Skipper’s Log – Glen Tarsan, 7th September

Departing Oban on Saturday afternoon, we sailed for Loch Spelve on Mull to anchor for the night and enjoy the first dinner onboard from Chef Stephen who was to outdo himself with delicious dining over the next week. In the morning after breakfast, guests spied two Golden Eagles circling the loch before we set off along the coast of Mull to Iona.

After a stroll ashore to take in the ancient Abbey, the sun appeared for our sail to Loch Scridain and Kilfinichen Bay where we set anchor for the night, well placed for our trip to Staffa the next morning.


We awoke to a bright sunny day and headed for the wildlife haven of the Isle of Staffa to explore the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave on the ship’s tender. We then sailed on to Gometra where we dropped off some guests to walk across the island to the neighbouring Isle of Ulva, while others opted to stay on board for the sail. In the late afternoon, guests went ashore at Ulva, home to many birds of prey including Golden and White Tailed Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and Kestrels. That evening we cruised to our evening anchorage at Inch Kenneth, the island famous for being owned by the Mitford family during the 1930s.

 On Tuesday morning we sailed around the dramatic top coast of Mull, passing the Treshnish Isles, to reach the colourful town of Tobermory,  passing two White Tailed Eagles perched on a sea stack towards the entrance of the bay. Guests went ashore to explore the town; back on board we cruised the Sound of Mull to Loch Aline for the night where some guests went ashore to explore, to be picked up later by tender at the far end of the Loch. Duart Bay was next on the list, with most guests visiting Duart Castle, the ancient seat of the Clan Maclean.

The next morning we entered Loch Linnhe and, passing the Isle of Lismore, cruised on to Loch Leven, with the fabulous backdrop of the Nevis Mountain range ever present.  We approached Ballachullish, passing under the bridge and anchoring at Eilean Munde which lies at the mouth of Glencoe.  Our guests took some time to visit this atmospheric wee island scattered with tombs; the traditional burial place of the Clan MacDonald.

The next morning we cruised back to Loch Linnhe passing Shuna Island and the iconic 15^th century Castle Stalker.  We stopped over at the head of  Loch Laich where some guests went ashore, finally anchoring at nearby Airds Bay for our final night on board.  Over dinner guests reflected on a very relaxing week with some superb cuisine.  Some favourites included:

• Canapés of spiced carpaccio of venison with Parmesan, garlic and soy.
• Pan-fried breast of wood pigeon with plum compote and liquorice.
• Roast fillet of Argyll venison with braised red cabbage and game gravy
• Homemade Glayva parfait with shortbread and raspberry caviar
• Stag’s Breath Liquor chocolate cup