Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Holy Island, Firth of Clyde, Scotland

• The earliest recorded name for the island is Inis Shroin, which is old Gaelic for ‘island of the Water Spirit’.
• There is evidence of an ancient healing spring, the hermit cave of 6th century monk St Molaise and a 13th century AD monastery.
• Currently under stewardship of a Buddhist community founded by Lama Yeshe Rinpoche who is a Tibetan meditation master.
• The south of the island is home to a closed Buddhist retreat.

Visitors are allowed, but animals are discouraged. Access is via a mall ferry boat which operates on a seasonal basis  from Lamlash, close to where the above image was taken.

The island is divided into several areas, some of which are for local wildlife and others for tree planting.  There are also spectacular walks on designated trails.

Holy Isle offers an intruiging option when visiting Arran

Chanonry Point, Moray Firth, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Chanonry Point, a mile long spit of land which protudes into the Moray Firth just north of Inverness  and directly opposite Fort George. There is some pleasant scenery here but the spot has become very popular due to gathering of dolphins who harvest fish when the tide conditions are right. In the Moray firth there are estimated to be about 130 dolphins.

A worthwihile place to call in for photographs and wildlife watching but care required to ensure the right tide conditions are present to view the dolphins.