Isles of Skye and Rhum, Scotland
This morning the guests of MS Endeavour awoke to the ghostlike mist of the British Isles. It was like a scene from a movie, as the clouds lifted and fell to reveal and hide the hills of the Isle of Skye. This was to be our first destination today, and despite the rain falling, the ship’s enthusiastic guests took off for a visit to the island. The Isle of Skye has much to offer. The rolling hills are full of a variety of wildlife, encompassing everything from deer to snakes. It is also archeologically significant, as there is one of the best-preserved cleared villages in Scotland, named Boreraig. In the early 18th century, landlords found that they could make more money by converting their properties to larger farms, or using the land for grazing territory. As a result, many crofters were forced to leave their homes. The remains of their houses and burial grounds make this a fascinating place to explore.
After a morning of exploration, MS Endeavour repositioned to the Island of Rhum. This island holds a plethora of environs. There are forests, meadows, bogs, and birds, all eagerly awaiting further investigation by the guests of MS Endeavour. Kinloch castle is also located here. Built in 1902 by Sir George Bullough, it was used as a hunting lodge. Today it is visited by almost 8000 people a year and is wonderfully preserved, right down to the original floor coverings.
It is amazing all that Scotland has to offer, not only on the terrestrial side, but also in the underwater realm. Undersea Specialist, Dennis Cornejo and I were fortunate enough to be able to dive in these plentiful waters. Off the island of Iona, we found this velvet swimming crab, and tens of his other friends, (it made me hungry just looking at them all). This beady-eyed creature is so named for the brown hairs that cover most of its carapace, resembling the look of velvet. The red eyes and blue lines around the claws are its most distinguishing feature. As with all swimming crabs, the back set of legs are flattened, and used as swimming “paddles.” This crab is a versatile feeder, both a carnivore eating small fish and prawns, but also chomping on large quantities of seaweed. They are also very pugnacious, often rearing up and bearing their claws when threatened. Watch those fingers!
We have only been in Scotland for two days, and already had so many remarkable experiences. I can’t wait to see what St. Kilda brings tomorrow.
This morning the guests of MS Endeavour awoke to the ghostlike mist of the British Isles. It was like a scene from a movie, as the clouds lifted and fell to reveal and hide the hills of the Isle of Skye. This was to be our first destination today, and despite the rain falling, the ship’s enthusiastic guests took off for a visit to the island. The Isle of Skye has much to offer. The rolling hills are full of a variety of wildlife, encompassing everything from deer to snakes. It is also archeologically significant, as there is one of the best-preserved cleared villages in Scotland, named Boreraig. In the early 18th century, landlords found that they could make more money by converting their properties to larger farms, or using the land for grazing territory. As a result, many crofters were forced to leave their homes. The remains of their houses and burial grounds make this a fascinating place to explore.
After a morning of exploration, MS Endeavour repositioned to the Island of Rhum. This island holds a plethora of environs. There are forests, meadows, bogs, and birds, all eagerly awaiting further investigation by the guests of MS Endeavour. Kinloch castle is also located here. Built in 1902 by Sir George Bullough, it was used as a hunting lodge. Today it is visited by almost 8000 people a year and is wonderfully preserved, right down to the original floor coverings.
It is amazing all that Scotland has to offer, not only on the terrestrial side, but also in the underwater realm. Undersea Specialist, Dennis Cornejo and I were fortunate enough to be able to dive in these plentiful waters. Off the island of Iona, we found this velvet swimming crab, and tens of his other friends, (it made me hungry just looking at them all). This beady-eyed creature is so named for the brown hairs that cover most of its carapace, resembling the look of velvet. The red eyes and blue lines around the claws are its most distinguishing feature. As with all swimming crabs, the back set of legs are flattened, and used as swimming “paddles.” This crab is a versatile feeder, both a carnivore eating small fish and prawns, but also chomping on large quantities of seaweed. They are also very pugnacious, often rearing up and bearing their claws when threatened. Watch those fingers!
We have only been in Scotland for two days, and already had so many remarkable experiences. I can’t wait to see what St. Kilda brings tomorrow.
