Our Green Initiative Officer, Lynsey Bland, has just completed the new Biosecurity Accreditation Scheme for commercial boat operators around Scotland 'The Predator Free Certification: better boating for seabirds'.
Hebrides Cruises is very aware of the need to protect our seabird islands from invasive species, such as rats and mice, as we cruise these islands. But it’s important not to be complacent and we will introduce simple measures provided by attending the course, to ensure we have no stowaways on board . These include two kinds of surveillance tool, namely chew card and wax blocks which are both used to record rodent tooth marks. We will check these on a regular basis and invite guests to take part while chatting about the importance of protecting our seabirds. Putting rope guards on throw ropes prevents any rodent climbing aboard and there is even a conservation detection dog who can come aboard to reassure us that our vessels are free of any invasive species.
The greatest terrestrial threat our seabirds face is invasive predators such as rats, mice, stoats, hedgehogs and feral cats which will eat both seabird eggs and chicks. The good news is that this threat is something we can take action with, so the more we ensure prevention and spread the word to boat operators and owners to get involved, the better.
One of the best examples of black rat eradication is The Shiant Islands in The Minch. Following a 3 year eradication program to remove black rats, the islands were declared rat-free in 2018 with breeding storm petrels and a chick recorded for the first time on the islands that year. These simple measures taken by boat owners will ensure invasive species never return to the Shiants or are introduced to any of our precious seabird colonies
Emma is the consumate professional in every detail covering the booking of any cruise, and dealing with any queries etc, and as a bonus she performs all this in such a friendly way ! The Hebrides Cruises team have this down to a fine art, the welcome is first class, and the handling of the luggage etc is so reassuring. Likewise, the assistance given on leaving the cruise is above and beyond, offers of help arranging taxis etc is always there, and the luggage is carried up to the end of the pier for all. That said, leaving the Emma Jane is always the least enjoyable part of any cruise, its like leaving good friends ! This was a wonderful cruise, helped somewhat by the glorious weather, but it was the pace of the whole thing that was absolute perfection. No having to dash anywhere, no trying to catch up, just a thoroughly laid back and ultimately very enjoyable cruise. Yes, the wildlife was unforgettable, but the scenery, and the history combined with the willingness of the crew to add that cherry to the top of the cake on a daily basis made this the perfect cruise – even those less interested in wildlife would enjoy this cruise I’m sure.The crew excelled in absolutely everything, the meals were sublime, the service/care provided by the crew was I believe, unbeatable, and everything was clean and in the right place. AS ALWAYS ! Yes, there are other vessels offering perhaps similar-looking cruises, but look a little deeper, check the reviews, and if possible, check the smiles of the guests as they finish their cruise. I’m lucky enough to have been on a few Hebrides Cruises adventures now, and one of the more telling things is the number of repeat customers that keep coming back. I think that speaks volumes !
Steve Lloyd: 3 June 2023Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles