The Small Isles, the Isle of Skye and the Shiants provide an enthralling and contrasting island experience. The “Small Isles” of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna, each have their own distinct beauty and character. Cruise times between islands are short, with always another lovely island vista on the horizon, with the invitation to go ashore to explore. The next stop is the Isle of Skye, with the dramatic approach from the sea to Loch Scavaig, which sits under the towering Cuillin mountains; some of the most dramatic scenery on the West Coast of Scotland. There will be a chance to go ashore and walk to Loch Coruisk, one of the remotest lochs on Skye. Heading up the sheltered Inner Sound of Skye past the Isle of Raasay, the magnificent Scottish mainland sea lochs of Torridon and Carron are potential stopovers. Then onwards out into the sea of the Hebrides to take in the remote Shiant Isles, often described as a mini St Kilda, a nesting site for thousands of sea birds. The Shiants were given to Adam Nicolson on his 21st birthday and his book “Sea Room” tells the story of these islands. Our guests were delighted to be given a guided tour of the islands by Adam in 2017 and meet his friend Jonathan Dimbleby, both in the photo with Skipper James.
21 July 2018
We had an idyllic cruise on the Emma Jane. We have enjoyed several cruises on the Elizabeth G and this trip has fully lived up to our expectations in terms of the wildlife and itinerary plus the extra space and comforts offered by the Emma Jane. Puffins on the Shiants were breathtaking and a couple of minke whales gave us a wonderful performance. James, Lynsey, Alex, Cathy and Kevin did a great job in getting us to the right places at the right time and looking after us so well. The food, as always, was exceptional. We will definitely be booking another cruise before too long.
Jenny & John Bartram
The cruise itinerary was excellent and the crew and food quality were superb and without fault. The weather resulted in changes to the cruise itinerary but it was explained to us by James the skipper. The attentive service and information on wildlife was amazing. Pip the chef served a good variety of locally sourced food with excellent fish particularly scallops caught the same day and delivered to the ship in Mull.
Brian Hunsley: 11 August 2018Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons