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
You have the most amazing company. James was fantastic - so strong and dependable and knowlegable but a nice sense of humour- and of course despite our best efforts managed to spot sea critters before us all the time. I meant to tell him how much we enjoyed meeting his parents- we really connected with them and had a great time. Caroline is a great find- so tall and beautiful and the most amazing cook - and never phased by working in a galley on a boat - always so happy and friendly - and Emma looked as if she was born at sea- so at ease on a boat and seemed to be everywhere helping everyone- and such a lovely smile and so friendly. Those two seemed to get along so well together. And Chris always up on the top deck scanning for birds and sea critters with his binoculars and a wealth of information.
Tania Wallace: 19 May 2018Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons