Our first day of sailing brought us to the Scottish island of Gigha (pronounced Ghee-ah) which is different from some of the other islands as it’s completely owned by the people who live there since 2002. Just a short 20 minute ferry ride from the mainland puts you in a peaceful retreat of an island.
More than half the island is unpopulated and untouched. It features an art gallery with craft shop adjacent, the Gigha hotel with bar and restaurant, The Boathouse restaurant, situated right in the harbour offering fresh seafood selections and other food from the Island, Achamore gardens, camping, and even a golf course!
There is such a nice untouched beauty about the island, and although walking down the main road we came across numerous cars from people who live on the island, you still felt like you were alone at times looking out over the fields and seeing the ocean. We only spent a couple of hours on the Island and were having dinner on the boat, so we took the opportunity to stretch our legs and go for a long walk.
Laurie collected us on the dingy and we arrived back for our first dinner on the boat, a feast of salmon parcels good with lemon, garlic, butter and herbs, fresh vegetables, and ending with a delicious lemon tart with fresh strawberries. Laurie is an excellent chef, having owned his own restaurant at one point. He said that he loves to cook, and especially cook for other people. Who am I to argue with that?!
Our first taste of a Scottish Island was absolutely wonderful, the people were welcoming, there were fantastic views, and the sunsets can’t be beat. The colours of the sky were just incredible reflecting over the water. I’m ready to go back!
