Barra, Vatersay and the beach airport

Drove over the causeway to see Vatersay, passing stunning beaches. Another sunny day, only 3 bites so far.

In to the airport for traditional Hebridean fare of couscous salad with pesto and olives, plus a latte. Timed it well and actually saw a plane land on the beach. Lots of people admiring the van. The beach was covered in small white shells, and was swept by the fire brigade/baggage handlers/total staff of the airport.

It also had the cutest facilities - see the baggage reclaim -->

On the way back, called in at this chapel at Cille Bharra where Compton MacKenzie is buried.










The inside of the chapel is now empty except for a replica standing stone, More details here:

Cille Bharra

Back to Borve and eating in again tonight.

Oban, and arrival in Outer Hebrides

The view from the van on my first Scottish morning:











It had rained overnight, but held off for a morning last minute shopping in Oban, I bought a nice scarf and a hideously wild tartan pair of gloves. Picnic lunch on the seafront.






The ferry trip took 5 hours, and the scenery for the first half was lovely. I sat on deck as the weather was mild, and saw dolphins. Smooth and comfy trip, and busier than I expected.

We arrived at Castlebay in beautiful sun and I easily found Borve campsite, right on a wild rocky coast. I set up, cooked tea, and watched the sun set at about 10.30pm. Still sunny! But no WiFi.

Up to Oban, by the sea

I left Willowman festival early, worrying about missing my ferry. It was just as well as the A1 junction was about to close! It rained all the way up to border, and then as soon as I crossed in to Scotland - sun!! Interesting drive through Glasgow, I must go back there soon. 

Good roads mainly but driving along Loch Lomond for took forEVER and must be a nightmare in the summer. A wild drive then over to Oban, with view of snow on the hills.

Loch Lomond

Nice pitch on the campsite at North Ladraig, right on the beach front. It was a big site with loads of facilities so I could shower off the festival muck and get my clothes washed. I charged everything up in readiness, and had a picnic tea. Still lovely and sunny.