The Scottish Western Isles 2009 - Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula

The Sound of Barra ferry trip from Barra to Eriskay takes about half an hour. We soon found a fantastic pitch on the machair by the beach, not far from where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed all those years ago.

All these photos were taken with a Lumix Panasonic TZ7.

Eriskay terminal, a shaft of sunlight illuminates the ferry.

What a pitch, what a privilege!

 Even in this light the translucent green of the sea is visible.

Not another soul to be seen, just glorious!

 Poll a Charra, South Uist (the Polachar Inn is behind me!)

Loch Boisdale, complete with sheep admiring the view

Loch Druidibeag

 Abandoned Croft house

The Scottish Western Isles 2009 - Barra

The Scottish Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides, are home to some of the most unspoilt and beautiful landscape you will ever see. The turquoise water, coral white sand, the endless shades of green and peaty brown, punctuated by lichen covered grey rock, never fail to grab your attention whether lit by luminous grey mist or or the low golden autumnal sun.

We started in the South with Barra and pristine, isolated Vatersay, linked to Barra by a causeway.

All these shots were taken with a Panasonic Lumix TZ7

The road to the Isles!

Early morning start for the ferry in Oban

A glorious sense of anticipation as we sail out to Barra

A fisherman's location

The alternative arrival - land on the sand!

The beach - Barra airport

In this wind - literally breathtaking

Traigh Eais from the top of Ben Eoligarry

A lonely jellyfish discarded by the ocean

Timeless charm at Eoligarry

A zillion shells become part of the beach

Purity and Serenity at Vatersay

Kisimul Castle, Castlebay

Otters in papier mache go fishing at Aird Mhor

The ferry for Eriskay awaits