5 May 2025
Ben and I have recently returned from what was simply the most remarkable and unforgettable experience of the Inner Hebrides aboard the Emma Jane with family and old friends. We have travelled around northern Scotland many times over the years, mostly up in Assynt and across to the Outer Hebrides. We love the soul and spirit, the flora and the fauna of the ancient lands, it’s our ‘happy place’. We were so excited about the trip. Our experience with you surpassed so much of what we have done in the past. Yes, we were so very lucky with the weather and being on the sea in a beautiful boat is just wonderful. But none of it would have been so memorable without the delightful crew, each and every one of you who just made it such a magical trip. Charlie thank you for an abundance of delicious, tasty food that landed on the table day after day. Feeding us relentlessly and the scones were the best ever. Jas – Auntie Jas! – your attention to detail, always there when we needed you to be, popping up at just the right time. Subtly professional with amazing cabin tidying skills. Will – your astonishing wildlife knowledge will not be forgotten. It made such a difference to the trip to have you there feeding us with gems of information throughout. We learned so much and we both feel that our attitudes and perspectives towards the landscapes and the wildlife have been shaped as a result. Jake – thank you - you were always there, tirelessly working in the background to help and assist with a noticeable commitment to a safe operational environment. We were impressed with how professional you were. James – a massive thank you for being the ultimate skipper. Your lifetime of experience and local knowledge, your sense of humour and professionalism really put the icing on the cake for us. It was such a joy to have you guide us through each day and manage it all so seamlessly. And thank you for your mother’s book which I have read. I really enjoyed it, what an insight into your unique and incredible family life and all the more enjoyable because you were in it! Many a tale you could tell I have no doubt. Please pass on my regards to your mother with my best wishes and let her know that the book is now being passed around the group! Words don’t really cut it to be honest but suffice to say a HUGE thank you from Ben and I for a once in a lifetime experience (although we are already talking about the next trip with you…..!). We really do hope to see you again on one of your lovely vessels and wish you all the very best in the meantime. Sue and Ben xx
Suzanne Goodfellow
A wonderful trip. The scenery was breath taking. Superb wildlife sightings including close encounters with bottlenosed dolphins,sea eagles,common dolphins and otters. The onshore trips were excellent. We were not as strong walkers as the other guests, but Zoe arranged separate walks that suited us. On two of these she gave us a walkie talkie, and on Eigg Chris, the skipper, lead us on a lovely walk. The crew were very good at heping us to get on and off the tender. I thought I would find this difficult, but there was no problem at all. The anchorages were great, so peaceful.
D Berry: 17 September 2022The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens