Cruising the Hebrides

We set sail from Greenock at midnight and the Scandinavian Captain Sten gave us all a treat as we woke to a gentle cruising speed so we could enjoy to the full a simply fabulous day slowly slipping past Skye and on to the Hebrides. My fellow passengers were soon out enjoying the warmth of the sun as we took in the views around us and this shot is of the Shiant islands - which I confess I had never heard of before - set against the backdrop of the North West Highland coast. The name "Shiant" (pronounced "Shant") is from the Scottish Gaelic which means the "charmed", "holy" or "enchanted isles". In geological terms, these islands essentially represent an extension of the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. The rocks are volcanic and are similar to those at Staffa and the Giant's Causeway although much higher in places and they were formed by the slow cooling of volcanic rocks deep underground. The Shiants are privately owned and are home to a large population of seabirds including Atlantic Puffins and Great Skuas but also to a colony of black rats!

I was spoilt for choice on choosing this blip - as I think will happen on a few days - and nearly posted this one which epitomises the joys of cruising when both weather and scenery are glorious.

A superb start to the voyage and a good chance to get the sea legs established on a relatively calm sea.