2008 was the year that I finally got to grips with the Scottish islands, starting with Eigg and Canna at Easter, and ending with Colonsay in September. Over the summer I made it onto Gigha, Kerrera, Scarba and Shetland, including Noss and Fair Isle. One of the main highlights was reaching 800 on Scarba, while staying in the cottage on the Corryvreckan side of the island. Believing myself to be the only resident on the island, my peace was shattered when I arrived at the top of Cruach Scarba to be greeted by a party of schoolkids and staff who had camped on the summit overnight. They were based at the nearby outdoor centre of Rua Fiola.
Another highlight was the island of Noss, where I enjoyed an idyllic coastal circuit and climb of Noss Head, accompanied by nothing but puffins and perfect weather. There was also a perverse satisfaction in knowing that central Scotland was under a blanket of cloud and rain while Shetland was enjoying its best weather for years. Apart from the gut-wrenching crossing, Fair Isle provided perfect weather, and the two nights there plus hill plus ceilidh made it a trip to remember.
The year's finale was a surprise weekend (arranged by my wife Heather) to Colonsay, which was holding its first folk music festival. The highest point is only 143m but it is a fine hill nonetheless, and another tick on the list of all Scottish island highpoints - a long-term aim that will take me well into retirement. A diversion in 2008 was an unhurried picking off Munros for a second round, as it's been over 25 years since my first ascent of many of them. With more Marilyns, islands, second Munros and Corbett Tops, I've plenty to keep me going for years to come. Graham Tops can wait.
