RHSoc ContributorContribution by Steve Gillions
Steve Gillions and David Gilchrist organised a series of trips between 29th June and 10th July to The Outer Hebrides islands. Unfortunately the weather gods weren’t on our side this year and poor conditions meant that planned trips to the Monachs, the Flannans and the Sound of Harris Marilyn islands didn’t take place. We juggled reserve dates as much as we could and some skippers worked hard to find alternative dates but in the end we had to accept that it wasn’t meant to be. On the bright side, there were successful trips to the East Coast of Harris, the Sound of Harris and the Loch Rog inner islands, the latter being the fall back as the Flannans weren’t landable.
Uist East Coast
A full complement left Lochboisdale on Rose Ann skippered by Donald Currie and made successful landings on most target islands up the East coast of the Uists, despite good weather the swell was too high to land Nicolson’s Leap. The main objective of landing the Hump islands of Wiay and Ronay was achieved and Eileanan Chearabhaigh was bagged as a bonus to the planned itinerary. A total of 7 SIBs were landed including the two Humps.
Sound of Harris SIBs
Donald Currie and Rose Ann landed us on 8 SIBs in the Sound: Copaigh, Siolaigh, Siolaigh Bheag, Boreray, Lingeigh, Grodhaigh, Ceileagraigh and Easaigh. Siolaigh Bheag involved a short scramble from the landing point and some of us were lucky enough to see an otter near the summit as it shot out of its holt. There was some swell running but good boatmanship and an excellent crew and tender saw us make easy landings throughout.
Loch Rog SIBs
Ian Angus from Seatrek took us out on Lochlann into Loch Rog on this fallback trip in excellent conditions. A great boat and tender, both superbly handled. We successfully landed 8 islands, including two (asterisked) multi -tump islands: Flodaigh, Fuaigh Beag, Cliatasaigh, Fuaigh Mor*, Bhacasaigh, Pabaigh Mor*, Pabaigh Beag and Little Bernera.
Some of us had been a little sceptical about Ian Angus’s judgement, as we set out, that the outer islands wouldn’t go but he took us out to see for ourselves. Impressive islands but a look at the long Atlantic swell rolling in and breaking over the rocks soon convinced us that Ian Angus knows of what he speaks.
So a mixed experience overall, that’s the Outer Hebrides for you, but some positive outcomes. Relationships with boatmen were strengthened, particularly Donald Currie at Lochboisdale and Seatrek at Miavaig. We’re planning for next year and hope to offer trips to the The Monachs, The Flannans and the Sound of Harris Marilyns, as well as one or two others.
One idea for 2027 – not yet confirmed – is to designate a SIB Outer Hebrides fortnight in May. One week would be for trips from North Uist/South Harris and the other for trips from Lewis. To increase the chances of successful landings for all involved, especially on the more remote islands, we need to make the most of the weather conditions at the time. If people can commit to, say, a 5 day window for each set of trips we could be flexible about the date for each trip, dependent on weather conditions and boat availability. It would be a great help if anyone thinking of other trips could liaise on dates so that we avoid clashes and people get the widest choice possible.
Finally, thanks to everyone for their patience as I bombarded you with WhatsApp messages about the constantly shifting plans and to Nicola for calmly managing the very complicated finances and efficiently processing the refunds.
We live to fight another year, so watch this space for announcements about the 2027 programme. I will be sure to order better weather.
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