Review : Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles

Ben and I have recently returned from what was simply the most remarkable and unforgettable experience of the Inner Hebrides aboard the Emma Jane with family and old friends.  We have travelled around northern Scotland many times over the years, mostly up in Assynt and across to the Outer Hebrides. We love the soul and spirit, the flora and the fauna of the ancient lands, it’s our ‘happy place’. We were so excited about the trip.  Our experience with you surpassed so much of what we have done in the past. Yes, we were so very lucky with the weather and being on the sea in a beautiful boat is just wonderful. But none of it would have been so memorable without the delightful crew, each and every one of you who just made it such a magical trip.  Charlie thank you for an abundance of delicious, tasty food that landed on the table day after day. Feeding us relentlessly and the scones were the best ever.  Jas – Auntie Jas! – your attention to detail, always there when we needed you to be, popping up at just the right time. Subtly professional with amazing cabin tidying skills.  Will – your astonishing wildlife knowledge will not be forgotten. It made such a difference to the trip to have you there feeding us with gems of information throughout. We learned so much and we both feel that our attitudes and perspectives towards the landscapes and the wildlife have been shaped as a result.  Jake – thank you - you were always there, tirelessly working in the background to help and assist with a noticeable commitment to a safe operational environment. We were impressed with how professional you were.  James – a massive thank you for being the ultimate skipper. Your lifetime of experience and local knowledge, your sense of humour and professionalism really put the icing on the cake for us. It was such a joy to have you guide us through each day and manage it all so seamlessly.  And thank you for your mother’s book which I have read.