Our Wildife Expert Lynsey Bland has just completed a refresher course in the WiSe scheme for responsible wildlife watching, delivered by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). Lynsey enjoyed the course, and was amused to find she featured in some of the presentation images, showing Hebrides Cruises guests how to use the HWDT Whale Track App!
Hebrides Cruises specialises in giving our guests close encounters of marine wildlife, including many rare species, but only when wildlife watching will not disturb or stress the animals. We are WiSe accredited which means our crews have signed up to the WiSe Scheme of responsible marine operators.
WiSe courses are designed to ensure a solid understanding of how best to approach and interact with marine wildlife species, and focus on ways they can help minimise any unintentional disturbance from their activities on, in or near the water. WiSe has developed Codes of Conduct to promote safe and sustainable watching of our basking sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. All WiSe trained individuals agree to abide by the appropriate Codes for the wildlife they encounter. Our Skipper and Owner Rob Barlow has the Master WiSe accreditation – the gold standard for responsible wildlife watching
Lynsey said “it was an informative and enjoyable course highlighting the importance of responsible wildlife watching. I’m honoured to be part of a company that gives all guests memorable wildlife experiences whilst ensuring disturbance is kept to a minimum.’
For more information on the WiSe Scheme: https://www.wisescheme.org/
Fabulous !I will be honest and admit that I hadn’t even heard of the Flannan Isles until I booked this cruise, so some speedy reading was called for! I’m please I did, for that little knowledge created an aura about the place, and when we were lucky enough (thanks to James !) to actually step ashore, then the highlight of my cruise was instantly created. Then, cruising across to visit the plethora of gannet further added to the Flannan experience, a fabulous place ! That is not to say it was the only highlight – the standing stones at Callanish were another highlight, and being able to anchor within sight of the stones just added to the experience. Those were my own personal highlights, but Eigg and The Shiants were also amazing places. St Kilda was always my dream island to visit, and I managed that on a previous cruise with you, but I must say, I think this cruise actually surpassed that one – what more can I say ! The crew were simply fabulous. Helen kept the accommodation spotless throughout, catered for our every need, Emma provided wonderful meals, Will was a true action man, pointing out wildlife, lifting anchors, fastening ropes precariously on Flannan, and of course, James was ever the perfect skipper. Each and every one of the crew were brilliant to share the cruise with, so friendly, so keen to provide absolutely anything that anyone wanted.
Mr Steve Lloyd: 24 June 2021Far-flung islands: Harris, Taransay & the Flannan Isles