eesh, uploading photos takes ages

just tried using picasa to upload other photos - its a bit quicker than uploading them to the blog, and you can get slide shows and so on. Here are the pictures from Lewis, Skye and Scalpay:

Lewis, Stornaway

Had a fairly foul crossing from Shetland to Lewis. But the weather was nice when we got there - we mostly had grim weather at sea, good weather ashore. Stornaway is another natural harbour. We rafted up outside an ex British Steel racing yacht, it had been round the southern ocean. Stornaway was the only place which still had a fishing fleet, though far smaller than before.

Shetland, Central Mainland

Shetland, Lerwick

We enjoyed the hospitality of the Scalloway Boat Club - they took part in the annual Viking p
Parade in Lerwick.

Shetland, Scalloway

The weather is changeable..

Shetland

We stayed in Scalloway. It put us in a better position for the west coast of Scotland and gave us a lee for the first time. The winds were still blowing from the NE.

This is a memorial to the people who ran and used the Shetland Bus. It had recently been visited by the Queen of Norway, who also opened the new National Museum. Many years ago the vikings exterminated the local population and settled in Shetland, it transferred to Scottish ownership somewhat recently, the affection for Norway lives on.

Shetland

Da Noost - everyone was at the 'Flavour of Shetland' by the harbour, except for us and a a couple of Belgians. Da Noost was playing golden oldies, the Flavour of Shetland featured some dynamic young fiddle players. Children are taught to play the fiddle in school, some talented players have resulted.

Fair Isle

These plants are so rare that they get protected from the sheep.

Fair Isle

The phone box at the main junction.

Fair Isle

Fair Isle has a population of 68, 2 churches and O2 supply mobile coverage.

Fair Isle

Simon explains about lichen.

Fair Isle

Fair Isle

Fair Isle

disposing of rubbish can be difficult when you are living on a small island.