Skipper and Stac

We had planned to head west to catch up with some friends, on the way we watched an osprey fishing on Loch Shin. The mountains were slowly losing their cloak of mist as we drove furthe west.

On arriving at Tarbet the sea was calm and the view was superb to Handa. We caught up with Julian and his family, had our pack lunch and then made plans.

As it was so calm we all went out in the fishing boat round Handa Island to do some beach combing and fishing, we took the small boats out as well so we could get close into the shore.

A couple of stops for some fishing, I caught a cracking pollock about 5lb on light tackle what a great fight.

Then we headed round the coast to the Great Stack of Handa, a shore full of bouys just to the side was the first objective. A tricky landing and we were over the huge boulders to the high shoreline. Loads of good quality bouys picked up and then back to the fishing boat. Eco mum , myself and the kids then went out in the small boat round the Stac and then through the cave that cuts through it's base. The razorbills were swimming under the crystal clear water as we passed over them, superb wee swimmers.

More caves explored , fishing and bouy collecting round the exposed western side. We then met up with Rosie, a female grey seal, which Julian and Adam have been able to feed from hand when they have been lifting creels. She came along by the boat and eco son managed to hand feed the seal and she kept coming up for more . It was fantastic to see her swim under the water by the boat.

She followed us round the coast as we headed to the sandy south beaches, some more fish caught and fed to Rosie. More bouys collected and then heading back to shore, on the way a couple of porpoises wee spotted and we watched them for a while.

What a brilliant day, sadly the numbers of birds are not as they used to be , except the bonxies, and with a perfect calm day no whales or dolphins.

A quick cup of tea and chat then we headed back. The Sutherland mountains clear as we headed back east.

Eco gran had made scones and we told her about our day.

Thanks Julian and family for a fantastic time.