tender on a calm and warm afternoon to board our home for the next six days. 

Our fellow travellers were a mixed “bunch” which gave the party an international feel : two from Chicago, two from Utah, an Australian, a lad from York, two retired sisters and former nurses from Aberdeen and Wiltshire, both former Majestic clients and making another booking for 2016; and we two repeat clients from the Borders. 

We were not to be disappointed in any way;  quite the contrary, due to a well-balanced itinerary, very clement weather, apart from a wee bit of wind, and a superb crew comprising Scott and Ray, Claire our bosun, and Michael our chef   We had a lot of fun, excellent food, good company, no chemistry issues, and some wonderful wildlife sightings. 

After the first night’s anchorage in Aird’s Bay by Port Appin, we steamed up the Sound of Mull, passing, amongst other landmarks, Morvern and Castle Duart before reaching our anchorage at Tobermory.   Eagles were seen. 

Our second day was spent ashore on Mull for a wonderful full day wildlife tour with the loquacious but knowledgeable David.  We had otter sightings by Craignure, two sightings of sea eagles near Grass Point, and three sightings of golden eagles from the road past Inverlussa and close to Ben More, with the highlight of a hen harrier in flight also by Grass Point.   Buzzards too featured frequently, with other birds such as pippets and stonechats. 

After an overnight anchorage in Loch Buie, we steamed up the Firth of Mull passing Auliston Point on the starboard side, with Ardnamurchan Lighthouse in the far distance, to Lunga/the Treshnish Isles, but we could not land due to the swell, and then onward to Staffa in choppy waters. 

Our third anchorage was past the Ross of Mull and into the Bay by Bunessan, where we went ashore and walked to and past the village. 

We steamed the following morning to Iona where, despite more very choppy waters and wind, we were put ashore very safely for visits, as required, to the Abbey and also across the island, over the golf course and onward to the western beautiful, white sanded and tranquil beach. 

Our next stop ashore was in Dervaig Bay, from where we went ashore into the small village on onward. 

After a further overnight anchorage, we steamed the South of Mull and anchored for lunch by Ardtornish Point and the derelict castle, and then into Loch Aline, from where we went ashore and walked the lochside shore around to Ardtornish House, where, close by, we had a magnificent and very close sighting of three red deer stags, all of which had at least 14 points. 

After the next overnight anchorage, we steamed the Sound, passing Lismore and onward to Oban where we disembarked after a most enjoyable six day trip. 

Overall, we were blessed with good weather conditions and plenty of sunshine, even though’ at times the seas were choppy   There were memorable days, a wide variety of scenery, lovely blue skies and splendid cloud formations, varied sunsets and little, if any, rain.   These factors rounded off an excellent Majestic Line Wildlife and Nature Cruise, further enhanced by memorable on board meals.

Annette and Angus Vine

 

 

A private cruise charter reunion

Ann Cheetham, who booked a charter for July 2015 has got in touch to let us know what it meant to the group of friends:

“When I booked this cruise in March 2014 for a group of Septuagenarians to celebrate 50 years of friendship, some of us having been on a Morocco expedition together in 1965, I had no idea what I was letting us in for. But now that it is all sadly over, I can only say that the cruise surpassed all our expectations. I found you by googling into my computer "cruises in the western isles of Scotland". When I saw the possibility of chartering a six cabin boat with staff to look after us, I knew this must be what we were looking for. Not one of us is disappointed. This has been the highlight of all our reunions and we have had a fantastic week with a magnificent crew, who saw to our every need and worked so hard to make us comfortable and happy. David, Michelle, Michael and Darren are a fantastic team and work very well together. We saw everything we asked for and are now on diets after the delicious meals served up by Michael that can only be compared to five stars in the Michelin guide. 

From the moment I spoke to Marie and then later to Craig and Ali, to the point when Andy took the drivers to collect their cars as we disembarked and the heavens opened, we have had such friendly service, that we almost felt we were family. Indeed we were all very sad to leave the Glen Tarsan behind. As we stayed in Oban for a further night we walked past the two boats moored in the harbour and thought what an amazing experience we have had."

Some highlights of the charter were:

·         Dolphins bow riding the vessel, bringing the pod into Tobermory Bay with The Glen Massan

·         Visiting the beach at Strontian on Ardnamurchan when one of the guests, who is a geologist, educated everyone about the rocks on the beach

·         The overnight stop in idyllic Loch Na Drum Buidhe

·         Going ashore on the wildlife paradise of the Isle of  Lunga on the Treshnish Isles – just in time to see the puffins before the parents and young all head back out to sea

·         An overnight stop off the Isle of Ulva and going ashore to visit Sheila’s Blackhouse

·         An afternoon on the Isle of Iona, exploring Iona Abbey

·         Chef Michael catching mackerel and turning them into canapes

Another of the guests, David Weight got in touch to let us know how much he enjoyed his cruise:

“The crew under David's direction could not have been more helpful and friendly, anticipating our requests more often than waiting for us to ask, and taking time to tell us all about the boat and the many places of interest.   And Michael's cuisine was out of this world - fabulous local produce, cooked to perfection, the only problem being that we oldies were frequently defeated by the generous quantities he served. I am starting a diet to recover. I particularly enjoyed having the time to paint watercolours of the glorious scenery. Thank you all of you for a truly memorable holiday. I  shall not hesitate to commend the Majestic Line to all my friends” 

We are very much hoping to see some images of David’s watercolours!

 

Vegetarian menu for a 6-night cruise

Vegetarians are well catered for our our cruises!  Here is a sample menu for a 6-night cruise.

Saturday

Dinner

Canapé: pickled walnut and watercress with blood orange dressing; tomato consommé
Main Course: lightly spiced couscous in tomato broth with salt baked celeriac
Dessert: cranachan

Sunday

Breakfast: eggs florentine
Lunch: butternut squash, spinach, parmesan, Conchiglioni  Rigate pasta, sage butter&  pak choy asian salad
Afternoon tea: banana bread

Dinner:                

Canapé: grilled marinated tofu with guacamole; vegetable pastille; sundried tomato
Main: potato croquette , roasted golden beetroot, beetroot purée, broccoli, almond soya & sesame seed oil dressing
Dessert: apple parfait, ginger beer sorbet with granola

Monday

Breakfast:  scrambled egg on sourdough bread
Lunch: vegetable stir fry with egg noodle; watercress roast peppers & pumpkin seed salad
Afternoon tea: marshmallow

Dinner:                                

Canapé: goats cheese and asparagus tart; vegetable kebab
Main: lentil fritters with caramelised fennel, sweet corn, parmentier potatoes, apple & radish.
Dessert: orange and passion fruit tart with lemon sorbet

Tuesday

Breakfast: cheese omelette
Lunch: beetroot hummus with flat bread,  pickled vegetable salad & Moroccan couscous
Afternoon tea: chocolate éclair

Dinner:                

Canapés:  mushroom veloute with truffle oil ; vegetarian scotch egg
Main: home-made goats curd, pea, pearl barley, samphire, chard, cauliflower, braised baby gem & pesto
Dessert: strawberry cheese cake with strawberry sorbet  

Wednesday

Breakfast: blueberry pancakes with maple syrup
Lunch: spanish omelette,   tomato salad and mozzarella
Afternoon tea: bakewell tart

Dinner                 

Canapé: chard vegetable with tarragon mayo; honey and whisky sorbet
Main: gnocchi potatoes warm salad of asparagus, charred spring onion, broad beans &  salsa verde
Dessert:  peach mousse, peach jelly, vanilla ice cream, raspberry couli

Thursday

Breakfast: French toast and sautéed mushrooms
Lunch: arancini ,granny smith, garlic croutons, parmesan shavings  & salad
Afternoon tea: millionaire shortbread

Dinner                 

Starter: smoked potato and duck egg ravioli with wild sorrel and lightly roasted garlic
Main: blue cheese polenta cake with truffle, cauliflower puree, parsnip, wilted spinach & port jus
Dessert: chocolate delice with milk sorbet  

Friday

Breakfast: fried egg, vegetarian sausage, grilled tomato, mushrooms, potato scone & vegetarian haggis

Four new 10-night cruises to the Hebrides for 2016

Our new custom-built vessel, The Glen Etive, is designed to provide luxury accommodation for longer trips to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides.  Fitted with stabilizers for a smooth passage, she will visit the more remote outlying islands, steeped in legend and inhabited by many species of rare wildlife.

The interior of the Glen Etive is tastefully fitted out with brass and hardwood finishes and many charming maritime features.  The spacious indoor saloons are specially designed to provide comfortable viewing areas for taking in the breathtaking scenery while at sea and at anchor.  Cabins are traditionally designed with brass portholes; each cabin is double or twin with ensuite.

There are four new ten-night cruises on offer for 2016 from May – September.  All 10-night cruises are currently at an introductory price of £4020 per person.

“Idyllic Isles of the Outer Hebrides” 10-nights:  departing May 7th, July 2nd, August 13th and September 10^th 2016

The Outer Hebrides is an island world like no other.  On the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the pace of life is slower, the majority of inhabitants speak Gaelic and crofting is a way of life.  Many of the rugged and mysterious islands, with evocative names such as Mingulay, the Monachs and the Shiants are populated only by thousands of seabirds.  The scenery is breathtaking with huge skies and green seas providing a striking backdrop to white sand beaches and the jagged crags of some of the most remote, unspoiled and enchanting islands of the Hebrides.  The crystal clear waters are home to many cetaceans, with porpoise, several species of dolphin and even whales and orcas regularly putting in an appearance. View detailed itinerary

“From Skye to the Shiants” 10-nights: departing April 23^rd, June 18^th and September 24^th 2016

Some of the most fascinating islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the fabulous sea lochs of Argyll are brought together to provide a breathtaking cruise of stunning scenic contrasts.  The Small Isles offer a wonderful panorama  of constantly changing island scenery.  On Skye the stark rise of the jagged Cuillin ridge drops to the gentle white of sandy beaches.   The remote magical Shiant Isles are home to thousands of seabirds on their sheer cliffs.  Returning to Skye, the calm waters of the Inner Sound allow access to the spectacular mainland sea lochs of Torridon and Carron and shore visits to their charming traditional villages. View detailed itinerary

“Islay and the Southern Hebrides” 10-nights: departing May 21st and August 27^th 2016

Despite their close proximity, each island in the Southern Hebrides has a distinct personality, from the wild mountainous wilderness of Jura to the lush gardens of Gigha.  Historically, the area was of great significance as “Argyll’s Sea Kingdom” from the 10^th century which had far reaching influence over Scotland and beyond.  Clusters of small islands, The “Slate Isles” and the Garvellachs provide some idyllic anchorages. The most westerly and remote island, Colonsay, is surprisingly wooded and fertile with fabulous beaches and scenery whereas Islay is justly famous for its whisky distilleries.  The highly-indented coastline of the Argyll mainland offers sheltered stopovers in beautiful Loch Crinan and the magnificent sea loch of Loch Sween. View detailed itinerary

“St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides Cruise” 10 nights: departing June 4th and July 16th 2016

Situated on the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Outer Hebrides is a chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life.  Much of the Hebrides is very isolated, with an infectious sense of peace and tranquillity.  Following a stopover at Canna, the itinerary takes in the far-flung Isles of Barra, Mingulay and the Uists with their endless shell-sand beaches fringed with flowering machair.  Given good weather, St Kilda will be the next stop, with the intention to stay for two nights exploring the Archipelago.  Depart St Kilda for the Sound of Harris and its stunning sea vistas of thousands of small islands. Visits to the wild Shiant Islands, the romantic Isle of Skye and the delightful Small Isles complete an unforgettable trip. View detailed itinerary

The Idyllic Island of Iona

Idyllic Iona

Although only a tiny island, Iona has a big history and is known as the birthplace of Christianity in the UK.   Its historic abbey was established by St Columba in 563, and year round the island welcomes visitors on pilgrimages.  However with its white sand beaches, azure seas and picturesque village – and the definite feel that time has stood still – it is one of the popular stopovers on our two ‘Around Mull’ cruises.

These cruises also feature visits to Mull itself including its many sea-lochs, and surrounding islands such as Ulva and Staffa.  Iona is a popular destination for our guests who love its remoteness and its beautiful beaches – it’s only a short distance from Mull but a world apart. 

The island is an outpost off the end of the craggy Ross of Mull and for the regular tourist it takes an intrepid journey by two ferries and a long drive across Mull to reach it.  On a Majestic Line cruise, our guests can enjoy the sea journey around Mull and along the Sound of Iona with the ease of a direct drop off on the island jetty. From there it is just a short walk to experience the island’s attractions, or to take time to relax and enjoy the ambience of this unspoilt island gem.

Particular highlights of a visit include the easy and flat walks along the deserted roads of the island, to the historic Abbey or to visit one of the tiny white beaches dotted along the way. 

Iona is known for its own beautiful marble – a brilliant white rock with green veins.  A visit to the peaceful chapel of the Abbey will reveal a superb altar made from the stone itself.

The island is a tiny gem which, with its small shops and easy walks through the fields and along the roads, offers a real glimpse into the life of a Hebridean island.  Our guests will get a real feel for Iona and why it is so special.  There should be time too for some light shopping with a variety of artisan craft shops and the Abbey gift shop.

Wildlife is in abundance on the island and its seas.  Iona is home to the elusive and protected Corncrake, a shy bird with a distinctive call that can be heard in the unique machair grasslands, but is rarely seen. On a good day, when sailing up the Sound of Iona, our guests are delighted with the area’s wildlife.  As well as birds such as puffins, shags and razorbills, we see lots of porpoises and seals in the surrounding waters, and if a dolphin pod which regularly visits the Sound of Iona is in evidence, these magical mammals often follow our progress.

All our guests enjoy a visit to the historic Abbey, possibly the most beautifully placed religious building in Scotland.  It is packed full of the history of the monks who first built it and of Scotland’s kings who were carried along ‘The Road of the Dead’ from the southern end of the island to be buried there. Among the graves is the more contemporary resting place of the late John Smith, former Labour Leader, who loved the island and many people visit Iona to pay their respects. 

There are wonderful views to enjoy in your own time and plenty of outstanding photographic opportunities to capture special memories.   Arriving by boat is a spectacular way to see the island from the sea, and we also have really special views across to the pink granite of Mull and of other islands we visit on the cruises, including the Treshnish Isles, Gometra, Ulva and Staffa.