Muck and Eigg

Having dropped Rick and Kirsty off we've now started journeying northwards again.

We had intended to go round the Mull of Kintyre but with a seven in the forecast thought it might be unwise so we enjoyed a short sojourn in the Crinan Canal again before heading up the beautiful Loch Craignish to Ardfern Yacht Haven.
Next day we set off early to get the tide right through Dorus Mor and then the Sound of Luing, both interesting tidal gates where you could end up with seven knots against you. We passed Corryvreckan with its whirlpools and standing waves but didn't feel tempted to venture closer as we had wind against tide. Perhaps we'll do that on the way back.
We spent a night in Tobermoray. We only went in to see who was in there, intending to Anchor in Loch Sunart but found Mike in Jagged Edge, one of the all rounders who were holed up in Lowestoft much earlier in the trip. He had left a day or two after us and had been further delayed by alternator troubles.

AdfernMuck

He had eventually arrived safely and it was nice to see him and catch up with his experiences over a few beers.
Next morning we left for the Small Islands. We had a great sail in flat calm seas and only ten knots of wind arriving in Muck by mid afternoon. Muck has a population of 38. We met most of them and a very contented bunch they all seemed. They even manage to maintain a junior school, apparently there is a new teacher starting in September. She has two children of her own which will double the class size. There are also four preschool children on the island so they expect her to be busier next year.

We walked along the main (only) road.

The sign on the craft and gift shop said it was open 24/7. It sells locally produced goods plus fruit and veg and never locks up but operates purely on an honesty box.
Muck is owned by a Laird. Everyone rents off him and said he was a great bloke.

Farming, fishing and tourism are the main industries. Cows and sheep roam freely.

The Island of Eigg had an absentee land owner but fifteen years ago managed to buy him out. Eigg is now owned by a residents cooperative with some input from Scottish Heritage and boast a healthy population of 83.
Both Island are lovely and to cap it all the sun is out!