HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

EXPLORE the haunting beauty of Scotland from two of the smallest, most luxurious cruise shipsHebridean Princess and Lord of the Highlands

DISCOVER the magnificent splendour of the Highlands and Islands, the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal.

INDULGE in locally sourced gourmet cuisine in the finest restaurants on the water.

RELAX in the elegant surroundings of individually designed cabins offering fine linen, the fluffiest of towels and lavish toiletries.

ENJOY an extraordinary level of service on one of the best holidays afloat.

EXPERIENCE the unique world of Hebridean Island Cruises.

[CONSERVATION] SCOTS PINES UNDER THREAT

The future of Scotland’s native Caledonian pinewoods, which date back to the last ice age, is on a ‘knife-edge’ according to research by a leading conservation charity.

A four-year study by Trees for Life found that the future of our pinewoods looks bleak due to high deer numbers – who eat pine saplings and strip areas of important vegetation – the spread of non-native conifers, a lack of long-term management, and the climate breakdown.

Caledonian pinewoods, which once covered much of the Highlands, are unique to Scotland and provide crucial habitats to Scottish wildlife, including red squirrels, capercaillie, and crossbills. Following centuries of deforestation, today just 2% of the forest remains.

Trees for Life’s senior ecologist, James Rainey, who led the study, has called for urgent action. He said: “These pinewoods should be playing a key role in Scotland’s fight-back against the climate and nature emergencies, but right now most are on their last legs. It’s not too late to turn this around, but that means seriously stepping-up restoration and rewilding action.” treesforlife.org.uk