Isle of Rùm, Small Isles, Scotland

Just because you are on an island never means that you are going to see only see along its coastline is itself and the sea. As if to prove the point, here's a view of Rùm from just a short hop north of Elgol. Since being captivated by this sight, I have had the good fortune to see it and other members of the Small Isles such as Eigg and Muck while on a ferry crossing from Lochboisdale on South Uist to Oban on the Scottish mainland. The hills of Skye were on view too though the day was no way near as wonderful as the one when I made the above photo.

Until it came under the ownership of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Rùm was known as the "Forbidden Isle" due to its being a playground for the privileged under previous owners, especially during the shooting season. These days, in contrast, it is far more welcoming towards the less well-healed visitor, even if limited accommodation and restrictions on bringing of dogs onto the island mean that some additional planning is needed over and above the likes of Skye. It has its own Cuillin too, though any similarity with their namesakes on Skye are solely to do with naming. That should being connoisseurs of hill country to a place that is away from the attentions of the masses and is why it came to mind while plotting a longer summer Scottish escapade though the weather sent me to the Strathspey and the Cairngorms in the end. That ferry from Mallaig may see me yet.