Scottish anchorages

The Cragaig Bay anchorage on Ulva has lots of interest. Behind the cottage there are a couple of not very distinguished standing stones. But walk east at the cottage along a Land Rover track, and then fork back along up the hill to take a high level track westwards. There are spectacular views across the bay to the cliffs of Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Islands. All around you will stumble on the remains of derelict cottages hidden in the bracken, the population were turfed out in the 19th century. There are also the remains of an old water mill but I have not found them yet. After a while, past a ruined cottage, there is a graveyard down nearer the shore - Cill Mhic Eoghainn. This is very ruined now and I guess in fifty years will be a wreck, overgrown with bracken, and forgotten. Sad when MacQuarries from far afield return to search out their ancestors who left this lovely island, starving and looking for a better life elsewhere. And remember it was Lachlan MacQuarrie who became the first Governor of New South Wales in1810, and who is now regarded as the father of Australia.

Back on the boat you can take your tender and explore the small islands to the west of the anchorage where there are some tiny sandy beaches, grand for a fine summer's day.