Halcyon in the Hebrides

By (author) Bob Orrell

To celebrate 60 years of sailing Scottish waters, the author single-handedly sailed Halcyon, a 32ft wooden yawl, from Fairlie on the Clyde, round the Mull of Kintyre by way of numerous inner islands to Barra in the Outer Hebrides and to the Atlantic side of the islands, not often visited by cruising yachts. Bad weather forced a diversion to explore the sea lochs of the west coast of Harris and Lewis, the islands of Taransay (of the BBC’s Castaway series) and Scarp, famed for its ingenious ‘Rocket Post’ experiment.While visiting these numerous islands, he met local people and experienced the sometimes violent extremes of weather such as when he was storm-bound in Stornoway for several days. There are stories galore about the island people, snippets of interesting history, legends and folklore, tales of the sea and island life, the Hebridean fishermen and lighthouses – thus uncovering another dimension of island life. Bob recounts his travels and tales, some previously unpublished, in a relaxed and highly-readable style.As well as being a unique travel book, it is an insight into the rapidly-changing ways of island life and a useful sailing guide to the Western Isles and anchorages in the Hebrides. It would be of immeasurable help to sailors keen to venture into some of the lesser-known sailing areas of Western Scotland. This vivid and entertaining story of adventurous sailing among Scotland’s beautiful but challenging Western Isles will be enjoyed by keen sailors and armchair travellers alike – a truly memorable journey of over 1000 miles!

Reviews of Halcyon in the Hebrides

'There are tales galore in this lively 134-page paperback – history, legends, tales of the sea and island life.' The Scots Magazine ——————– '…this book presents its readers with a fine opportunity – to journey with him. …he reveals encounters, supplies appropiate connections, provides historical insights through anecdotes, but, above all, he is a combination of a skipper and steward who, through his words, embodies the essence of good company.' Scottish Island Explorer ——————– '…it is an adventure… …and ready for sharing. …a valuable sailing guide for those planning to embark on such an expedition. … For the less adventurous among us, find a couple of quiet hours, board a comfy armchair, sit back and enjoy the journey.' Whitehaven News ——————– 'The Hebridean Islands are not for the faint hearted, but the rewards for the plucky cruiser are great. Bob Orrell delved into 60 years of cruising the area to rediscover the thrill and beauty of this treacherous coastline, this time sailing single-handed.' Sailing Today ——————– 'Along the way, the author rejoiced and grimaced through Scotland's changeable weather; met fascinating people and visited places with fabulous stories, enjoyed adventures and described Scotland's amazing western coastline through a sailor's eyes. Bob is a lovely writer and brings to life the atmosphere and sights of his intrepid expedition around one of the most stunning coastal areas of Scotland.' FionaOutdoors ——————– '…a wonderful book. Well written, engaging, and unusually compelling for a work of non-fiction, this is a book that reveals the Hebrides in what for many readers will be an entirely new light.' Undiscovered Scotland