Far-flung islands: Harris, Taransay & the Flannan Isles 10-nights

24 June 2021

A fabulous trip, we visited remote islands, saw lots of wildlife, ate wonderful food and had a lot of fun. James, Will, Emma & Helen did everything possible to make our trip memorable. We have already booked to come back in 2022.

John & Jenny Bartram

24 June 2021

Understatement to say that we had a wonderful time. The fabulous weather helped but it would have been superb regardless. We saw almost everything on the list (James and Will have an uncanny ability to spot cetaceans a long way off - radio control was suggested!) and appreciated the way the itinerary was kept flexible to allow for the changing swell conditions. Emma and Helen looked after us extremely well - fabulous food and service. A really professional and friendly crew! The other passengers were interesting and good fun. Brilliant ... we'll be back for sure.

Brian and Barbara Corlett

24 June 2021

Fabulous !I will be honest and admit that I hadn’t even heard of the Flannan Isles until I booked this cruise, so some speedy reading was called for!  I’m please I did, for that little knowledge created an aura about the place, and when we were lucky enough (thanks to James !) to actually step ashore, then the highlight of my cruise was instantly created. Then, cruising across to visit the plethora of gannet further added to the Flannan experience, a fabulous place !  That is not to say it was the only highlight – the standing stones at Callanish were another highlight, and being able to anchor within sight of the stones just added to the experience.  Those were my own personal highlights, but Eigg and The Shiants were also amazing places.  St Kilda was always my dream island to visit, and I managed that on a previous cruise with you, but I must say, I think this cruise actually surpassed that one – what more can I say !  The crew were simply fabulous.  Helen kept the accommodation spotless throughout, catered for our every need, Emma provided wonderful meals, Will was a true action man, pointing out wildlife, lifting anchors, fastening ropes precariously on Flannan, and of course, James was ever the perfect skipper.  Each and every one of the crew were brilliant to share the cruise with, so friendly, so keen to provide absolutely anything that anyone wanted.

Mr Steve Lloyd

24 June 2021

All extremely good! We liked the way James varied the itinerary to make the best of the weather conditions - which were excellent! Amazing food and care by all crew was exceptional - I think we had the 'A Team!!' It WAS extra special! Best holiday ever!! 

Brian & Barbara Corlett

24 June 2021

I can only say that the cruise was excellent in every way!

Tom Bairner

24 June 2021

Fabulous experience with glorious weather, good company and a phenomenal crew. Itinerary was superb and was adapted as the trip progressed to provide the best experience for all. Great deal of laughter throughout. Catering was superb. In summary a trip not to be missed

Michael Went

17 June 2021

This was our fifth trip on Elizabeth G and once again Rob and his superb team (including shore based Emma) delivered another fabulous holiday. Last years didn’t happen due to circumstances beyond everyone’s control. It was great to be back at the sharp end wildlife watching in the dramatic sea and landscapes. Lynsey, the wildlife guide, shared her encyclopaedic knowledge of all things animal and mineral making the holiday even more enjoyable. Sian produced the most delicious menus in quantities way above our capacity although we did our best, especially Jeff. This was our third trip with Craig and it’s just like holidaying with a family friend nothing is too much trouble, superb service. Although sea conditions didn’t allow us to keep to the original itinerary Rob ensured the alternatives were just as rewarding and his choice of overnight anchorages were idyllic and of course there was the mandatory hand dived scallops for dinner on the last night. The wildlife didn’t fail to deliver, breading birds by the tens of thousands on the towering sea cliffs, rafting on the sea and soaring overhead. Plus enough eagles whales and dolphins to keep everyone happy. St Kilda next year. Jill and Dave Jones

Dave Jones

17 June 2021

As ever the crew knowledge of secluded anchorages and ability to tweak the itinerary to keep everyone safe was very appreciated. As was the willingness to take us to Tobermory for an impromptu retail session. As ever the hospitality was outstanding. We love the relaxed and casual atmosphere on board, but with a real eye to detail and great customer service. Nothing is too much trouble.  We cannot fault the quality of Sian’s cooking – whatever the sea state. The cabin fairy was ever present again – every time we left the boat we could see he’d been hard at work cleaning! 

Catrin & Alan Lester

15 June 2021

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