Outer Hebrides

Magnificent, enthralling, bewitching and captivating - just some of the words that can be used to describe the breath-taking beauty that is St Kilda. With sapphire blue seas, emerald green hills and jet black cliffs, this beautifully nostalgic island is one of the jewels of our cruise locations. A World Heritage Site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the rock formations reaching out from the sea are the home to the islands world famous inhabitants - the puffins and our visit here is truly the highlight of this cruise. However, the journey to St Kilda will never disappoint as we depart from beautiful Oban, through the scenic Sound of Mull and past the bird paradise which is Canna. We pass the Isle of Barra with its turquoise waters lapping up white sandy beaches and Kisimul Castle which appears to float majestically in these waters. We sail on to the islands of North and South Uist, where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil and on our return from St Kilda, we visit Harris and Lewis - passing monumental sea stacks, heavenly beaches and remote islands before reaching the impressive Isle of Skye. Sailing back down the west coast, we will see picture postcard villages, hidden bays and the best wildlife that Scotland has to offer. Passing places, anchorages and ports Oban Our gateway to the highlands and islands ……. Historically a fishing and trading village until the Victorian steamers started arriving in larger numbers to this pretty village, Oban grew into a town as it became a main stopping off point for the Western Isles. Mull With over 300 miles of beach and coastline, the sights that you will see here will blow you away. Standing on the most southernmost tip of the Kintyre peninsular on a clear day you can see the coast of Northern Ireland in the distance. Mull is well known for its hills and its Munro – Ben More stands at over 3,169ft and is popular with climbers and there are many beautiful walks and climbs throughout the island. Mull has been inhabited since the last ice age and the island is dotted with bronze age stone circles and standing stones and the iron age is demonstrated through crannogs and fortified duns. Duart castle is a magnificent example of medieval architecture and more recent examples of Scotlands' clans and castle history lies at Torosay and Glengorm. The island has a rich abundance of wildlife and otters and golden eagles are easily seen as well as occasional sightings of the white tailed eagles. Red and roe der can also be found throughout the grass and woodland. Locals produce some wonderful produce – chocolate, cheese, smoked salmon and of course its own whisky. Cruising luxuriously on a superyacht, allows you to see some of the more hidden sites around Mull. Visit the spectacular Carsaig Arches to the south of the island, or the 500ft deep MacKinnons cave as well as gazing in awe at Staffa

The Northern Hebrides is a long time family area for us, many a holiday has been spent frolicking with the wildlife in amongst the machair and the sandy dunes. It possesses old and traditional friendly pubs where everyone just wants to chat to you and make you feel welcome. Come and explore the edge of the world with us and experience what is known as Island time! Where time has stood still in so many ways as the world passes by. Island time is slow and easy and the Outer Hebrides encapsulates this. Immerse yourself within this culture of a proud and resourceful people. Where the lull of the Gael can still be heard both spoken as well as in song. A kind and friendly folk who are famous for their warm welcome and hospitality. Walk barefoot along the majestic white golden beaches which are home to rare seaweeds, flora and fauna. Walk among the ancient runes of bygone churches - world famous for their graveyards by the sea. You will fall in love with the distinctive quaint and traditional cottages which possess their own unique character. This cruise takes us around over a dozen islands - each with their own unique appeal and character and each one will leave you riveted by their outstanding beauty and appeal until that memory is surpassed by the next island we visit Passing places, anchorages and ports Oban Our gateway to the highlands and islands ……. Historically a fishing and trading village until the Victorian steamers started arriving in larger numbers to this pretty village, Oban grew into a town as it became a main stopping off point for the Western Isles. Oban Distillery One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, it is also one of the smallest with just two pot stills - yet still produces some spectacular flavours. Established in 1794 by the brother John and Hugh Stevenson, the distillery actually predates the town. Refurbished in the 1890's, there has been little change to the buildings and it still retains its unique charm. The tours are informative and you get to witness first-hand the traditional craftsmanship at work as they produce the whisky before enjoying a complimentary dram or two of the Oban 14-year-old West Highland Malt. Coryvrekkan whirlpool Between the islands of Jura and Scarba hides one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles. Fear not, as we journey to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool - the third largest in the world. Watch in amazement as the gravitational effect of the sun and moon create a natural phenomenon. During high tides, listen to the roar and watch waves that can reach 9 metres high cause more water to flow in this area than passes out of the Amazon River in a day. Spectacular, breath-taking and a sight that will stay with you forever. Islay Islay the “Whisky Isle” most southerly of the western isles, Islay is known around the world as home to eight Scottish whisky distilleries including