Here our Bursary participants - Martha Spence and Cameron Clark - write of their experience on our most recent voyage exploring the coasts of Mull, Morvern and Ardnamurchan aboard Lady of Avenel.
Sunday 4th August
On Sunday the 4th of August 18 budding sailors/musicians defied the Scottish summer weather and descended upon Oban by various transport routes. Having no prior sailing experience, we didn’t really know what we were getting into, but seeing lots of friendly faces to greet us at Oban Harbour certainly made us feel at home on the water. After settling into our cabins, we had ample time to explore the boat and exchange tunes before setting sail (motor due to wind direction) for the Sound of Mull. Despite the weather changing the original trip itinerary, late-night tunes, good food and even better craic meant we enjoyed the first night getting to know everyone on board into the early hours of the morning.
Monday 5th August
Setting off after a hearty breakfast of porridge, we set of to find a neat anchorage at Loch Aline; a small but homely town on the west coast. Some of us went ashore to explore the surroundings while others enjoyed the dry spell by sitting out on deck and playing some tunes. Making the most of the talented tutor Nessie on board, we had an afternoon tune-learning workshop while sheltering from the wind and rain. Trying our luck at fishing, but to no avail, before we knew it, it was time again to pile back into the saloon for more tunes… and more whisky.
Tuesday 6th August
With the weather only getting worse, the original itinerary was looking unlikely. But we didn’t need to worry, this meant that we were going to Tobermory, location and home of our favourite childhood TV show Balamory! To the background of ‘what’s the story in Balamory’…. The Lady of Avanel left Loch Aline mid-morning. Enjoying fascinating workshops with Hamish Napier on harmony and improvisation, we also had time to explore the beautiful island town, with more walks and things to see. After returning to the boat for another delicious meal we headed back onto dry land to go to Mcgeochans for a joint session with Mull fiddle week, rounding off the perfect day.
Wednesday 7th August
After spending more time in the morning exploring Tobermory and meeting locals like Professor Plankton, we said farewell to the tutor Hamish Napier, but not before we collaboratively wrote a tune about our week on the boat. More tunes in the saloon followed, and the night turned into another craic-filled tune session.
Thursday 8th August
Thursday morning’s weather allowed us to steer the boat, and finally after three days of fishing Cameron finally caught something- his own finger. Despite a plaster-covered finger, the day continued with a bowing and technique workshop with tutor Nessie. Leaving Drumbuidhe to explore Loch Sunart, we anchored at the serene town of Salen where we were able to explore the west highland landscape and local bar. After this we explored the loch all the way up to Strontian, but still no sign of fish. After a delicious curry night and homemade chai tea, it was back to the saloon to put the workshops into practice and play some tunes
Friday 9th August
Waking up to a rare sight of sun some of the group enjoyed a refreshing dip before the ship made haste for Lismore/Oban. We had more time to enjoy the peace of the west highlands we even had time for more tune workshops with Nessie.