Our Wildife Expert Lynsey Bland has just completed a refresher course in the WiSe scheme for responsible wildlife watching, delivered by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). Lynsey enjoyed the course, and was amused to find she featured in some of the presentation images, showing Hebrides Cruises guests how to use the HWDT Whale Track App!
Hebrides Cruises specialises in giving our guests close encounters of marine wildlife, including many rare species, but only when wildlife watching will not disturb or stress the animals. We are WiSe accredited which means our crews have signed up to the WiSe Scheme of responsible marine operators.
WiSe courses are designed to ensure a solid understanding of how best to approach and interact with marine wildlife species, and focus on ways they can help minimise any unintentional disturbance from their activities on, in or near the water. WiSe has developed Codes of Conduct to promote safe and sustainable watching of our basking sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. All WiSe trained individuals agree to abide by the appropriate Codes for the wildlife they encounter. Our Skipper and Owner Rob Barlow has the Master WiSe accreditation – the gold standard for responsible wildlife watching
Lynsey said “it was an informative and enjoyable course highlighting the importance of responsible wildlife watching. I’m honoured to be part of a company that gives all guests memorable wildlife experiences whilst ensuring disturbance is kept to a minimum.’
For more information on the WiSe Scheme: https://www.wisescheme.org/
We thought the itinerary was well chosen for a varied experience. While sailing near the coastline, the scenery was fabulous of course. When out of sight of land, we were all more intent on spotting birds & cetaceans & Rob was always keen to slow down & manoeuvre to give us the best possible view Some of the landings were a little tricky but all well worth it & we all eventually mastered the art of donning life jackets & boarding the tender. Rob always managed to find us sheltered anchorages, often with views of white-tailed eagles & seals. His local knowledge meant that he could amend the itinerary to suit weather conditions. Although we were unable to land on the Flannan Isles as planned, Rob added in a visit to the Shiants, which more than made up for it. Lynsey has a huge knowledge of wildlife & geology & an amazing ability for spotting cetaceans at a distance. Craig always got us ashore safely & used his experience of the area so suggest suitable walks. For anyone who loves Scotland, has an interest in wildlife, enjoys good food & has even an average amount of fitness & mobility, I’d say “Go for it but make sure you pack clothing for all weathers!"
Jeff Bamforth: 15 June 2021Far-flung islands: Harris, Taransay & the Flannan Isles