Arisaig Pelagic

07th September 2021

About 40 SOC Highland Branch members and friends enjoyed a day pelagic trip out of Arisaig on MV Sheerwater on Sunday 5th. Typically, the weather changed after a long benign spell with overcast conditions and a freshening southerly. Nonetheless, the party enjoyed a great day exploring the waters off the Ardnamurchan peninsula and around Muck and Eigg. For many it was the first experience of ‘chumming’, trying to create an oily, fishy slick behind the boat to attract seabirds and petrels. We enjoyed some success, with about 6 Storm Petrels on the Oberan Bank and a mixed bag of seabirds including Arctic and Great Skuas.

Conditions weren’t ideal for cetaceans but we did manage to see a pod of Harbour Porpoise and a Minke Whale. The highlight however, was a large Basking Shark which afforded us some terrific views. A great day out for all, especially after the recent lockdown. Everyone did a lateral flow test before the trip and masks were required inside the cabin. Thanks to Ronnie and the crew for a great day out and maybe next year, we will bump into a rarity!

Image shows chumming being organised and there are more in the Gallery.

THE BOOK

"A glorious little gem"

AMAZON

"A book such as this has to look backwards and the author does so succinctly, looking at the work of several of the pioneering naturalists before picking out the publications of JA Harvie-Brown and the Rev. Hugh Macpherson. I know this book fills a real gap in the information available for the Isle of Skye and it will surely sell well at local bookshops."

Andrew Currie Miscellany West Highland Free Press

"A total of 238 species have been recorded, with 14 of those 'red listed' as of high conservation concern ... another innovation has been the inclusion of Gaelic names for some birds. While this is not uncommon in a few other books, the addition of some regional Gaelic names is very unusual and very welcome."

Ray Collier Country Diary 'Up in the Skye' The Guardian

"Illustrated with beautiful photographs of current birdlife on the island, the publication also features sketches by Jean Thomas of The Little Gallery, Portnalong, stimulating the reader's interest further and allowing them to identify species they encounter on Skye."

The Hebridean