Vivid in Scotland

Having spend last summer on the South Coast of England, Vivid is making her way to the west coast of Scotland this summer. This presents a very rare opportunity to our clients as Vivid is offering the chance to see Scotland from a perspective you’ve never seen before. Sailing in Scotland is world-class thanks to it’s delightful combination of largely untouched land and seascapes, alongside an atmosphere of complete tranquility and natural beauty. Travelling between Clyde Marina and Dunstaffnage Marina, this is a unique opportunity that should not be missed! 

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With the current pandemic presenting challenges to the world of travel, “Staycations” are becoming the ultimate way to holiday this year, and it turns out that being on a yacht is the best place to be during a pandemic! 

Relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty Scotland has to offer, island hopping from the comfort of your yacht. Vivid is the perfect yacht with her enclosed deck saloon, so when it’s cooler at night you can be tucked out of the breeze but still admire the views. Along the way, witness incredible Scottish wildlife from dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks, to otters, seals and maybe the occasional whale, and swim in beautifully fresh Scottish waters, or relax and take in the mesmerising views that surround you while sipping a glass of champagne. Each trip is bespoke to you so each day can be as adventure-filled or relaxing as you wish. 

Sailing in the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde is a dream for most sailors and holidaymakers with its quiet anchorages and bays, charming towns and fishing villages, and modern marinas. The only problem is deciding where to go first! From Clyde Marina there is so much to explore. Below are some of our favourite locations to visit. 

Loch Fyne- Portavadie 

If you get a chance to visit Loch Fyne, a place known for its seafood and stunning landscapes, a great restaurant is The Oystercatcher- a contemporary pub and restaurant that stocks traditional Scottish craft beers and gin and specials in locally caught and fresh seafood. 

Admire the spectacular views along Loch Fyne from Portavadie. This is the perfect location for mesmerising views, coastal walks or relaxing amongst fellow cruisers. 

Also on the shores of Loch Fyne is the village of Ardrishaig. Enjoy a culinary feast at the award-winning Allt-Na-Craig House and more breath-taking views.

Isle of Bute 

Home to more stunning views and landscapes, the Isle of Bute also hosts some beautiful sandy beaches. Alternatively, you might want to cruise through the famous Kyles of Bute, the passage between Bute and the Cowal peninsula. Here you will immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery and wildlife, but also charming villages and traditional Scottish pubs. 

Isle of Arran 

This island is packed with everything that makes Scotland such a popular destination. Best known for its impressive Goatfell mountain, Arran is ideal for adventure seekers, historians or those wanting to grasp sense of authentic Scotland. The island is also well known for Brodick Castle and country park- a piece of Scottish history and now an important part of Arran’s landscape, framed by a forrest of trees, stunning gardens and surrounded by mountians, to include Goatfell in its backdrop. With views across Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde, this spot is perfect for a day out of exploring and admiring glorious views. 

If you are in search of some very traditional Scottish wildlife, Lochranza is located on Arran and is a favourite spot for red deer, otters and golden eagles. It also boasts castle remains, from the 1200s, on the mud flats of the bay with a stunning backdrop of the towering mountains dotted with wildlife. You may also want to visit the picturesque village of Lamlash- the largest village on the Isle of Arran.

Mull of Kintyre

Passage around the open waters of the Mull of Kintyre or along “Britain’s prettiest short-cut”, the Crinan Canal. Mull of Kintyre is the south westerly point of the Kintyre Peninsula and makes for another ideal spot for wildlife. Campbel Town is peaceful village that can be found in a bay sheltered by surrounding hills and countryside. It is the perfect place to base yourself for a day of adventure on the island. 

Venture up to the Isle of Gigha if you are on the look out for golden sandy beaches and deliciously fresh seafood. Gigha is best known for its beaches and turquoise waters, and is one of the most beautiful Hebridean islands- it is a little slice of heaven.  

Isle of Islay 

The most southerly island in the Inner Hebrides islands and only 25 miles from the north-east coast of Northern Ireland is the Isle of Islay. This stunning island is not only known for its beautiful scenery but also for its rich whiskey heritage. The island is host to a total of 8 distilleries that allow visitors to take tours, the 3 most famous being Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig. With 130 miles of coastline, Islay is said to be one of the most picturesque locations in Scotland and with a distinct lack of trees, scenic views stretch on for miles, opening up more of the Scottish wildlife and idyllic countryside and coastline.

Port Ellen is a very pretty village that can be recognised from the water by the uniquely square-shaped Carraig Fhada Lighthouse. While here, you should visit Machir Beach for 2 kilometres of soft white sand and often miles of empty beach! It is a great spot for some peace and privacy and ideal for watching the sunset. It is simply stunning and you shouldn’t leave Islay without seeing this beach. 

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Isle of Mull

Home to the well-known CBeebies programme Balamory, the Isle of Mull is known as Scotland’s Eagle Island because of the presence of White-Tailed Sea Eagles. While you are here, visit the charming town of Tobermory with its coloured “Balamory” houses, gorgeous coastline and marvellous beaches, to include Calgary Bay.  

Finishing at Dunstaffnage Marina, why not have dinner at the Wide Mouthed Frog restaurant that lies at the heart of the marina, acting as a social hub for fellow cruisers. 

Why not give Scotland a try this summer for a holiday you will never forget on the boat of your dreams! Contact Lizzie to enquire about Vivid and plan your perfect trip down the Scottish coast.

charter@diyachting.co.uk

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