At the end of the day.

North Uist. Looking from a bedroom window at sunset. 


We left in good time and picked up our two sons; the oldest one last…. bit of a squeeze on boot space; he repacked my Toyota RAV4 (extra photo). And we managed fine. 

A lovely straightforward drive around the edge of the Trossachs, beyond Tyndrum and across Rannoch Moor into Glencoe - scenery outstanding, several short stops made on a sunny and warm blue sky day. We’ve travelled these roads for more years than I can remember; but I never fail to be impressed. Beyond Fort William the Road to the Isles to Mallaig and the ferry was quiet. The harbour wasn’t busy, CalMac have less passenger capacity due to Covid19 restrictions. It’s important to book ahead, and to turn up by appointed time. The Lord of the Isles came in on time for the early evening sail, was loaded and left on schedule. CalMac are 95% on target this year, (not how media portray them). It wasn’t difficult to move around the boat, folks respecting public health protocols. Eigg, Rum, Muck, South Skye (including Elgol), Canna, Coll and Tiree were all visible to varying extent; eventually a fairly grey trip as the better weather on the mainland was slowly left behind (extra photo is off Canna). We’d some fine CalMac food on board, the crossing was smooth, by and large we stayed on open top deck. The scenic approach and arrival in South Uist was straight forward and we were one of first cars off. The drive up through South Uist to Benbecula and through North Uist was typical Western Isles scenery, lochs, mountains, sheep, causeways with quiet (often single track roads), and atmospheric weather. 

Our older son had planned and researched well. The ferry route chosen was at a sensible time and the house was more than we could ask for; we’d seen photos etc - but it surpassed our expectations. It was really clean, and felt Covid19 safe. And was warm.