With the opening of the Skye Bridge in 1995 (Tolls abolished in 2004) most journey’s do not involve a ferry crossing. From where we are in Sleat it is quicker to use the Mallaig Armadale ferry but after a thirteen hour journey up from the South Coast we were far to late for the last sailing. However the glorious sunset that greeted our crossing this week made for a wonderful welcome back to Skye.
The photograph was taken at 10:30pm looking North North West from the A87 just before the Skye Bridge.
Grass Cutting Interruptions
Having been away for a couple of weeks of obvious warmth and some rain the grass had rioted. A morning spent trying to tame it was again interrupted by dolphins in the Sound of Sleat. Too far off land to photograph, the binoculars brought them closer enough to see that it was a pod of at least thirty who had rounded up a fish ball and were feeding playfully.
Macro Wasp?
The grass cutting was also interrupted to take some close up photographs of this wasp like insect.
Not sure if it was a horntail or something else.
Certainly docile in the mid summer sunshine. The image was taken on the driver’s door of my wife’s car where it had happily sat for over an hour.
When you get close up to insects the detail never ceases to amaze. The construction of the eye in particular proves fascinating.
Oronsay and Isle of Ornsay Lighthouse
Oronsay or Ornsay is believed to come from the Old Norse for ebb tide and there are a number of ‘Oronsays’ found throughout the Hebrides. Visited both of the Isle of Skye Ornsay’s today as I continued to scout locations for photographing forays.
Oronsay is accessed by a short walk from Ullinish and involves crossing a tidal causeway. Some excellent views back up Loch Harport to the Cuillin.
The Cuillin as viewed from Ullinish peninsular. Ardteck Point is in the foreground to the right, the famous skyline of the Cuillin provides the backdrop.
Back on the Sleat Penisular is the Isle of Ornsay and the Ornsay Lighthouse. In the background is the mouth of Loch Houn as it enters the Sound of Sleat. This is a very well photographed view. It is easily accessible with plenty of parking. On a good day the view can easily be enjoyed whilst supping suitable refreshment from the Eilean Iarmain Hotel that is situated in the small picturesque bay. Eilean Iarmain is also home to Gaellic Whisky – another reason to visit.
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