I visited Handa this weekend. It is small island close to the mainland of the North West of Scotland between Scourie and Cape Wrath. The island is well known as a key seabird nesting location including the Great Skua, pictured above, the Arctic Skua, Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes etc.

There is also an abundance of flowers on the island and we were lucky enough to visit when there were carpets of thrift across the grass and bright circles of thrift clinging to the cliffs which surround the island.

I would have sworn I had never been there before but I subsequently discovered that I had made a previous visit, aged seven, when we were holidaying with my grandparents at the Scourie Hotel. In those days a visit to the island required negotiating with a local fisherman. Today there is a regular ferry service across the sound to the island which is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is easy access, easy walking and well worth a visit.