Yumpu_ May_June 2017_02

ISLAND INCIDENTS
Roger Butler recalls winning a cruise on the Hebridean Princess
Scottish Islands Explorer Store
It had been a long day. My train was already delayed and I
killed time by drifting along the magazine racks at
Paddington Station. Cars, garden makeovers or needlecraft
did not appeal, but my mood suddenly improved when
I spotted a glossy Scottish title.
The content may have appeared fairly lightweight, but a
special competition caught my eye. I knew all about the
luxurious Hebridean Princess, partly because I had often been
on board when she worked as the much-loved Columba and
partly because I often received brochures that revealed how
she now carried more staff than guests.
I could but dream, but now here in front of me lay a chance -
albeit very slight - to win a four-night cruise in a style to which I
was not wholly accustomed. There were a few questions, but if
you knew the Hebrides, you could not really go wrong. Where
will you find the famous Singing Sands? Easy - Eigg!
Top-notch Cruise-ship
I posted an entry and forgot all about it until Claire, my
wife, rang me late one afternoon. A magazine had been on
the phone and someone had tried to explain that my name
had been drawn out of a hat. She was not sure what they were
talking about in confirming arrangements with a certain topnotch
cruise-ship.
I felt light- headed. I never thought people won competitions.
Dates were set, our suite was booked and the itinerary
was confirmed. In the meantime, just to oil the wheels, we
had planned a backpacking- trip to the islands. This was our
usual way of doing things, with a small tent, a tiny stove and
plenty of midge repellent.
Imagine our shock and surprise when we unzipped the door one
morning and saw the Hebridean Princess moored just offshore.
The luxurious Hebridean Princess is moored off-shore while an inflatable
ferries passengers to a remote-island beach. Hebridean Island Cruises Ltd.
Half an hour later, a red inflatable zodiac brought passengers onto
a sandy beach and we smiled as we saw foldaway steps being used
to avoid the slightest chance of wet feet.
Would they really allow rough campers like us on board,
even if we had won a competition? The great day came
towards the end of October and, as usual, we strode through
Oban carrying our hefty rucksacks, unusually packed with
fancy dining-attire. We joked that any welcoming staff might
point us in the direction of the ferry to Mull.
For Drinks?
That’s exactly what happened! We explained our predicament:
“We’re not used to this, please excuse us if we don’t fit
in. We won a competition …” The purser held out his hand
and escorted us to a warm lounge, “Please come this way, the
official photographer will be here in five minutes. Will you
join me for drinks?”
We soon settled in and never stopped smiling - or eating -
for the next four days. We called at Tobermory and Portree,
clambered over hills in Torridon and Knoydart and dashed
around dazzling autumn colour on the Ardnamurchan. One
banquet followed another and a captain’s reception seemed
to take place every night.
We’re still camping, of course, but if you only ever win
one competition ... make sure the prize involves the
Hebridean Princess.
In the Next Issue …
Mull - Ulva
Seaweed - Discover
Outposts - Depicted
Community - Shops
Rum - Castle
Blind - Piper
On Sale 18 June
1. Port Askaig (Islay) 2. Lochaline 3. Toft (Mainland Shetland) 4. Sconser (Skye) 5. Taylinloan
6. Colintraive 7. Easedale 8. Kennacraig 9. Lerwick (Mainland Shetland) 10. Iona
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50 SCOTTISH ISLANDS EXPLORER MAY / JUNE 2017