Many thanks for the tip on this book I'm going to buy it for sure …

I have been with my wife to Mull, Iona and Skye and loved every minute of it, truly a magical experience.

I wouldn't want to live on Iona but it has this most amazing atmosphere that is difficult to accurately describe really. It's just so peaceful, remote and beautiful, with the sound of the sea and the wind blowing … There is also that spiritual element - I can quite understand why they chose this island to start their monastic settlement when they did. The abbey is really quite special. We were lucky enough to visit on a lovely sunny day, but I think it would be incredible in any weather, like most of the Scottish countryside.

We had quite a time on Mull as well including the most amazing coincidence. Booked ourselves into a farmhouse B+B only to find that I recognised the owners as parents of a school friend of mine from 30 years ago. Then I found that my friend was staying there for a while so was great to catch up and indulge in a little reminiscing …

I also have to tell you a story about our visit to Skye. It's an incredibly austere place in a way, both in terms of the countryside and the attitudes but I don't mind it. You have to get used to B+B owners checking that you are married - that kind of thing … I was told residents can still get in trouble for putting your washing out on a Sunday! We were looking for a place to stay one evening and it was getting late, so as we were driving up to one possible B+B we noticed someone looking at us from a window. Parked the car, went in to the house but there was nobody there. Called out loudly, still nobody came. Waited a bit and then left - it was so weird. And then as we were driving away I looked back to see the same person staring at us from the window. It was so spooky - I couldn't leave quickly enough. Like something from 'The League of Gentlemen'. Fortunately the rest of our visit was superb - great countryside, historic houses, great food … I won't forget the venison cooked in whisky cream sauce.

I will read that book and plot another island excursion with our son in tow this time …

What surprised me there was how quickly the mists could come down. Ronnie and I were out walking one day in the hills. One minute it was bright sunshine, the next I almost lost her in the fug. It lifted again just as quickly. Would have been terrifying if we'd been further up one of the bigger hills (not really mountains)

Thats her in the little circle at the left