Hi,

At the beginning of June, I set foot on the Outer Hebrides for the first time in 22 years, accompanying my companion Charlie on a six day tour which covered the whole of the Western Isles from the Butt of Ness down to Barra and Vatersay. All in all the return journey to Glasgow covered 836 miles.

We visited Lewis, Harris, Scalpay, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. This includes four islands I had not visited before plus other 'new' territory to the west and north of Lewis.

The weather was exceptional and I hope the photos bear this out. Managed to meet up with my old pal John Gillies for a wee social as well as another ex five-a-side footballer Iain MacAuley, who had given us a lot of much appreciated help in planning the trip. I even managed to meet up with the local MP who was celebrating his re-election in one of the hotels we were staying in.

From fantastic landscapes to stunning seascapes, ancient castles and monuments, great food (especially seafood), and of course the outstanding hospitality of the people, made this a trip that will linger in the memory for a long time. If you get the weather, there is no place like Scotland...

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Murdo

P.S. If I have got any of the locations wrong, please do not hesitate to correct me!