So you've decided to visit one or more of the islands in the Southern Hebrides and now you're looking for a way to get there. A few islands such as Islay, Tiree and Colonsay have an airport and most of the others are served by ferries from Caledonian MacBrayne, or Calmac as they are called in Scotland. Calmac is the main operator of ferry services in the west of Scotland and … [Read more...] about Visiting the Southern Hebridean Islands
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Lying Gently on my Mind
The lovely story below was written by Robert Holden and appeared in the Ileach of 16 July. Robert: I have worn several ‘business’ hats in my Islay life. Nothing like as many as my friend Seumas (I always called him Mr) MacSporran who sported fourteen while living on Gigha - and all at the same time! - but my last regular contact with Islay was as skipper of a yacht doing … [Read more...] about Lying Gently on my Mind
Cruising the Inner Hebridean Islands on the Hebridean Princess
The Scotsman published an article by Gareth Moore titled Inner Hebrides Cruise. In fact it's more a travel report about a cruise in November, a time when the first winter storms hit the west of Scotland which, as the author confirms, results in alterations in the schedule. Gareth choose not just a cruise ship but embarked on the Hebridean Princess, a familiar sight in the Inner … [Read more...] about Cruising the Inner Hebridean Islands on the Hebridean Princess
Mull Tips from a Visitor
When I wrote the travel report about Mull a while back one of the readers sent me an email with some additional information. It's always good to get some "inside information" and I have decided to publish vicky's comments here on the blog: "Of the countless castles I've visited in Western Scotland, Torosay Castle rates the most visitor-friendly. No ribbons barring tourists from … [Read more...] about Mull Tips from a Visitor
Tobermory Distillery Isle of Mull in 1885
Alfred Barnard made an epic journey with some friends in the late 1800s and visited working whisky distilleries in Scotland, Ireland and England. About his journey and distillery visits he wrote a book called ’The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom’, describing in great detail and wonderful style the distilleries of that era. It's a fascinating book and a must have for … [Read more...] about Tobermory Distillery Isle of Mull in 1885