Island Holidays Blog

Scottish Islands Charter

I was down at the British Birdwatching Fair last weekend at Rutland Water and it was as fantastic as usual. I'm told there were record numbers on the Friday and the Sunday and, indeed, it seemed to be pretty busy.  For the first time in 22 years I didn't have a stand but, thanks to my dear friend Johnnie Kamugisha, I was able to base myself on his - right next door to where I used to be.  I loved the freedom of not being tied to the stand and was still able to do lots of business.  By the way, if you're thinking of going to Uganda, Johnnie's your man.  He's really rather special.

One of the important meetings was with Michel & Ko from Oceanwide Expeditiions to discuss the option I have on chartering the gorgeous motor/sailing vessel, the Rembrandt van Rijn for a Scottish Islands expeditiion cruise next May.  It's a big step to take as I have to commit a rather substantial sum of money up front.  i managed to persuade them to give me until the middle of September but, over the past few days, there's been so much interest and, indeed, firm bookings that I know I'm going to risk it.  So if you're interested check it out.  We'll be taking just 32 passengers which will make it a rather exclusive club!  If it's anything like the last time we did this it will be fantastic.  Shame I can't have my gorgeous Russian captain but the captain comes with the ship which, when we've finished with her, will go on up to Greenland to be in time to enjoy the whales which frequent the area in late May.

This weekend I'm catching up with friends in Edinburgh where I lived in the 60s &I 70s.  I'm going to a lunch party first (fingers crossed for good weather) and then on to stay with Mary & Rod. Mary and I shared a flat back in 1971!  We're really busy at the moment which is terrific after a rather quiet few months so I'll stop waffling on.  Need to work out how to get photos on here - tried to put one up just now, lost the page and had to start all over again.  Grrrr.

 

British Birdwatching Fair

All over the world people are gearing up for Rutland.   The annual British Birdwatching Fair takes place next weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday and, once again, there will be an opportunity to catch up with friends and acquaintances from all over the world.  I love it! 

This year will  be very different for me because, for the first time in 21 years, Island Holidays won't have an exhibition stand.  It was a difficult decision but the time had come and so now I'm looking forward to seeing the other side of the fair - going to lectures and events, stopping to chat without looking over my shoulder with guilt that I should be back on the stand and all those things.

Of course we've still got lots of wonderful holidays to offer, some birdwatching (notably Cuba) and others more general. Crete and Iceland will both be back in our programme after a year's "miss".

Oh - one more piece of news.  We're planning to charter a 34-passenger sailing/motor ship to visit the Scottish Islands, including Foula and St Kilda next May.  Several people have already booked, taking advantage of the offer of 5% off if you book beefore 1st September).

Hey - this is turning into an advertisement not a blog.  It's just that I'm really excited about all these things and so looking forward to my first Bird Fair as a visitor.