THE ISLE OF SKYE
Arguably the most spectacular and dramatic of all the Scottish Islands, the Isle of Skye offers a wide array of experiences. You can head out fishing with local guides and even try your hand at lobster potting. Enjoy a private visit to the Talisker distillery to sample the country’s most famous produce. Forage with wildlife specialists for mushrooms, wild garlic and sorrel in the forest, and along the shoreline delicious seaweeds, mussels and samphire. You will cook and eat what you find on an open fire alongside your yacht’s chef.
Hike and explore WWII mica mines before enjoying lunch at a private bothy. Climb a Munro (a mountain over 3000ft) with guides where you can explore by mountain bike or hop into the tender to cruise the abundance of remote islands and covers on Skye. Spot wildlife such as eagles, otters, red deer, and seals. In the evening, back on board your yacht, Pelorus will arrange for a master whisky distiller to talk you through the country’s most famous export at a specially designed tasting featuring rare and exquisite drams. You will also be joined on board by a local Scottish band and dance instructor so you can experience a traditional Scottish reel alongside whisky cocktails designed especially for you.
OUTER HEBRIDES, ST KILDA
Cruise to St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, the most important sea bird breeding station in Northwest Europe, keeping an eye out for minke whales and dolphins as you travel. Here you will have unique access to the island by way of helicopter as Pelorus has negotiated special permissions to make this happen. Touch down and explore with a naturalist who specialises in its unique biosphere. This World Heritage Site has the largest colony of guillemots in the world, the oldest and largest colony of fulmars, the biggest colony of puffins in Britain and over one million birds in total. Once populated by the unique and hardy Kildians, there is an abandoned village on the island that you can visit where the houses are still relatively intact, and the stories and folklore are preserved for retelling.