The forecast is for strong winds on Friday and Saturday and Tarbert’s anchorage is not sheltered enough, so after a bit of essential shopping we went over to North Harbour on Scalpay. This is a nearby island which is now linked by a high bridge to Harris. It has quite a large population of 300+. More importantly it has 2 good natural harbours which are not clogged up with moorings. After a couple of tries we are comfortably anchored. On the first attempt it sounded as if the anchor was jumping over rocks so I decided to lift it and try again. It was very hard to move – maybe it had found some old mooring gear – after a bit of cruising round we ended up in just about the same place. We were later assured that the bottom was mud and good holding. The only problem is that when the wind is stronger I let out more anchor rope and we then swing from side to side through an even bigger arc. We took a short walk on the island and were advised that the holding is good and we are in a good place.
Tomorrow we will take a walk round the island – it does not look like a good day for sailing. However it looks as if the depression will be somewhat to the South, so we don’t expect as much wind and rain as most of the rest of the country.
Follow our track on Google Maps.
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| North Harbour, Scalpay – very sheltered |
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| Fish pier in N Harbour. The rocky hillside is part of Harris |
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| Sunset over Tarbert |
