Location: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Position: 55 N 37.645 006 W 11.347
Distance travelled: 0nm

It certainly doesn’t feel like August. There is a chill in the air and the forecast remains unsettled. Today’s survey was cancelled due to strong wind warnings and extremely low visibility. But looking on the bright side, there are worse places to be storm-bound than Islay, otherwise known as the ‘Whisky Isle’. However, it appeared that there was only one thing on most people’s minds…….hot showers. So an otherwise miserable day was spent sampling the delights of Islay Community Leisure Centre which had hot showers and a sauna. Luxury! Back on board, the rest of the team took the dinghy out into the bay for a spot of fishing. On their way back, they encountered the hungry, resident grey seal of Port Ellen harbour who was keen on sharing Alan’s freshly-caught mackerel with him, and at one point looked as if he would climb on board to get it. The day ended with a noodle-tastic meal cooked by June, our volunteer from Singapore.

Laura (HWDT Sightings Officer)