Loch Coruisk BBQ for Young Carers

On Friday 10th August, 9pm, Loch Coruisk wasn't as quiet as ussual for a Friday evening. The hills around the Loch became home to a group of folk from all over Skye - and further afield - enjoying an evening barbeque to the sound of some guitar and fiddle music (courtesy of Sandy and Roxy).

It was a perfect evening, and a perfect setting, for a BBQ - the red deer that gathered very close to us were really putting themselves at risk as I toyed with the temptation of helping one onto the BBQ... venison steaks!

The evening was made even more memorable by the dolphin that came right into Loch na Cuilce and put on a grand display for those present.

Marjorie Jagger of the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers Project let us know some more about what the evening was all about - the outstanding work that the Project is involved in, providing for the area's young carers.

Who, you may wonder, are these young carers? I'll let them answer that themselves with a quote from their publicity leaflet: "We are children and young adults under the age of 18, whose lives are restricted because we need to take responsibility for the care of someone who is ill, has a disability, is experiencing mental ill health or is affected by alcohol or substance abuse."

The Young Carers Project provides ongoing support for these carers in an environment which allows them to enjoy something of the normality and fun of childhood.

I think the total sum raised on the evening, from the ticket sales and raffle, was somewhere around £940. If you would like to make a donation to this cause, or to find out more about the work of the Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers Project, email Marjorie Jagger on mjagger@slccf.fsnet.co.uk

To see more photos of the BBQ, go here.

Dolphins near Loch Coruisk

No - not dolphins in Loch Coruisk but dolphins very near Loch Coruisk! (From the news this last week the last fresh-water dolphins have just become extinct!)

On Friday night at the Loch Coruisk barbeque (more in the next blog entry) those present were treated to a little dolphin display with a dolphin coming right in to Loch na Cuilce (the sea loch where boats land passengers to give them access to Loch Coruisk). It was a real treat to see that dolphin and an even bigger treat for me to see them in the same area from the boat the next day. I had been working over the weekend - the first time I have been to Coruisk for about 3 weeks so I was beginning to suffer withdrawal symptoms (!) - and while returning to pcik up a group of 6 ladies from Fife (Hello to you if you're reading!) we were suddenly surrounded by bottle-nose dolphins!

It was great! The only thing that wasn't great about it unfortunately was my skill as a photographer! I have never really used manual focus before and the camera just wasn't focusing so wouldn't take the shot. It was a little frustrating (I guess it was because of the heavy rain and the water getting on the lense but would be keen to hear if that would have affected it) but I managed to get a few shots in focus.

You can see a few more of the dolphin photos and a bigger version of this photo at www.mistyisleboattrips.co.uk on the photos section.

Coruisk-E-Q!

Well... A BBQ at Loch Coruisk!

On 10th August there is going to be a charity fund-raising Boat Trips & Barbeque at Loch Coruisk, leaving Elgol at 7pm.

The event is planned as a fund-raiser for the "Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers Project" with all money taken going directly to the charity. I guess all that's needed is good weather, and plenty of midge cream!!

Tickets are already dissappearing very quickly (saying this is not just a marketing ploy - they really are!) so if you are interested please do book early to avoid disappointment.

The Misty Isle will sail for Coruisk at around 7pm, returning to Elgol some time around 10.30 - 11pm. As well as the food there will be a few games around for all ages and possible a little music as well, and a raffle. Tickets are £20 per adult and £10 per child.

If you want to come along (and who wouldn't - Loch Coruisk is the ideal place for a family BBQ!) then log onto the Misty Isle Boat Trips website and go to the "Contact" page. Remember to tell them that you found out about the event through the Loch Coruisk Blog!