These Boots....: Plockton

Plockton, is a picturesque village nestled in a sheltered bay on the shores of Loch Carron in the Lochalsh region of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors arriving by road may find themselves navigating around a herd of very laid back and immovable Highland Cattle.

Once reliant on fishing and crofting, Plockton is now a popular tourist destination. Its quirky houses and the stunning views from the harbour are popular with photographers and artists seeking to capture something memorable.

The village benefits from a sheltered East facing position and a mild climate brought about by the North Atlantic Drift. Surrounded also by a ring of hills, Plockton has an abundance of varied scenery which has proven popular with film and television producers.

The BBC series Hamish Macbeth and Inspector Alleyn Mysteries were filmed in the village, as were some scenes from the film The Wicker Man.

A trip aboard the 'Sula Mhor' with Calum Mackenzie and his crew, is a very entertaining way to spend an hour or two with aspiring young sailors given the opportunity to steer the boat. Calum, a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, guarantees a seal sighting - or you don't pay!

We were in luck and spotted a several colonies of seals basking on various small rocky islands.

We also caught a glimpse of an otter, but as we slowly approached the rocky outcrop it was on it evidently decided we were too close for comfort and disappeared into the loch.

The return half of the trip provided a spectacular view of the dramatic Black Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye.

Continuing around the harbour on the way back to the pier the imposing Duncraig Castle came into view. Built in the 1860s, the building has had a varied history including a private home, a Naval hospital, a domestic science college for girls and most recently an upmarket B&B.