During our early morning sail from Inverie to Canna the clouds lifted and the sun came out to stay with us for the day. Due to wind and tide conditions the captain had decided to visit Canna rather than the Isle of Eigg - what a treat this turned out to be.
Steve Blamires and Konia Tack lead a walk to an ancient Celtic cross, past the grave of the former owner of the island, John Lorne Campbell. He gifted the island to the National Trust of Scotland, who still runs it. By the Celtic cross is a pillory stone, believed to have been used to punish sinners by squeezing a thumb of theirs into the hole in the stone. Charming!
After the walk some of us decided to stroll to the neighbouring island of Sanday, enjoying the wildflowers on these fertile shores. Canna and Sanday have a population of only 21 people but the islands are joined by a footbridge - which is just as well as the primary school for both islands is on Sanday. We had ample time to also explore the gardens of Canna House, the community shop, a church and some beaches on this lovely and tranquil island.
During lunch Lord of the Glens set off to Tobermory. Some of us were basking in the sun on the top deck until Steve entertained us with his interesting and informative talk on the island of Iona, a fascinating place we are going to visit tomorrow. What could be better than a talk by the very man who has written a book on the subject?! This was followed by a photographic get-together with David Cothran which was much appreciated by everyone who attended it.
On arrival into Tobermory the shops – most importantly the bookshop and the chocolate shop – beckoned us.
After re-cap and dinner many of us went off to take in the nightlife of Tobermory – this is after all Friday night and the Isle of Mull Gaelic Choir singing at the Mishnish pub was a fitting ending to a perfect day.
