Logs
The voyage home from the east coast to Oban offers a unique view of the untamed, rugged beauty of the northern Caithness and Sutherland seaboard, the gems of mainland Orkney and a kaleidoscope of treasures of the Hebrides. Be inspired by the magic and myth, the sights and the sounds of Scotland’s far north.
Wednesday 19th August — Invergordon
We spent the day alongside in Invergordon for passenger embarkation, giving new arrivals a chance to settle in and find their cabins before dinner. That evening we sailed overnight on passage toward mainland Orkney, leaving the Cromarty Firth behind us.
Thursday 20th August — Stromness & Kirkwall, Orkney
We berthed alongside in Stromness in the morning, and guests visited the Italian Chapel — built by Italian prisoners of war from two Nissen huts and scrap metal — and the Churchill Barriers, the causeways constructed to close off Scapa Flow to enemy submarines after the sinking of HMS Royal Oak.
In the afternoon we headed to Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital, to see St Magnus Cathedral, the striking red sandstone cathedral founded in 1137.
We stayed alongside in Stromness overnight, and after dinner there was local entertainment in the Tiree Lounge.
Friday 21st August — Standing Stones & Scapa Flow
In the morning guests went ashore in Stromness to visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, two Neolithic stone circles thought to be around 5,000 years old, with some free time to explore Stromness’s narrow flagstone streets independently.
In the afternoon we cruised Scapa Flow, once the Royal Navy’s main fleet anchorage and now a well-known dive site for its wartime wrecks, on passage toward Scrabster, where we arrived and berthed alongside for the night.
Saturday 22nd August — Castle of Mey & Cape Wrath
Guests visited the Castle of Mey in the morning, the former Caithness holiday home of the Queen Mother, with its walled garden and coastal views.
In the afternoon we cruised along the north coast of Scotland and rounded Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point on the British mainland, on passage toward Lochinver, berthing alongside late in the evening for an overnight stay beneath the peak of Suilven.
Sunday 23rd August — Assynt & the Shiant Isles
In the morning guests visited the Highland Pottery or went for independent walks locally around Lochinver and the Assynt area. Jeremy Burton gave the last of his talks in the Tiree Lounge before lunch.
In the afternoon we ran boat trips into the bay of the Shiant Isles so guests could see the islands’ sea cliffs and their seabird colonies up close.
We anchored overnight in East Loch Tarbert, off the Isle of Harris.
Monday 24th August — Tarbert, Harris
We spent the day at Tarbert, Harris. Guests could take a tour to Rodel at the island’s southern tip, which included a Harris Tweed weaving demonstration, and in the afternoon visit the Harris Distillery in Tarbert for a tour and tasting.
We anchored overnight off Dunvegan, Isle of Skye.
Tuesday 25th August — Dunvegan & Lochmaddy
In the morning guests visited Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, the historic seat of Clan MacLeod and home of the Fairy Flag.
In the afternoon we sailed to Lochmaddy, North Uist, where guests took a tour to the chambered cairn of Barpa Langass and the stone circle of Pobull Finn.
We anchored overnight off the Isle of Canna.
Wednesday 26th August — Canna & Rum
In the morning guests went ashore on Canna for walks and a visit to Canna House, once home of the folklorist John Lorne Campbell.
In the afternoon we visited the neighbouring Isle of Rum, where guests went for walks on the island beneath the peaks of the Rum Cuillin.
We anchored overnight off Salen in Loch Sunart.
Thursday 27th August — Salen & Tobermory
In the morning guests visited Resipole Art Studio or went for independent walks around Salen, on the shore of Loch Sunart.
In the afternoon we visited Tobermory, Mull, where guests explored the town’s colourful harbourfront and shops.
That evening we held the Farewell Gala Dinner while anchored overnight in Oban Bay.
Friday 28th August — Oban
We disembarked in Oban, bringing to a close a voyage that took in the wild scenery of the far north, the ancient sites of Orkney, and the islands and coastline of the Hebrides.
