Iona, Oronsay and the Garvellachs

With a retired vicar on board it was only natural to explore some of the Western Isles' early Christian sites, but first we stopped off at the Treshnish Isles to visit the puffin colony on Lunga, resplendent with Bluebells.

And of course puffins

Dolphins were much in evidence as well. We were joined by four separate groups riding the bow wave.

Everyone enjoyed the sunshine underway on deck

and wandering across Oronsay to visit the interesting ruins of the priory, built in 1380.

Then taking the opportunity to recuperate

Corpach Boatbuilding Company

Chico was due her 5 yearly out of the water inspection for commercial use this spring, so she was slipped at Corpach and, with her masts down, trundled up into the yard's shed.

The highly skilled and efficient workfoce set about renewal of some planking, having to peel back the copper sheathing to get access.

New planks fitted, ready for caulking and painting.

Back in the water with her hull scrubbed clean she's noticeably faster and more responsive to handle.

Fort Wiliam and the Jacobite

While Chico was out of  the water for maintenance and survey at Corpach Boatbuilding Co we enjoyed exploring the area round Fort William, dominated by the mass of Ben Nevis.

The Jacobite steam train, which runs on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, started its season, here pulling into Banavie where the line crosses the Caledonian Canal.