15 August 2024
The whole experience was amazing from start to finish, and that’s even though we never managed to reach the Outer Hebrides, like we'd been hoping (too much wind/swell in the Minch, thanks to hurricane remnants from across the Atlantic, so the Captain advised we turn back to Skye). We chartered the Emma Jane for 8 days, and there were three generations of us from 11 to 65 (including two kids). Most amazing was Chef Louis, who did the impossible, and served food to suit us all, despite our varied and complicated dietary issues. (Very, very tasty food too.) He was ably assisted by Jenny, our Steward, who kept everything running smoothly. And now everyone misses having their breakfast toast served to them in a Harris Tweed toast cosy. The scenery and wildlife were just as amazing, ably interpreted by our naturalist guide Lynsey. We had several pods of dolphins come surf the bow wave, much to everyone’s delight. As well as eagles and many other bird and mammal sightings, as well as rainbows, castles, perfect beachcombing beaches, and so much more. Lynsey led our rambles ashore, with options for the less energetic among us to still enjoy a stroll while those with younger knees tackled the hills. James, our captain, did a fine job of avoiding the worst of the swells, and he consulted with us each step of the way, so even though we were disappointed not to get to Lewis/Harris, we knew it was for the best. James and Lynsey also made for excellent hosts at dinner. This trip was to celebrate our 30th anniversary, and James managed to surprise us by having his daughter pipe in our cake while we were docked in Tobermory, in fine Scottish style. I’ll keep overusing the word “amazing” as it’s the only word which just about manages to capture the experience. Highly recommended. If you are thinking about doing a Hebrides cruise, do it, and do it with these people. You will not be disappointed. Thank you James, Lynsey, Jenny, and Louis; you made our trip extraordinary. Comments from other family members: Awesome, highly recommended. So friendly, and nice people, incredibly accommodating (especially Louis), extra awesome. Emma Jane is the best! When can we go again? I loved everything about the trip.
Barry Twycross
Christine is from the Isle of Lewis and John is a Munroist. We have spent a lifetime exploring almost every corner of our wonderful wee nation. But our tour aboard Elizabeth G still exceeded our expectations. We got to visit the amazing Shiant Isles and spend a night there. The crew simply couldn’t do enough for us. Our skipper Alasdair, a West Coast man born and bred, knew the area intimately and, as well as getting us to the Shiant Isles, found us some idyllic spots including Tarbet in Loch Nevis. Craig the Bosun - a total legend. Zöe - what knowledge, and what patience. Phoebe - had to be kidding when she said she’d never cooked in a galley before. Thanks all, especially for laying on some glorious weather - what a fabulous week we had.
John & Christine Blair: 13 May 2023Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants