Welcome
Escape to the isles W
elcome to the July edition of Holiday West Highland magazine, our guide to one of the world’s most spectacu-
lar regions – and you have chosen a wonder- ful time to arrive. Scotland may be renowned more for summer rain than summer sun, but the west coast is blessed by the Gulf Stream, a warm cur- rent that not only ensures pleasant tempera- tures, it helps creates the perfect conditions for beautiful plants and rare marine wildlife to thrive. The chief beneficiaries of this stroke of me- teorological luck are our islands, which are the focus of this edition of the magazine, and boast turquoise seas, white sandy beaches, and even palm trees. Walk along the shore at Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris, or Ballyhough on the Isle of Coll, to name but two beaches, and you could be for- given for thinking you were holidaying in the Balearics or on the Caribbean, except here we offer a secret ingredient - isolation. Whether you travel to the remote Outer Heb- rides, or venture just a hop from the mainland to Arran or Bute, you will find that each island offers a vibrant social and cultural experience, but they also all have quiet spots, so you will never have to go far to find peace and quiet. The summer is also a time for celebrations of another kind, and community spirit is bound to be in plentiful supply as the Highland Games season begins. This issue includes a guide to these uniquely Scottish events. Holiday West Highland includes our reflec- tions and suggestions, but we would love to learn about your natural and cultural experi- ences as well. Please send your pictures and stories to be considered for publication in fu- ture editions. If you enjoy the magazine, and would like to read more, you can find Holiday West High- land online at www.holidaywesthighland.
co.uk, as well as in print format at tourist at- tractions and outlets throughout the region.
Have a wonderful stay, The Holiday West Highland Team
Contact us: Advertising: Claire Mcfadzean
cmcfadzean@campbeltowncourier.co.uk Fiona MacInnes
fmacinnes@obantimes.co.uk Production: Kevin McCubbin:
kmccubbin@obantimes.co.uk Editorial: Louisa McLennan
lmclennan@holidaywesthighland.co.uk
Office: Wyvex Media: Campbeltown 01586 554646 / Oban 01631 568000
Barra. Photo courtesy of Dennis Hardley
Useful Numbers Health
NHS 24 (for medical advice and to locate nearby health services) 08454 24 24 24
Transport West Coast Motors bus services 01586 552319 ScotRail
0845 601 5929
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services 0800 066 5000
Emergency Services Dial 999 for police, fire, ambulance, coastguard or mountain rescue where there is a danger to life.
Campbeltown Police Station 01586 862 200 Oban Police Station 01631 510 500 Fort William Police Station 01397 702 361 Portree Police Station, Isle of Skye 01478 612 888
Tourism Information offices VisitScotland 0131 472 2222
Contents
5 The role of the Clan 6 Area Map 7 Argyll’s Secret Coast 11 Kintyre and Gigha
13 Mid Argyll
Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig Kilmartin and Crinan Inveraray and Loch Fyne Melfort, Arduainne, Ardfern and Craobh
20 Island Hopping
Mull & Iona, Islay and Jura, The Inner Hebrides, Isle of Skye, Isle of Arran
32 Oban and Lorn Easdale and Seil Taynuilt, Loch Awe and Dalmally Benderloch, Barcaldine and Connel
45 Appin and Lismore 46 Cowal and Bute 48 Golf
50 Lochaber Glencoe, Ardnamurchan
56 Fishing 57 Outdoors 60 Highland Games 62 Cruises
Front cover photo: The MV Columba off the Island of Iona. Courtesy of Dennis Hardley Published by Wyvex Media Ltd
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