Tuesday 28th May to Thursday 6th June 2024

Orkney and Shetland have a fascinating and unique natural environment. The location of the islands has contributed to the evolution of a truly awe-inspiring collection of fauna and flora. Join Hebridean Princess on her voyage to these paradise islands right at the very top of Britain.

Our grateful thanks to John Noorani for many of the images used in this cruise log.

Tuesday 28th May

We departed from Oban once embarkation was complete and set sail for our overnight anchorage in Bloody Bay off the Isle of Mull.

Wednesday 29th May

Before breakfast, whilst sailing the Sound of Rum a large pod of feeding Common Dolphins and some Porpoises were spotted.

Our first port of call was Loch Scresort, Isle of Rum for morning walks on the island and red deer spotting.

During lunch we sailed to Kyle of Lochalsh. As we approached the Point of Sleat, another pod of Common Dolphins and some huge flocks of Manx Shearwaters were spotted.

In the afternoon guests visited Eilean Ban, a six acres nature haven nestling beneath the Skye Bridge.

We anchored overnight in Staffin Bay off the Isle of Skye.

Thursday 30th May

As we spent the morning cruising the west coast of Scotland, guest speaker Darren Rees delivered the first of his talks in the Tiree Lounge.

We visited the dramatic sea cliffs of Handa Island this afternoon where guests explored on foot.

Great Skua, Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes were spotted in the air and nesting on the ledges.

We rounded Cape Wrath en route to our overnight anchorage in Loch Eriboll.

Friday 31st May

This morning Darren Rees gave the second of his talks in the Tiree Lounge as we cruised the north coast of Scotland on passage towards mainland Orkney. We arrived and berthed alongside in Stromness after lunch for the afternoon visit to the RSPB Reserve in Brodgar.

We remained alongside in Stromness, Orkney, overnight.

Saturday 1st June

Today was spent at sea cruising north on passage to towards Lerwick, Shetland, sailing past Fair Isle en route.

We remained alongside in Lerwick overnight.

Sunday 2nd June

During the morning visit to Sumburgh Head, puffins, guillemots and fulmars were spotted.

We spent tomorrow afternoon cruising on passage towards mainland Orkney, past the Noup of Noss, to our overnight berth in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Monday 3rd June

Today was spent exploring mainland Orkney, wildlife spotting spotting on the north side of the island in the morning.

After lunch on board, guests embarked on a tour of the south side of the island for wildlife spotting and visit to the Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel in the afternoon.

We remained alongside overnight in Kirkwall.

Tuesday 4th June

Guests enjoyed free time this morning to explore Kirkwall and visit the St Magnus Cathedral.

Our final visit on Orkney was the prehistoric village of Skara Brae.

We sailed south from Orkney on passage to our overnight anchorage in Wick Harbour.

Wednesday 5th June

Our final foray ashore was the Dunnet Head RSPB Reserve set on a rugged peninsula in Caithness, where Guillemots, Razorbill and Kittiwakes were spotted.

After lunch, Darren Rees gave his final talk in the Tiree Lounge as we sailed on passage to our berth in Inverness where we remained overnight.

Thursday 6th June

Guests disembarked in Inverness after breakfast and were waved farewell by the Captain and crew. We wish them a safe onward journey.