Guest Experts Joining Us in 2026 & 2027
We’re excited to be welcoming a number of guest experts on board across the next couple of seasons, they all bring something a bit different to the trips and we can’t wait!
They’re not there to change the format of what we do, but they do add depth for anyone who’s interested, whether that’s wildlife, photography, swimming, art or whisky.
More than anything, these are people we really respect, rate highly and enjoy working with, so it’s good to have them as part of the programme.
Chris Gomersall
Chris Gomersall is a wildlife photographer and guide with a strong background in conservation and a particular focus on birds and marine life. He spent many years working with the RSPB, alongside a long career in wildlife tourism, giving him a deep understanding of species behaviour.
Chris has also been sailing on the Hjalmar for over 20 years, so he knows the boat and how we operate inside out. He’s easy to spend time with, whether that’s helping pick out species on deck or offering advice if you’re trying to improve your photography.
He’ll be joining our Fair Isle and Orkney voyages in June and July 2026, with three different route options available, and will also return in 2027 for our St Kilda and Continental Shelf expedition. This is a longer offshore trip where his experience and eye for wildlife are particularly useful.
Emma, Wild Hebridean Swimming
Emma runs Wild Hebridean Swimming on Mull and has built a strong following around open water swimming in some of the most remote parts of the west coast.
Her focus is on making wild swimming accessible, encouraging people to experience the water in a way that feels safe, relaxed and enjoyable. She knows the conditions, understands the environment, and brings a calm, practical approach.
Emma will be joining our St Kilda and Shiant Islands voyage in July 2026 (which currently has one space remaining)where there will be opportunities to swim along the way, including at St Kilda if conditions allow. Emma will also be on our Autumn Watch around Mull cruise in September, this cruise is full. But don’t worry because Emma will also be part of our 2027 programme, joining our Mull and Treshnish Islands cruise that departs on 28 April 2027 for 5 nights.
James Stevens, Wildlife Cameraman
James Stevens is a wildlife cameraman who has worked on productions including Wild Isles and BBC Springwatch.
His work has taken him across a wide range of environments, but over the past nine years living in Scotland he’s developed a strong connection to the Hebrides, both in terms of wildlife and the wider landscape.
James has been working with Hebridean Adventures for a number of years and has joined us on many trips, you’ll also spot some of his fantastic work on our socials, so he’s very much part of the team when he’s on (and off) board.
What he brings is a friendly, hands-on perspective. If you’re interested in photography or filming, he’s someone who can explain things clearly and help you get more from it. And if you’re not, he’s just as useful when it comes to understanding behaviour and making sense of what we’re seeing.
He’ll be joining our Whales and Wildlife of the Minch and Sea of the Hebrides cruise in August 2026, a route where we regularly encounter a wide range of marine life.
Ann Miller, The Dram Queen
Ann Miller, known as the Dram Queen, has spent over 30 years working in the Scotch whisky industry and is a Master of the Quaich.
She now runs her own whisky experiences and courses, and has a depth of knowledge that comes from decades of hands-on involvement across the industry. She’s also a natural host, able to make whisky approachable whether you know a lot already or are just getting started.
Ann will be joining our Hebridean Whisky Festival cruise in September, hosting throughout the trip.
The voyage follows the festival across a number of island distilleries, and having Ann on board adds context to what you’re tasting and where you’re visiting, without it ever feeling formal.
Tori Ratfcliffe
Tori Ratcliffe is an artist whose work is inspired by coastal wildlife and the landscapes of the UK.
Her style is bold and expressive, focusing on colour, movement and character rather than fine detail. A lot of her work centres on seabirds and marine life, which makes the Hebrides a natural fit.
Tori will be joining us for a private charter in September 2026.
Rachel Bigsby
Rachel Bigsby is an award-winning seabird photographer, conservationist and expedition leader.
Her work has been recognised internationally, including awards in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Bird Photographer of the Year. She’s also a Nikon Creator and an RSPB Ambassador, with her photography exhibited at places like the Natural History Museum and the Royal Geographical Society.
Rachel has spent years working in remote environments, from the Arctic and Antarctic to the sub-Antarctic islands and the British Isles, with a particular focus on seabirds.
She’ll be joining our Whales and Seabirds of the Minch, North Rona and Sula Sgeir expedition in July 2027, a 10-night voyage into some of the more remote waters we visit.
Throughout the trip, she’ll be working with guests in a small group setting, offering practical guidance and helping people develop their photography in the field.
Rachel will also be on board our St Kilda and Shiants cruise in July 2027, which is already fully booked.
A final note
That’s the current line-up across 2026 and 2027. It’s something we’re enjoying building on, working with people who know their subject well and are easy to have on board.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more please don’t hesitate to contact us.
