Wild Beauty of the Scottish Isles

Located opposite the island of Skye, and branching inward from the Sound of Sleat, the narrow, fjord-like Loch Hourn is flanked by some of Scotland's most dramatically scenic landscapes. Lined with steep mountains that slide down into the shoreline and dotted with bays and beaches that break the waters edge, Loch Hourn is home to an abundance of native wildlife like seals and porpoises and a creature who, according to local legend, lives in the loch and is known as the Loch Hourn Monster.

The Small Isles, a picturesque archipelago off the west coast of Scotland, are comprised of the rugged and remote landscapes of the islands of Canna, known for its archaeological sites; Rum for its mountain peaks; Eigg for its renewable energy and huge variety of wildflowers; and Muck, the smallest and known for its community and wildlife. The region is also rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of seabirds and marine life, which you may spot from your ship as you sail past basalt cliffs and sandy beaches glistening in the Scottish summer sun.

Fingal’s Cave is an iconic structure comprised of basalt rock, renowned for its distinctive symmetrical columns that soar out of the ocean. Famed for its naturally arched roof that creates eerie sounds from the echoes of the waves as they tumble against its walls, it was said to be Mendelssohn’s inspiration for the ‘Hebrides Overture’. According to legend, the giant Finn McCool built Fingal’s Cave as a place of refuge from his archenemy, Benandonner, and the road connects to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, both formed from the same ancient lava flow. In August, the cave is a popular place for wild swimming in its clear waters, so you may spot bathers from the decks of your ship snorkelling amongst the hexagonal columns.

Bac Mòr, also known as Dutchman’s Cap due to its unique mushroom-like shape, is one of the most iconic of the Scottish Treshnish Isles. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle offers a unique perspective from the sea, as the striking appearance of this uninhabited island appears before your ship, creating a rugged silhouette against the skyline. During August and the summer months, you’ll be able to witness rich grasslands and an abundance of wildflowers on the island; as well as nesting puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills, as it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation.