Mingulay via Stanton Banks, Coll and Tiree (2026)

The Stanton Banks are a Marine Protected Area lying about 23 nautical miles west of Tiree. A series of granitic ridges rising from 190 metres to within only 30 metres of the sea surface, they are rich in marine life and the associated upwellings are likely to attract a range of feeding cetaceans and migrant seabirds in this late summer period. To be honest, nobody has really looked very hard – and that’s why we’re excited to go and investigate. Most likely we will see Minke Whales, White-beaked and Risso’s dolphins, and we are hoping that Humpback Whale and Fin Whale might also be present. Seabirds are likely to include northern gannet, European Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, and Sooty Shearwater, while there is also a good chance of rarer visitors such as Pomarine Skua, Great Shearwater, and maybe even a Wilson’s Storm Petrel or Sabine’s Gull.

Along the way, we intend to visit the islands of Coll and Tiree, as well as Barra Head and Mingulay in the Western Isles. Exact itinerary is determined by local conditions and always at the discretion of the skipper.

Chris will be sailing as your expedition leader, wildlife guide and photography mentor.

Please note On our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the program we have offered. However, this is the West Coast of Scotland, and we, are governed by mother nature. So, on occasion, for your comfort and safety, we may need to, tweak, the original course that we are looking to follow. But wherever our tweaking takes us, our trip and destination anchorages will always be special.

Day 1: Oban; seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Isles.  Our departure point will be the pontoons just off Oban’s North Pier. We look to start boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at around 14:30, a short briefing introducing our new guests to life aboard ship, its safety procedures and getting you settled into your new home for the next 8 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage.  Loch Sunart; this impressive loch several miles long and just stunningly beautiful, very protected and a great place to cruise in bad weather. The small secondary loch, Loch Na Droma Buidhe near the entrance to Loch Sunart is, more often than not, our first nights anchorage.

Day 2: After a relaxed breakfast, it’s time to head for Tiree, passing the Northwest tip of Mull and views of islands scattered to the south.  We will anchor on the sheltered East side and have time to go ashore before evening meal.

Day 3: An early start will see us heading for open sea, passing the Skerryvore lighthouse and making our way to the Stanton banks.  Our charts will show us when we are there and all the while watching for seabirds feeding and spotting for whales.  Our intention is to overnight and move north for towards the southern tip of the Western isles.  Weather and sea state will dictate if we head back for Tiree for the night

Day 4: Depending on the day before we will be at Mingulay or if Tiree we will depart for Mingulay and anchoring here for the night.  We will be in constant watch for migrating seabirds and whales.

Day 5: With lots of time ashore and time to sail, we will explore the remote and seldom visited islands of Pabbay, Sandray and likely head for  Vatersay and Barra.  The skipper will look for a sheltered anchorage for the night.

Day 6: Leaving the Western isles behind and make for the island of Coll, passing the cairns of Coll, a series of little islands and rocks at the northern tip of Coll.  Anchoring down the east side for shelter, possibly at Crossapol bay, a very sheltered location with fantastic beaches.  Also, a good area in the past for Basking shark and a good time of year to see them.

Day 7: This morning shall see us continue west with an anchorage possibly around the Ross of Mull at the southern end of the island.  The crossing will see us passing the Treshnish islands and Staffa Island and we will keep a lookout for whales and dolphins.

Day 8: If time allows, we may stop at Iona and a visit to the Abbey before rounding the Ross of Mull and following the coast.  Time to keep an eye out for both eagle species and a great coastline for otters.  An option of being dropped off at Loch Buie and walking the 2 hours round to meet the boat at Loch Spelve is a possibility.

Day 9: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30.  We will keep an eye out for otter as we exit Loch Spelve channel, always a good place for a sighting.