IsleGo

07/09/2021

👀 Have you spotted a floppy fin?!?

🕵️ A few days ago, a sighting of John Coe and Aquarius was reported by one of our Whale Track community - thanks so much Helen! - in Loch Pooltiel (NW Skye). Not unusual given the prevalence of these two old bulls over recent weeks...what is unusual is that Helen reported seeing an orca with a flopped over fin alongside the two! There is a member of the West Coast Community called Floppy Fin (pictured here in 2004 with Nicola), however he hasn't been officially recorded since 2011!

📸 Without a photograph to confirm ID we cannot be sure who the individual is at this stage, if you have any images of orca in the Hebrides, we'd love to see them and perhaps identify the individuals. If you have any pics, please email them to [email protected] - it really does help build a better understanding of these awesome creatures in our waters.

Orca Survey Scotland Steve Truluck At Sea

06/07/2021

IsleGo to Hyskeir lighthouse and Canna. A long but exceptionally rewarding trip capped off by lunch at the highly recommended Canna Cafe. Hyskeir itself is a remarkable place with large numbers of grey seals, abundant bird life amongst at least the ground nesting sea birds. Bonxies were a bit woosy with no direct hits inflicted. We did though stick to the lighthouse paths which avoided disturbing the large number of tern.
The cliffs on the north shore of Canna were more than spectacular with Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, huge numbers of guillemot, puffin, kittiwake et al. Bit disappointing in respect of cetacean. Just one Minke and a few porpoise, the latter seem to be doing better and better with lots of sightings over the past few days. No Basking Shark yet but given the stunning weather they can’t be far away.
Cafe’s in the islands get better and better. Our own recently opened cafe on Coll serves without any risk of contradiction the finest pizzas in the Hebrides. Muck continues its high standards, The Boathouse on Ulva under the new management of Mark and Brendan is particularly good. Canna as stated. All highly recommended for consistent and high quality fare. Yesterday an emergency trip to Tobermory due to a ferry breakdown (yet again!) saw me sampling Tom Nelson’s mince pies at the Glengorm Castle stall, outstanding!

04/07/2021

IsleGo aspirational. Sir Loyd Dorfman’s modest yacht Elandess moored at Staffa yesterday. A suitable upgrade for Stormbringer II I would maintain. Tiree Sea Tours busily shuttling in ‘guests’.

30/06/2021

With IsleGo life can be so boring having the hardship of Lunga, yet again. A nice wee study of a newly hatched razorbill chick. Stormbringer II tucked into the Slochd with new mooring attachments most conveniently placed by Tiree Sea Tours, thanks guys!
Tomorrow its Lunga, lunch at the Boathouse on Ulva then Staffa. Life just gets harder and harder.

30/06/2021

IsleGo to Staffa on another stunning day in the Hebrides. Photos courtesy of Amelia, crew and Press Secretary, without whom I would publish even less than I do currently

30/06/2021

IsleGo to Lunga which is particularly busy at present with spectacular numbers of sea birds. Guilimots are well hatched and taking their first leaps of faith into the sea. Puffins doing exceptionally well, large numbers and there seems to be plenty of feeding going on between Coll and Lunga which can only augur well for the successful raising of chicks. After missing last year the ringing and counting group, who have been studying the sea bird population for a good number of years now, are back and guilimot count on the face of Harp Rock alone numbers some 9600. Very successful mist netting’s of the elusive Storm Petrels would indicate a stable population.
Kittiwakes hatched as per picture. How these chicks survive in their precarious nesting spots is a mystery to me.

…..and before any of you out there make the not unfair observation that the pictured gentleman was lying on top of a burrow, I did check and he wasn’t. I’ve had them jump over my legs before but I’ve never seen one blithely perching on a Homo Sapiens, fantastic!

22/06/2021

As Alex says, last chance to support his circumnavigation of Coll this Saturday and win one of many fabulous prizes too. A donation with a draw! Potential win win. Please support Alex Page PT.

I'm going for it this Saturday 😬 - last chance to guess how long it will take me to kayak around the Isle of Coll, and win ALL the prizes!

Just donate £30 or more to Project Trust via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlexPage14 and enter your guess in the donor message in Hours, Minutes and Seconds.

THE PRIZES...
- Return flights for two between Oban and the Isle of Coll with Hebridean Air Services Ltd. https://bookhebridean.co.uk
- £220 voucher for accommodation, food and drinks at the Coll HotelHotel https://collhotel.com
- Day trip by boat for two from the Isle of Coll with IsleGo including wildlife watching. https://www.facebook.com/IsleGooutandabout/about/...
- Sea Kayak Experience Day with Sea Kayak Oban (starting from Oban) https://www.seakayakoban.com/adventures/day-trips
- Guided wildlife walk for two on the Isle of Coll with WildSmiths https://wildsmiths.co.uk
- Wildlife books donated by RSPB Scotland: Collins Bird Guide (Lars Svensson), How to Watch Wildlife (Bill Oddie), Saving Planet Earth (Tony Juniper)
- Isle of Coll Sweatshirt (Large) donated by Ross of Coll www.rossofcoll.com

15/05/2021

IsleGo to Lunga for Jade’s birthday! 🎉🐧

14/05/2021

Our first visit of the season to Lunga, and of course the puffins and seabirds did not disappoint! Focus of the days voyage was to land in Cairn na Burgh Mor, it was the first time IsleGo has landed there as it is a tricky destination but very rewarding. The theme was the Seven Years War, looking at the barracks and chapel of what must’ve been a pretty challenging posting for the soldiers involved. All in aid of keeping the French at bay!

13/05/2021

Great news

A wildlife photographer said she 'couldn't believe her eyes' when she saw them.

13/05/2021

It’s time to “get out and about! Looking forward to the Basking sharks return! Coll Hotel Tigh na Mara Guesthouse Isle of Coll An Cridhe Arrol House

We're so excited because, here in the UK, Basking Shark season (May-September) has begun! So, if you're out visiting the coast start keeping a look out for these graceful giants. And, if you're lucky enough to spot one, remember to record your sightings to our database.

This year we've also spruced up our Code of Conduct. Designed to help reduce the risk of Basking Sharks getting injured or harassed by water-users. By following these guidelines individuals can ensure a positive encounter for both themselves and these magnificent animals.

Download a digital copy from our website. Or, if you adopt a Basking Shark, we'll send you a copy in your pack - https://www.sharktrust.org/adopt-a-basking-shark