pinkpanther52

A Little more info about Scalpay It is from 2012 - I will try and find out somemore.

"Introduction

Scalpay Estate, comprising the majority of Scalpay with some smaller islands, has been

offered to its residents as a gift by the current owners, the Sue Taylor Settlement Trust.

The Trustee (and in effect the owner) Fred Taylor has also offered to gift the glebe park

adjacent to Scalpay Lighthouse and the former Ministry of Defence tracking site, both of

which are owned by him personally. In 2011 the Scalpay Community Land Steering

Group was established with a remit to commission a feasibility study that would help the

community make an informed choice about the future ownership and management of the

Scalpay Estate. This report presents the findings of the study. An assessment of wind

energy potential is described in a separate report.

The Island and Community

Scalpay is within the Western Isles, off the east coast of Harris and now connected by a

bridge. It is 4km long and 2.5 wide, the majority of the land area belongs to the Scalpay

Estate and is under crofting tenure. In the 1970s Scalpay was an important fishing

community but the fleet has since declined. There are few job opportunities on the island

and income levels are below the Scottish average. Scalpay’s population is 320 with a

high proportion of elderly people. The island boasts a strong network of community

organisations and has a community run shop and cafe, mini-bus service and a

community centre. The primary school was closed in June 2012 due to the declining

school role.

Scalpay Estate Finances and Obligations

The Scalpay Estate currently generates an annual income of between £2,500 and

£3,500. Regular income is received from croft rents, mast rental and wayleaves; regular

outlays are for the factor’s salary, public liability insurance and accountant’s fees. Income

usually is greater than the expenditure and over recent years a small surplus has

accrued. Landowner obligations include rent collection, provision of insurance cover,

presentation of annual accounts and corrective conveyancing, if required, when land

titles are transferred.

Acquisition, title and legal issues

As the current owner is proposing to gift the Estate to the community there would be very

little cost to the community other than legal fees. Although not technically required it

would be in the community’s interest to register the title deed in the Land Register of

Scotland and this would entail a detailed mapping exercise to identify all the land being

transferred. At the same time it is recommended that croft land and common grazings are

also mapped. The foreshore is identified in the current title deeds as belonging to the

Estate, though this may be open to challenge by the Crown Estate".

No worries about the off-topic ... I believe it's right on target. I agree with Suekay ... Here in Germany, whenever you see "serious" documentaries about "that place" ( I LOVE how you titled that --- since it really shouldn't be upgraded by being called by its name) and the German tourist crowd that visits it ... it is done so with an air of "Fremdschämen", which basically means to be ashamed of somebody elses behaviour, in this case the horde of tourists. Also there are reports on the problems this embarrasing group of people cause for the local population ... so be assured ... most of my fellow citizens feel sympathetic with you locals ... definitely NOT with the raging, brainless, drunk beyond believe trash-tourists. Sigh, of course we have those too ... or otherwise we wouldn't be writing this right now.

 

I do like to drink ... red wine, sparkling wine, cocktails, beer --- I draw the line before Schnaps and other hard liquors. The Allegrissimo pays off nicely for me. But that doesn't (hopefully) put me in the same league as the hordes we're talking about here. I like to enjoy a drink while I'm having fun... I don't drink it to have fun. It's a tough topic ... I believe it's easy to cross the line that turns it from enjoyment to a problem. So I really don't want to proclaim heavy use of it here.

 

Oh God, have I done that by posting the cocktails each day already?

 

Is anybody feeling offended?

 

If so ... please tell me and I'll immediately stop!

 

Stef

No offence Please keep posting pictures of the Cocktails. History on a Sea Day I am intrigued 😀

no questions - just wanted to say that this is officially the best review that has ever been on cruisecritic. Full stop. No argument. The end.

 

And my opinion really counts too :p:p:d

agreed 😀😀😀

Invergordon

Getting there

We decided on a thorough early breakfast in the Sahara buffet restaurant. A pleasure with views of our adventure coming closer and closer:

That’s our pier coming up

Aehm, are we supposed to swim ashore?

…and what are these science fiction tanks in the background?

Anybody know the old British tv show “the tripods” ? I was kind of expecting one of those three legged things to appear behind one of them. By the way I loved that show as a kid and still today– never got over the fact they didn’t end up filming the third and last part…but I got it as a dvd with a listening cd for the third part… so I know how it ends…lol – not like I would tell ya.

Today we had a grand road tour planned. Tarik’s biggest wish on this cruise was to see Loch Ness … well actually he was intend to shoot a picture of Nessie. So that had to be integrated into the plan. I wanted to visit some highland games, since I’ve never seen such a thing before and thought it would be more of a local event, rather than a tourist trap. When I did my planning I was happy to find out that there actually would be some Games going on that day… quite a ways up north --- in Helmsdale.

Now we knew for sure that we’d need a car, since no public transport would offer us both - Loch Ness and Helmsdale in our time frame.

Booking the car online was real easy. I had fun to e-mail with Clare MacKay from Ken’s Garage, who was very helpful and friendly. Whenever in Invergordon, I’d take one of their cars again in a heartbeat.

Now all that was left to do was look up some sights on the way to fill the long driving sections. Little did I know, that the actual driving would turn out to be a big highlight of this day. Of course I knew it would be a scenic drive…but just wait and see how beautiful it really turned out to be.

The ship arrived on time. I was quite happy with that, since we wanted to jump in our car as soon as possible (preferably before the herd of tour busses left). I was a little aggravated when we didn’t get to actually leave the ship until 40 minutes later. Sigh, 40 minutes can mean a lot on a busy port day.

But once we were released, we started to walk the pier to shore. You get the rental car keys and papers in a little hut right next to the exit of the port…You simply cannot miss it if you walk straight on. I thought it’s a small company with a few cars – all Peugeots.

Well, I underestimated them a bit. They had at least 15 cars there. I don’t know if you were still able to rent one on the spot or if they were all prebooked though. The formalities were handled very quickly and soon we stood next to our car for the day with the keys in hand.

We’re in Scotland, so the stirring wheel is on the right hand side and you have to drive on the left side of the road. For us Germans this feels very odd, but Tanja was experienced in this from driving in Malta (decades ago) and she said she’d do it. Good – since I was way to chicken to try.

I’ll tell and show you all about our gorgeous drive in the next three posts. After that I’ll start with the actual stops we made, okay?

Stay tuned!

Stef

I loved the Tripods as well

Although I live in Edinburgh one of my very good friends lives near Invergordon and I am in the area quite a lot and can't wait to hear all your post about the area.

Loved seeing your photos of arrival I have never seen that view before.

Oh and those tanks are:-Naval Base[edit]

"A naval base in the early 20th century, evidence of which remains in the tank farm lying behind the town centre, which used to contain fuel oil and water for admiralty ships, and the Admiralty Pier, where once warships docked and which is now used for cruise ships in the summer and oil field support vessels through the year. One German bomb hit one of the tanks during World War II when a large flying boat base occupied much of the northerly coast of the Cromarty Firth, the result of this being that the fuel oil flowed onto the railway tracks. According to town history the bomb did not explode."

Hope that last bit does not offend you.

Jackie

Yes, that is it. In the US visiting a casino can be a big deal and involve travel and a vacation to do it. Where I live, Ohio, we just built 4 casinos about two or three years ago. That's it. 4 in the whole state.

Yes it is a bit different over here. We have about 4 in Edinburgh itself and slots in every bar!!!

If we live in a state/area that does not permit casinos, they do not permit slot machines either. In my state, a slot machine must be old enough to be antique, must be registered with U.S. Treasury and can be for private use only. We do not have slots in bars and betting shops are illegal.

 

We do have a dog racing park and until this month, there was a horse race track but that has closed.

We do have lottery and the lottery sponsors Keno gambling in bars/restaurants etc.

 

 

Well thank you for the info that explains lots😄

In the U.S., not everyone has casinos near them. Some states/communities are very resistant to permitting casinos/gambling and do not issue permits. It can be a plane ride for some folks to visit a casino.

 

While my state is right now in the process of voting and deciding about permitting casinos, any of us from my general area would have to drive about 3 hours to get to a 'full service' casino. Not worth it to me, for sure. :)

AH I see. Do you not have slots in Bars, Betting Shops and other places as well.

How very diplomatic.:) :D

 

Yep, no big deal in Jersey cos the locals know their notes aren't legal elsewhere in the UK.

But the Scots can get up-tight and protective about their bank notes, which are indeed interchangeable with Bank of England notes but outside Scotland can get shop clerks in a bit of a tizzy.

 

 

JB :)

cheeky 😀😀😀

Ok I understand why the ships include Casinos as it makes they lots of revenue but have always wondered why passengers appear so keen to spend time playing "slots" or spending hours at card tables. I admit it is not my thing but I go on cruises to try and experience different things and you can go to a Casino or play slots anytime you want when you are at home. Please enlighten and not flame me.😃

Loving the review and can't wait for more. Glad you enjoyed your visit to the hometown.😃

I would be more than happy to go they would probally be better behaved than some of the people on my last cruise

Part 3

A few thoughts and overall impressions.

Food

I found the food in general and in the MDR to be very good apart from deserts - although to be said I am not really a desert person but I did enjoy the Chocolate Fondant and the Macha Ice Cream.

However dinner service felt a bit rushed - only about 1 1/4 hours to 1 1/2 hours for dinner - pretty quick!!.

I was most disappointed in the breakfast buffet. The coffee was dreadfully and could never find "proper" bacon or poached eggs.

Freestyle was Ok but I prefer Traditional but this would not stop me sailing NCL again.

Cabin

I really liked the Solo Cabin it was a great size and the "padding" and mood lighting were funky. The shower was a good size as well. It would be great if NCL did outside Solo Cabins like some other cruise lines.

Dress

I found most people were uber casual especially when going for dinner. I think this is a cultural thing but it takes a bit of getting used to.

Niggles

The music at Sailaway was FAR too LOUD.

A general lack of outside space.

The ship always left late and I think this made the captain "put on steam" to make up time, this made it very wind and difficult to sit on deck of an evening.

My biggest issue and I do understand that this is NOT NCLs fault is that there were some VERY rude people.

I saw on man screaming at the staff during muster drill as it was not going quick enough and he wanted to get to the Casino!!

Several people either shouted or blocked the entrance to the lifts as in their opinion it was to full - well the buzzer had not gone off so evidently not.

I saw at least one incident of several couple being very rude to restaurant staff ashore. - I am sorry but if you are American and in the Med you are not in Kansas anymore - so to speak. I saw two separate couples verbally harassing staff at a café as they did not serve free Iced Tea with Lunch nor did they have Hot Dogs or Hamburgers and the menu was in FRENCH. Also shouting in ever increasingly loud American or snapping your fingers will not get you anywhere.

It was good to be able to agree with the waitress they were morons. - I have to hope their food was safe to eat!!! ;-0

Culture difference.

As said the very quick dinner time.

The White Hot party - what is that all about!!

The 15% extra on drinks - now the EPIC is sailing year round in the Med and the Canaries should NCL not adopt the local policy advertise the actual price for drinks.

Summery

Would I sail NCL and the Epic Again???

Yes I would but only if it was a different ports

Jackie

Hi LuvBNattC Edinburgh UK (for now!)is in the County of Midlothian Spooky ;) Anyway The passanger mix was mostly American quite a few Italians got on inRome and the rest mainly from the Uk or Ireland especially the Solos and a few Middle Eastern families. I got on fine travelling on my own but then I have been doing it off and on since I was 16 and am now 49 ;) Never got any hassle or felt out of place but was told how dangerous it was to explore Cannes on my owm I mean WTH.

Part 2

Naples

Met Judy in the Solos lounge after breakfast and we caught the ferry to Capri, this was one of the places I really wanted to see and it did not disappoint.

Civitavecchia

Met some of the other solos and we caught the courtesy bus into town. Was VERY glad I chose not to go into Rome. We really enjoyed Civi and had a great walk along the shore and beach and a lovely lunch and some drinks in a nice café. Everyone I spoke to who went to Rome said it was really rushed and busy and they were very worried about getting back in time as the trains were heaving. Got back on board about 15:00 and went to the water pool for a shot on the slides - good to try once but not over enthralled.

Went to Le Bistro one of the speciality restaurants with someone else who wanted to try it. TBH I did not find the food a great deal better than the MDRs but the service was much more attentive and relaxed.

I also went to the Ice Bar which I thought was a great experience. It was quite to I was able to stay about 50 mins.

Livorno

I went on an NCL organised trip to Lucca and Pisa. This was to be my only organised trip and I was glad. Lucca was good but I would have rather have had much more free time to explore by myself, not that the guide was not good but I think he tried to cover everything including the obligatory church visit. I guess I am a more independent type of person and would have been happily with "Lucca on your own" but it was my 1st time doing and excursion and you learn by experience. Hated Pisa as it was far to crowed for me but I can tick off the Leaning Tower on my to do list.

Cannes

I had planned to go to Grasse by train but when I turned up at the meeting place to get the tender it was complete chaos. Lot of people turning up late and then pushing and shoving to get to the front, people with scooters ramming through the crowd and people saving place for the rest of the group. WELL I did not want to go to Grasse that much so I went and had a coffee and returned later - much better. In the end I was glad as I really enjoyed Cannes - It turned out to be my favourite port.

I had a walk around the shops and along the sea from, almost mown down by the paparazzi who were chasing someone (it was the film festival) .

Majorca

Ooooh last full day. After getting organised I met up with the some others on the "Adult only" deck for to watch the ship dock in Palma, then after lunch it was off in to town by local bus for a wander around and the some Cava to toast our cruise.

Disembarkation

I chose the latest disembarkation time and it was really straight forward. I had to wait a bit for a taxi but I was in no rush as I was staying another night before flying home.

OK part 3 tomorrow (hopefully)

I have done a Mini Cruise before but this was from the UK and this was my 1st cruise in the Med.

I flew to Barca a couple of days early and stayed at the Marina View which is down by the waterfront.

Embarkation was very easy, caught the bus from the port about 10:30, check in and had to wait about 30 mins until my number was called and was on board by 11:30.

We were told that even if our Cabins were not ready we could put our carry ons in them if we wished. That said I decided to drop my bag off. I was in a Solo Studio and as it turned out it was ready and my checked luggage had arrived - Very Impressed. I unpacked and investigated the Cabin. Loved the funky mood lighting and shower. The Cabin Steward introduced herself. I then went and spent the rest of the day exploring the ship, having Lunch and a cocktail, got changed for dinner and went to the Solos meeting in The Lounge to meet Gaby our host and other solos including Judy who I had arrange on the CC Roll call to go to Capri with.

Went for Dinner in the Manhattan Room with a couple of other girls from the Solo group. We were all VERY surprised how uber casual everyone was dressed for dinner. Still the food was good even if the service was a bit quick.

Evening entertainment - Howl at the Moon.

Sea Day.

I explored the Buffet for breakfast before chilling for a while and then going to the CC Meet and Greet. The Meet and Greet was excellent and I met a few more Solos. Then we went off to the Cabin Crawl. Nice to see the suites and Haven but for me I am not sure I would fork out that amount of money - a Balcony or outside Cabin would be nice tho.

Had Lunch at the buffet - my favourite bit was the "Ethnic" Corners - Chinese and Indian I found the rest of the choices a bit plain and was very disappointed in the cheese and desert selection.

Went to the Martini tasting and teamed up with Judy and a couple of others. You got six small Martinis (probably about a 1/3 of a normal Martini) I found the to be just right but the others found them to be a bit strong my favourite was the Apple Martini.

I chilled out on deck for the rest of the day before going to get changed for dinner and the Solos meeting and the group dinner. I told Gaby how it would be nice to have cheese rather than desert and she told me just to ask - Result.

OK back latter with rest of the trip.

Jackie

Hopefully not

Agreed

Thank you AmoMondo for such a detailed reply. Sound lke it would suit me just fine. I to am happy to read my Kindle and explore during the day but it is nice to have people to talk to at dinner as I do like a nice relaxed dinner. I am looking at itineries from Copenhagan or Hamburg so I guess it will be very mixed. Looking at the Splendida Orchesta or Sinfonia and possibly a back to back. The med atmosphere sounds great. Two other questions What time are the dinner sittings - I like early at home but find too much to do on holiday to eat very early and What is your favourite "class" of ship?. Thanks againl

Hi see you are also from Edinburgh and I understand you cruise solo on MSC. I was looking at a MSC cruise to Norway or the Baltic for 2015. As I would be cruising solo I wondered what the demgraphics are like. Are many other English speakers on board? As I would be on my own it would be nice to have people to mix with. How do you find the solo experience? I have cruised with Fred Olsen and NCL and have been very happy. The price on MSC is very good so it is tempting. I have travelled a lot so enjoy different experiences. Thanks Jackie

Hi hope someone can help. IF I decide Not to go into Rome and go to the beach towns Santa Marinella or Santa Severa can I buy a ticket to Santa Severa then stop at Santa Marinella on the way back. OR if I do go to Rome could I stop off at one n the way back? Or do I have to buy seperate ticketts for each portion. Many Thanks

Thanks for this info. I was considering the UBP but this looks Much better. I mainly drink wine but enjoy a cocktail on Holiday. If I get the Viva Vino package I would have to drink about 28 cocktail!!!! to make it more than the UBP. Lets hope it is available on the Epic from Barcalona.

Hi there,

 

Sorry to jump in on a post like this but I have a related question :)

 

Can anyone tell me what times NCL excursions leave at. Is there somewhere i can find this info out.

 

I am looking at Florence and Pisa excursion and possibly Naples walking tour or Herculaneum. It would be handy to know what times the tours leave the ship so I know if its an early start or if I have time to do things in the morning.

 

Thanks in advance :)

Hi. If you go to "My NCL" and click on the excursions page and then the excursion itself to get more details if you scroll down to the bit you book it you should find the time there.

Thanks I was not really worried about being left behind more of being rushed and how long the trip was going to be especially as Cannes is a tender port. I want to ask about the UBP so when I phone about that I will ask about the excursion.

Open toed sandals for men at dinner are not allowed. Also cheapo ugly flip flops on men aren't allowed, however, women's flip flops that are leather, or biltzy and blingy are absolutely fine.

I am not doubting your experience but can anyone else confirm that leather or dress flip flops are OK for the more formal MDR? By this I mean sparkly Fit Flops rather than the plastic beach type? Thanks

Hi I am cruising Western Med in May on the Epic. 1st time on NCL and I was wondering about excursions. I know it is a big ship but they offer multiple excursions at each port. Do they ever cancel certain excursion? Are they always on big coaches? And specifically I was looking at one from Cannes that leaves at 13.15 is 4.5 hours long therefore back at ship at 17.45. Departue is scheduled for 18.00 is this not cutting it a bit fine? Thanks.

:) Drop Scones are not like scones!!! They are small thickish sweet pancakes cooked on a Hot Plate. No idea whey they are called Drop Scones. :) Well I may try the Bread Pud after all you may as well try new foods on a cruise :)