Our Outer Hebridean adventure continues — although, as we are rapidly discovering, travelling through Scotland's islands does not always go according to plan.
After our Oban–Barra ferry was cancelled, we wake at the Uig Hotel on Skye following a dramatic night of Storm Dave, snow and a power cut. Easter Sunday begins with Nicholas and Lucas hunting chocolate eggs in the snow, before another surprise awaits us: not only does our van have a puncture, but the spare tyre is punctured too. What follows is an unexpected family adventure involving a breakdown truck, a trip to Portree and two very excited boys.
Eventually back on the road, we explore Skye's magnificent Trotternish Peninsula, including the Fairy Glen, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Staffin's remarkable dinosaur heritage and the extraordinary Quiraing, before finally boarding our long-awaited ferry from Uig to Barra.
From Castlebay and Kisimul Castle, our journey then takes us north to beautiful Eriskay, with its native ponies and connections to Bonnie Prince Charlie, before crossing through South and North Uist — a landscape of machair, lochs, crofts, ancient monuments and the enduring story of Flora MacDonald.
Another ferry carries us from Berneray to Harris, where we visit historic St Clement's Church at Rodel and the breathtaking white sands of Luskentyre. There we have a chance encounter that leads to a memorable visit with renowned Harris Tweed weaver Donald John Mackay, who introduces the boys to the traditional skills behind this world-famous Hebridean cloth.
Storms, snow, punctures, ferries, castles, Jacobites, spectacular beaches and plenty of family adventures — somehow, we have finally caught up with our itinerary.
And as we arrive in Tarbert, our journey north is only just beginning. Next stop: Harris, Lewis and **Outer Hebrides Episode 3**.
