Scalloway, Sumburgh and the otter!

The last week or so has been a very busy time indeed...

All starting last Friday when we arrived in Scalloway to spend the weekend with our dear friends Brian and Madeline that we first met back on Unst at the Baltasound Regatta.  It all kicked off with a fishing competition in the evening about 3 miles out just off the island of Hildasay. It was bright and sunny with a good stiff breeze and the fish were biting well.  Mine was the tiny catch of about seven mackerel and a cod which had to go back as it was so peerie! 

Heading out and back in again!

Saturday morning saw the start of the sailing regatta with some very fine Shetland Maids on the water.

After a brilliant weekend at Scalloway, we headed south and spent a couple of days at the delightful St Ninian's Island. The sun shone through and produced some wonderful warm days and superb sunsets.

Looking out over Bigton Wick.

The colours seem at their very best about half an hour after the sun has set.

The famous tombolo leading to St Ninian's Isle.  The finest and largest example in the British Isles

Then it was off to Sumburgh Headt to see the puffins and do some whale spotting...puffins a plenty but sadly no cry of 'tha she blows'. The puffins are so fascinating... we could sit and watch for hours...I think we did!

A gathering of puffins!

Goodness me they're hard to capture in flight!

Our last day was spent on the east side at Lunna Ness, famous for being the hub of The Shetland Bus.  After a good walk around the headland, we headed back inland to have a spot of supper. As we sat beside a ferry terminal eating, suddenly right beside us in the water, splashed an otter!  It was manic as we rushed to grab the camera to capture the moment, but the little fellow obliged accordingly as he swam and dipped before settling on a rock.  He posed beautifully for us!  

What fascinating and wonderful creatures and despite a white hide of a motorhome, it was unfazed!