Logs
Scotland is rightly proud of its reputation for its wonderful natural larder and those who produce mouth-watering creations. Join Hebridean Princess on this gastronomic voyage, as we explore the culinary offerings of the Highlands and Islands.
Tuesday 20th October – Oban
Our journey began in Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles”. Guests stepped on board, settled into their cabins and enjoyed their first taste of life on Hebridean Princess. As evening fell we slipped out of the bay and sailed south, anchoring overnight in the sheltered waters of Loch nam Miol.
Wednesday 21st October – Port Ellen, Islay
Morning brought us to Port Ellen on Islay, the home of peated whisky. A coach took guests to the Laphroaig Distillery to see how its smoky single malts are made and, of course, to taste them. Others preferred to walk independently in the island’s sea air.
In the afternoon we cruised north towards our overnight anchorage. On the way, guests gathered in the Tiree Lounge for the first talk from our guest speaker, Coinneach Macleod, better known as the Hebridean Baker. He shared stories and island traditions with real warmth. That night we anchored in Duart Bay, below the walls of Duart Castle.
Thursday 22nd October – The Small Isles and Inverie
We spent a leisurely morning cruising past the Small Isles, their dramatic outlines rising from the sea. Coinneach returned to the Tiree Lounge for another talk, and to everyone’s delight he also sang for us.
In the afternoon we reached Inverie on the remote Knoydart peninsula, which can only be reached by sea or a long hike. Guests went ashore to walk in this wild, peaceful corner of the Highlands. Many stopped for refreshments at The Old Forge, often called one of the most remote pubs in mainland Britain. We anchored overnight in Inverie Bay.
Friday 23rd October – Armadale, Skye and Kyle of Lochalsh
We berthed alongside at Armadale on the Isle of Skye, and a coach took guests to Armadale Castle and its gardens, the ancestral seat of Clan Donald. The morning ended with a long-anticipated luncheon at Kinloch Lodge, a highlight of the voyage for its fine Scottish cooking.
Back on board, we sailed on as our guest speaker gave another talk in the Tiree Lounge. We arrived alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh in time for dinner and stayed there overnight.
Saturday 24th October – Portree and The Three Chimneys
A coach took everyone across the Skye Bridge to Portree. Guests were split into two groups by assembly station. One group explored the colourful harbour town while the other travelled on to The Three Chimneys, one of Scotland’s most celebrated restaurants, for lunch. The groups then swapped, so everyone enjoyed both. After a memorable day we returned to the ship at Kyle of Lochalsh.
After dinner, local musicians entertained guests in the Tiree Lounge. We remained alongside overnight.
Sunday 25th October – Kyle of Lochalsh
The Hebrides reminded us who is in charge when Storm Boleo swept in. Guests spent the day aboard in the comfort of the ship, with good books, warm drinks and plenty of conversation. In the afternoon a few ventured out on guided local walks to feel the full force of the weather. We stayed safely alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh for another night.
Monday 26th October – Isle of Eriska
For our final full day, a coach took guests to the Isle of Eriska for a gourmet lunch. Meanwhile, Hebridean Princess sailed south to Oban, where guests rejoined her in the afternoon.
We remained alongside in Oban overnight for one last evening together and our farewell gala dinner.
Tuesday 27th October – Oban
Our gastronomic voyage ended where it began, with fond farewells in Oban. Guests went home with full hearts, satisfied appetites and perhaps a bottle or two of Islay malt in their luggage.
