Tobermory – Isle of Eigg – Inverie

We couldn’t have hoped for better weather today – the sun shone brightly all day, with a wee breeze keeping the midges away.

The morning is spent in Tobermory. Either we can go for a hike with David and Ian along the bay to a lily pond or a stroll along the shops with Iris or do our own thing, exploring bonnie multi-coloured Tobermory.

At midday we set off for the Isle of Eigg. As the sea conditions are perfect we sail very closely past Ardnamurchan lighthouse on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the most westerly point on the British mainland. This impressive structure was constructed in 1849, the engineer was Alan Stevenson, one of a dynasty of lighthouse builders in Scotland.

The views today are stunning — not only can we see all the Small Isles (Canna, Muck, Rum and Eigg) clearly but also Barra, one of the Outer Hebrides, 43 miles away.

On Eigg we are welcomed by Donna the island piper and her dog Pibroch, piping and singing us in. Some of us join her on a walk on the island, later this group splits into Donna’s group heading back and also a group with Ian and Konia. Ian points out orchids and other flora and fauna, whilst Konia and a few other fellow travelers come up with the best ways to photograph the subjects.

Alternatively a minivan guided by Iris takes some of us across the island to Laig beach.

Late in the afternoon we set sail with Ian giving a talk on Scottish Wildlife. After a cruise of Loch Nevis we arrive at Inverie during dinner. The harbourmaster’s children, David and Chloe, tie up the ship – they are rewarded with sweets by the Captain.

After dinner the ‘Old Forge Inn,’ Britain’s remotest pub beckons. If you’d like to see this pub you have to either come by boat or walk 16 miles as there is no connection to the road network even though we are back on the Scottish mainland. Locals, walkers and Lord of the Glen’s crew and guests mingle in this cosy pub – and many of us come away wearing the T-shirt to prove it!

Another day in paradise – this time with paradisiacal weather!