We finally managed to visit Skerryvore Lighthouse this summer. It was a thrilling trip. When we left Scarinish harbour, the sea was almost like a millpond, but as we rounded the end of Tiree, the Atlantic swell increased until 12 miles out from shore, out by the reef, the waves must have been about 40 feet high, described by the Skipper as "a little uncomfortable"!! We passed very many basking sharks en route, filtering plankton, and totally unconcerned even when the boat circled and cruised within feet of them. It was too stormy to round the lighthouse and as it was evening, taking photographs was difficult, as the sun was almost directly behind by the time we got out to the lighthouse. However, Skerryvore must rank as the most most striking lighthouse I have seen, beautifully proportioned and towering impressively from the raging seas at its foot.
To my knowledge, there are sadly no Clyne connections with Skerryvore, but I had to include it on the site as it is such a splendid lighthouse. On the trip out, however, we did meet a lady whose father had served there many years previously, while she was a child, living on Earraid, the shore station. Further details about the lighthouse, Earraid and our visit will follow in due course.
