The recent Lonely Planet Travel Awards for 2010 features Walking Scotland’s wild beaches as the winner of “Most under-rated British day out”, I read this morning.

Four of us took a 3 hour stroll along the coast of Kintyre on Saturday -  a route we know as the “Seven beach walk” .  No other people, warm and sunny with no rain, indeed no fewer than seven different coves and beaches, lots of birdlife  – though only otter footprints in the sand rather than any live sightings this time – and good company. Perfect and not under-rated in my book.

The walk ended in Southend village where I enjoyed battered king prawn and chips, followed by the best butterscotch sponge – thanks Frances!

A few pictures of our trip to Sutherland..one of our favourite parts of Scotland

The E-type was perfect transport for our short break

The locals were curious, but friendly..

Discovered some new beaches too

I am always delighted to find new gems on my travels round Scotland. For some reason I had not been on the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry on my past visits to Skye, so when organising our latest Classic Car Club weekend on the island I decided to give it a try…and wow!

Here is the oldest crossing to the island, where the drovers would swim their cattle on the way to the markets, the route used by Johnson & Boswell in the 1770s and the boat used is the last of the hand operated “turntable ferries” once common on many highland routes – the Glenachulish is over 40 years old in fact!

Its a unique and great fun experience, now community owned, so even more deserving of support. The route has the added advantage of bringing you on superb, if fairly challenging roads on either side. Ok, the bridge is quicker and the Mallaig ferry can take more cars, but in this case the original is indeed the best. I will be back!

Visit Scotland could not buy better advertising than the latest series from Monty Hall, the marine biologist and rather rugged-looking ( according to my female colleagues in the office) adventurer, who spent most of a year in North and South Uist. Catch it on BBC i-player (if you live in the UK). I am sure it will soon be seen round the world too. And of course we can help you discover these islands for yourselves.

This weekend always marks the change from winter to summer timetables for the Calmac ferries serving the islands, with summer only connections re-starting and extra sailings on all the main routes. Just a wee milestone, like the arrival of the first swallow, to remind us that the spring and summer are on their way. Mind you I hear that more snow is forecast for the mountains this week – hopefully just enough to refresh the stunning back drop which they are providing to many of my favourite drives, like through Glencoe and over the  the “Rest & Be Thankfull” pass.

I am delighted to announce the launch of our new See Ireland differently holidays – check out www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk

It gives me particular pleasure to be offering holidays in the land of my birth, including quite a few options in Northern Ireland, where I am from – a true hidden gem.

It has been a lot of work for everyone here, and I have been enjoying spending time checking out hotels and great places to visit – and big thanks especially to Ben Ellis at Hungrybrowser for once again turning our ideas into a really exciting website. We will be adding lots more holiday ideas over the next few months – including some more combinations with Scotland.

Of course there are some exciting new options for “See Scotland differently” holidays next year, including our Island photography weekends, holidays on Shetland and Family Highland Adventure.

I was recently interviewed for top Travel Website 101 holidays, and for those interested, check out  my thoughts on travel in the UK and worldwide here.

Everyone at McKinlay Kidd was delighted that we have reached the finalists shortlist for the 2009 Scottish Thistle Awards - the Scottish Tourism Oscars – for “Operator Programme of the Year”.

(We were thrilled two years ago when we were not just finalists but won our category.)

The judges comments are particularly glowing:  ” (See Scotland differently) presents consumers with a clearly defined cornucopia of travel delights and the imagery used allows Scotland’s natural beauty and amazing built heritage to shine, enticing more visitors who are looking for what is unique and special about our stunning destination.”

Competition is tough so we wil just have to see what happens at the ceremony in October.

A question often asked of me, so here is some photographic evidence.

Not only did we enjoy some fabulous weather, but Heather and I also manage to find 20 dolphins, a deserted beach, a remote island (with its own bar) and great fresh seafood. Then on Monday, we took the ferry to the island of Arran for a night in the rather special hotel we feature there, had a wonderful dinner, stocked up on Arran Aromatics and cheese ( not in the same bag though), enjoyed lunch al fresco with a stunning seascape view, and  finally headed home.

Oh yes, here is the remote island where we spent most of Sunday.

All in all, that’s our idea of a perfect couple of days – well it s our 19th wedding anniversary too. Watch out for some new holiday ideas exploring Scotland’s best beaches very soon!