Short break

Eleanor McLean

When my husband retired from work we decided that, as we wanted to see more of Scotland, we would take advantage of the short-break holidays offered by well-known tour operators.

One of these was a visit to Mull, home of my husbands ancestors and one of the organised trips was to Iona. As it took place on a Sunday we were able to take part in the church service which was presented very admirable by a group of young people. After exploring the churchyard, where we paid our respects at the grave of the late John Smith, we gazed anxiously at the sky as we could feel a few spots of rain.

A boat trip to the Isle of Staffa had been organised for the afternoon and we hoped the weather would be fine. Fortunately the rain went off, the sun came out and the stage was set for an unforgettable afternoon.

We set off by small boat on calm waters and in bright sunshine. After a delightful sail we approached Staffa and got off at the small landing stage there. We were fortunate that the weather allowed us to do this and walk along the narrow pathway to the cave.

It was breathtaking to see the cliff walls towering above us and we felt as if we were in a huge cathedral. With the music of Fingals Cave running through my head, I compared it to the simple elegance of the Kirk at Iona which was almost as impressive in its own way.

On leaving this majestic and awe-inspiring place, we climbed to the top of the island and had a magnificent 360 degree view of the sea and surrounding islands.

When we left, everyone on the trip agreed that it had been an outstanding and unforgettable day, the memory of which would probably stay with us for the rest of our lives.