The Great Stack of Handa. Had to do a bit of rearranging of extras, as the above wasn't uploading successfully as an extra. 

More glorious and calm weather, for today's paddle from Scourie to Handa. We landed on one of the South beaches for a wee break, before heading around the island. We all fitted into a big sea cave that was early on in the cliffs, where we entered by one opening, and left by another. 

The tide was very low, and with the swell being slight, we were able to pass through a narrow natural tunnel that goes through the great stack, which I hadn't been aware of on previous visits. Muggins was last, and a slightly bigger swell arrived to make it a bit more of challenge near the exit. Ended up with my face side-on against the kayak deck as I was lifted up and my buoyancy aid gently squeezed on the roof of the tunnel, followed by some rapid direction controls as the wave descended much lower than previous ones. The changing expressions on the watching faces of the rest of the group would have made a good sequence of photos...

We continued on, and landed on the main beach facing the Sound of Handa, where the small boat ferrying visitors to/from the island usually deposits/collects them. From here, we had a walk through the island up to the high cliffs on the West side, and then looped back near the South side. Through the middle of the island, the path is largely on a raised boardwalk, that's intended to try and protect all the delicate wild flowers and associated wildlife from trampling feet.

Seabirds galore, including some of everyone's favourite - Puffins. Didn't get as close to any Bonxies or other Skuas this time, which in many ways can be good thing. They're dangerous brutes.

Some more cave exploring on the return, along with rock hopping - careful manoeuvring around tight and/or shallow rocky spaces.

Extras - set for launch at Scourie;
 - tea break on one of Handa's South beaches;
 - view to the North from the West cliff area (much higher up than it may appear);
 - those South beaches again, and the much rockier mainland behind; and
 - rock hopping on the way back to Scourie.