This was a banner day. Betsy and Gordon had wanted to visit the Shiant Islands after reading the book “Sea Room” by Adam Nicolson. These islands are now a protected area for sea birds where the rats have been eradicated. At this time of year the birds are starting to return for the season.
Weather conditions and number of passengers determined whether or not a boat would be going to the Shiants, which are only about 5 miles from the Isle of Lewis and at least 1 hour from the mainland. We had contacted The Gairloch Marine Life Centre about joining their 4-hour trip to the Islands and they called us to say that the boat would be leaving at 4:00 pm that afternoon. We jumped at the opportunity. It was a splendid trip with views of sea eagles, “seabird soup” next to the boat, rocks, puffins in hollows, seals and panoramas of the mainland. A bit chilly on the return, but the sun on Torridon made for some great pictures.
Our boat had a new engine and the skipper was being careful with the running in, so our 4-hour trip actually took 5 1/2 hours. The crew were very knowledgeable about the wildlife and geology of he area.
We had a nice meal in the Gairloch Hotel before making the 68-mile drive back to Balmacara.
