New crew on board at Kerrera. Saturday night saw us in Oban at the opening celebrations which involved a superb buffet with lots of the finest fare Scotland can offer (including whisky of course). The band were excellent and the 4 of us managed to lead Strip the Willow, Dashing white sergeant etc. The evening finished with a grand parade down to the harbour fronted by the local pipe band. All felt quite special. Sunday morning was the parade of sail round Oban bay and out towards Tobermoray to the dying strains of a piper on the quayside.

Our next distillery was Talisker on Skye and we had a few days to spare before we had to get there. We visited Arisaig and visited some old favourite and special places. Then we headed to Rhum. Over the many years we stayed in Arisaig we never actually got take the ferry over to Rhum. The weather was incredibly kind and we anchored in the bay and stayed for 2 days in blistering heat. A visit to Kinloch Castle was a revelation and made special by Robert playing a few pieces on the antique grand Steinway piano much to the delight of the tourists visiting that day.

Talisker distillery was a great muster and once again alcohol and food a plenty with some very riotous and enthustiastic dancing.
After we left there we decided we would head for Barra. A beautiful crossing even if it was under motor saw us anchor beside Kishmuls Castle. There followed a couple of incredibly wild nights in the Castlebay Bar as it was the end of the faiche. Saturday saw a wonderful display of local talent from the local schools.

Alas we had to head away (while our livers were in tack). We restocked in Tobermoray and then headed to Staffa, Bunessan, Iona and into Colonsay. Weather was amazing as was the local hospitality. Down to Gigha before getting Islay and the event at Lagavulin Distillery. Once again the evening was terrific. The food unbelievably excellent. Oysters straight from the farm were to die for.

The trip back home was a bit muted as we all knew we were heading back to reality. We were however given one last treat and that was a pod of dolphins that swam and performed for over half an hour. It was a lovely end to what had been a really fun time with friends.