The Holiday Song Posted November 1, 2021 Share Posted November 1, 2021 (edited) On 29/10/2021 at 18:48, paul wright scores said: I'm intending going to both Shetland and Orkney next summer and wonder which island is deemed to be the better of the two from a tourist perspective from anyone who has been to both. Cheers Coincidentally getting the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick tonight although, and this is sortof a relevant point in terms of deciding which one to go to, was supposed to go yesterday night before I checked the forecast! (Ferry company is good at changing bookings even at last moment). Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry can be particularly bleak if bad weather, and there's no guarantee you'll get a decent one in summer (in fact, one of worst trips I've had was in the middle of July). Kirkwall and Stromness in Orkney used to be a lot better than anything you'd get town wise in Shetland, but there are a few newer places in Lerwick the last few years. Personally, if I wasn't sure I'd head to Orkney first and see what you make of it. Less hassle to begin with. Orkney also has an extra choice of getting there too if you go up to the north coast and get the significantly shorter ferry from Scrabster (a route with nice views both getting to Scrabster and on the ferry). Edited November 1, 2021 by The Holiday Song 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mantis Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 (edited) On 29/10/2021 at 17:48, paul wright scores said: I'm intending going to both Shetland and Orkney next summer and wonder which island is deemed to be the better of the two from a tourist perspective from anyone who has been to both. Cheers I've always felt that Orkney is further developed for tourists. Quite a stark difference, maybe 10 years ahead. Geologically it's softer, being sandstone, with more arable and cattle, so overall a gentler landscape. Shetland is more rugged. Orkney appears to be full of incomers but that's just my personal experience. I've always stayed with relatives in Shetland, so that causes a bias too, as you have more chance of being introduced to local musicians, sailing types etc, and getting to participate in things that are on, and it's more remote so you get a deeper impression that there's still a local culture clinging on. Edited November 4, 2021 by The Mantis 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8MileBU Posted November 4, 2021 Author Share Posted November 4, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, The Mantis said: I've always felt that Orkney is further developed for tourists. Quite a stark difference, maybe 10 years ahead. Geologically it's softer, being sandstone, with more arable and cattle, so overall a gentler landscape. Shetland is more rugged. Orkney appears to be full of incomers but that's just my personal experience. I've always stayed with relatives in Shetland, so that causes a bias too, as you have more chance of being introduced to local musicians, sailing types etc, and getting to participate in things that are on, and it's more remote so you get a deeper impression that there's still a local culture clinging on. Whilst I agree with this post, I just find Orkney is far more interesting than Shetland with more to see and do. The locals of both are both very welcoming though. Edited November 4, 2021 by 8MileBU -1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul wright scores Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 Thanks guys, I have now booked a week in each island(s) next July. Can't wait. Found a 9 hole golf course quite near to where I am staying on Shetland as well. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongTimeLurker Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 (edited) On 04/11/2021 at 22:30, The Mantis said: ...I've always stayed with relatives in Shetland, so that causes a bias too, as you have more chance of being introduced to local musicians, sailing types etc, and getting to participate in things that are on,... Things may have changed over the last couple of decades but that definitely used to make a big difference. My relatives used to have to carefully explain who I was related to and how before the other locals would give me the time of day. Then you get into awkward social situations like running into your granny's best friend from childhood who is very pleased to meet you but is speaking broad Shetland sans wallies... Edited November 6, 2021 by LongTimeLurker 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Steiner Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 (edited) On 10/02/2017 at 16:18, The Mantis said: Whenever I read P&B and see threads about MILFs and farting I realise I'm quite an auld c**t. So I've been loads of places. For my own use as much as anything, here's a list of my islands, I'll probably remember more later. Some have bridges mind you, although I visited some before the bridges were built and even kayaked some. Shetland - Mainland, Yell, Unst, Mousa, Vaila, Foula, Fair Isle, Bressay, Noss, Burra, Trondra, Fetlar, Whalsay, Muckle Roe, St Ninian's. Orkney - Mainland, Hoy, Burray, S.Ronaldsay, Rousay. Western Isles - Lewis & Harris, N. Uist, S.Uist, Benbecula, Barra, Eriskay, Berneray, Scarp, Scalpay, Great Bernera, Pabbay, Monach Isles, Taransay, Hirta, Bhatarsaigh. Inner Hebrides - Skye, Raasay, Rum, Eigg, Islay, Jura, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Staffa, Gigha, Arran, Holy Isle, Bute, Cumbrae, Seil, Luing, Davaar. Others - Ailsa Craig, The Bass, Cramond, Fidra, May, Inchcolm, Inchmickery, Handa. Also been to Rathlin which is a kick in the erse off Scotland, and Carrick-a-Rede, and Lindisfarne. Stunning photos mate. I've been to: Mainland Shetland Lewis/Harris Benbecula North Uist South Uist Barra Vatersay Eriskay Skye Raasay Mull Iona Arran (about a hundred times) The Holy Isle Great Cumbrae (Millport) Edited November 28, 2021 by Scott Steiner 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vikingTON Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 Day trip to Lismore yesterday. A breakfast roll from a Taste of Arran and over on the boat for 12. This gave a few hours to do a circuit of the southern half of Lismore - going to the ruins of Achanduin Castle, over the hill to Loch Fiart and then up the main road to the ferry landing. The views back to the mainland hills were suitably glorious. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vikingTON Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 Mull from near Achinduin Castle at the bottom end of Lismore. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vikingTON Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 And to close the shameless photobombing, a rare appearance of the sun and Mull together on the sunset ferry back to Oban. A tremendous way to spend a day and a fiver return ferry. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Tout P'ti FC Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 Week on Islay delayed from 2020 and finally taken this week. Always an enjoyable place to visit. This week's trip has been with the wider family, and three kids under 10 in tow has kept us mostly away from the distilleries this time.Hatching a plan to come back to hide out here for a week of the World Cup! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mantis Posted April 26, 2022 Share Posted April 26, 2022 Visits to Lewis are pretty routine for me - already been twice this year. But here's a couple of shots taken from the ferry on the way back. Just a routine exercise afaik. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vikingTON Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 A return to the tropical isle of Bute yesterday with the pleasing signs of recovery for the local area. Firstly, after losing its final pub since 2020 (on the cards before the pandemic hit) the glorious village of Port Bannatyne has now regained a much better pub and a community centre in the form of the Anchor Tavern, thanks to a crowdfunding/lottery project. It's great to see a local community revive itself with a little outside help, and the Fyne Ales on tap is well worth the visit too. Do the West Island Way - celebrate with the superb range of cold pints at the Anchor. Meanwhile, on the south end of the island, the Kingarth Hotel and bar has reopened after a family bereavance and long closure that looked like being the end for that side of the island's social life. Not to mention great food and pints as well, if their previous version is anything to go by.. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul wright scores Posted May 30, 2022 Share Posted May 30, 2022 On 14/04/2022 at 22:50, Le Tout P'ti FC said: Week on Islay delayed from 2020 and finally taken this week. Always an enjoyable place to visit. This week's trip has been with the wider family, and three kids under 10 in tow has kept us mostly away from the distilleries this time. Hatching a plan to come back to hide out here for a week of the World Cup! Islay is a fantastic island to visit. Enjoyed a week there a few years ago following a family wedding. Thoroughy enjoyed playing The Machrie Links as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob in Denny Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 On 29/05/2022 at 01:45, virginton said: A return to the tropical isle of Bute yesterday with the pleasing signs of recovery for the local area. Firstly, after losing its final pub since 2020 (on the cards before the pandemic hit) the glorious village of Port Bannatyne has now regained a much better pub and a community centre in the form of the Anchor Tavern, thanks to a crowdfunding/lottery project. It's great to see a local community revive itself with a little outside help, and the Fyne Ales on tap is well worth the visit too. Do the West Island Way - celebrate with the superb range of cold pints at the Anchor. Meanwhile, on the south end of the island, the Kingarth Hotel and bar has reopened after a family bereavance and long closure that looked like being the end for that side of the island's social life. Not to mention great food and pints as well, if their previous version is anything to go by.. A great wee island to take your bike to... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gav-ffc Posted June 2, 2022 Share Posted June 2, 2022 Iona again for us this year. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Tout P'ti FC Posted June 2, 2022 Share Posted June 2, 2022 Oh my goodness. The new £5.6m Calmac vessel for the Oban/Mull route is very small, very very small indeed. It can apparently hold 34-40 cars and 195 passengers, but that figure looks like it might be a tight squeeze.Photo here, the MV Utne / MV Loch Frisa is the one to the right of the tiny sail boat.Coming into service soon. Visit quickly before a wee gust of wind blows it back to Norway.Enjoyable wee sprint over to Mull today to make some use of my day off. Thanks to the Queen for surviving long enough to get me this day off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshbairn Posted June 2, 2022 Share Posted June 2, 2022 7 hours ago, Le Tout P'ti FC said: MV Loch Frisa She looks like she's marooned on a sandbank. Makes you wonder why Norway wanted rid, it's not like they're short of a few bob. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Tout P'ti FC Posted June 2, 2022 Share Posted June 2, 2022 She looks like she's marooned on a sandbank. Makes you wonder why Norway wanted rid, it's not like they're short of a few bob.Exactly that. The Norwegians have so much money they can cast off an eight year old ferry to us, because they are now replacing all their diesel powered ferries with battery powered.They also wanted rid of this one in particular because it looks like a child's bath toy. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8MileBU Posted June 3, 2022 Author Share Posted June 3, 2022 17 hours ago, Le Tout P'ti FC said: Oh my goodness. The new £5.6m Calmac vessel for the Oban/Mull route is very small, very very small indeed. It can apparently hold 34-40 cars and 195 passengers, but that figure looks like it might be a tight squeeze. Photo here, the MV Utne / MV Loch Frisa is the one to the right of the tiny sail boat. Coming into service soon. Visit quickly before a wee gust of wind blows it back to Norway. Enjoyable wee sprint over to Mull today to make some use of my day off. Thanks to the Queen for surviving long enough to get me this day off. What a shambles Calmac are. Looking at that pokey wee boat, I’d imagine that sailings will likely be cancelled anytime conditions are anything other than flat calm. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mantis Posted June 3, 2022 Share Posted June 3, 2022 I know it's open season on Calmac right now, but I imagine this will work in tandem with the MV Isle of Mull and will simply replace the MV Coruisk which is a similar size/capacity and cost £6.75M new in 2003. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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