The Small Isles

The Islands of Rum, Canna, Muck and Eigg - midget gems?

Each of the Small Isles has its own flavour.... 

When you sail into the harbour at Canna, it is an unexpected surprise to find two churches. A sheltered anchorage that is a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by, or walk to the top of Compass Hill. Well worth the effort,to be rewarded with views of the Isle of Skye, Rhum and distant Hebridean islands across the Minch.

It is also worth a stroll to Sanday and a hunt amongst the heather to trace the outlines of long forgotten habitations dating back to the Bronze age.

Rhum is the largest island,  mountains rising to over 2500 feet, a walk for the fitter amongst you, though if you like a gentle walk there is a walk into the village and kinloch Castle. Rhum has been occupied from just after the last ice age, when hunter gatherer communities collected hazel nuts and roasted them here, as evidenced by their middens. You may see sea eagles and there are mountain goats and red deer.

The Eigg Heritage Trust bought Eigg in 1997, and has done much to encourage tourism. A tea room at the harbour end of the island for the thirsty sailor and walker. Walk up An Sgurr and  maybe to Massacre Cave where the population of the Island was killed in the 16th C. We may anchor and row ashore at the Sining Sands, it's more squeeky than musical, but interesting, all, the same.

Muck is the smallest of our midget gems, just 4km across. Sailing round Muck you may see whales, porpoises and the many grey atlantic seals. There is a craft shop, as well as the odd ceilidh to join in.