We are delighted to announce that Hebrides Cruises owner, Rob Barlow, was awarded the Gold WiSe Standard at the WiSe ‘Masters’ Course last week in Fort William. Rob is also Skipper on our cruises during the season and is very aware of the necessity of protecting and not disturbing the wildlife we take our guests to see.
The WiSe Scheme is the British standard for wildlife watching. Scottish waters host a fantastic variety of marine wildlife that can be enjoyed by boat but wild animals are vulnerable to disturbance and must be approached in a manner that does not have a negative effect. The Wildlife Safe (WiSe) scheme provides training and accreditation for wildlife cruise operators, and many other types of craft. The scheme advises operators on how best to view and interact with marine wildlife, especially the larger species such as Basking Sharks and cetaceans while minimising disturbance.
Hebrides Cruises have had Wise accreditation for several years, however the gold standard goes a big step further in requiring more indepth knowledge of wildlife and a commitment to helping with research to find out more about the wildlife in our waters
Rob attended lectures, gaining a lot of useful inside knowledge on various wildlife. Basking Sharks were a favourite with information provided on their habitats and travel patterns. He learned about the importance of Scotland in providing habitat for birdlife; over 70% of British birds are found in Scotland. A major topic on the course was the new app being developed by Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) for logging information on birds and cetaceans in the western isles which will be greatly beneficial to research groups and visitors coming to Scotland. Hebrides Cruises are very much part of this new app; our Wildlife Guide Lynsey Bland helped with the development of the app at HWDT and will be using it with our guests on our cruises this season
Click here for more information on the WiSe scheme and here for information on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
We were on the Shaints and Summer Isles cruise. Our first ever. The Elizabeth G was perfect, totally immaculate, spotlessly clean and beautifully presented. The cabins were cosy and comfortable with excellent storage facilities. The outdoor decks were fabulous for enjoying the beauty of the Hebrides. We felt so much at home for the wonderful 10 days.of our holiday. The food was incredible; varied and healthy, as it was so freshly prepared, with plentiful fruit and vegetables. We looked forward to the delight of the dining experience in the lovely, cosy, sociable salon. Absolutely up there with any of the best restaurants we have been to, imaginative and beautifully presented. The whole crew were absolutely amazing. Competent, supportive, welcoming and interesting. We felt totally safe and secure under their guidance. We loved the adventure of travelling between the islands and lochs and it was great to get a walk with the wildlife guide every day. There is nothing we didn't love about the holiday, and we hope to return. THANK YOU all.
Gill and Mike Huhges: 19 May 2025Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles