The 2011 Season

Lets Face it 2011 has not been an ideal season for boat based tourism in Scotland. Turus Mara boats rarely ventured to sea in September or October; the end of May and early June, consistently one of the busiest times for us, was also a bit of a washout and many trees on west Mull may never recover from the storm that occurred in May. Some lost their leaves or turned gold and black as though it was autumn which was very odd to see - based on observation over the last quarter of a century or so I would bet money on a settled spell during that period.

Despite this there were also many many bonny days.

Sunny day with swell at Fingal's Cave, Staffa

Yacht and dinghy in the Carnaburg Channel, Treshnish Isles

Bluebells on Lunga, Treshnish Isles

Island Lass at the pier, Iona

Most of the birdlife here had a reasonable breeding season this year. You can find data and links on the Hebridean Trust Treshnish Isles web page http://www.hebrideantrust.org/treshnish.htm including the most recent Treshnish Isles Auk Ringing Group (TIARG) survey (2010). I expect 2011 will be up shortly.

If you look closely you can see guillemot chicks amongst the adults

More guillemots

An obligatory puffin picture

We saw bottlenose dolphins regularly, porpoises often and common dolphins a few times.

Bottlenose dolphins at Staffa

Iolaire with bottlenose dolphins

Basking sharks sidestepped the area for the most part and minke whales were inconsistent visitors. Orca were seen in the area a number of times but we unfortunately missed them.

Both boats are now high and dry for winter with Island Lass at the head of the Ugag Loch near Croig and Hoy Lass as ever at Balvicar Boatyard.

Before we know it the 2012 season will be upon us. See some of you then!