Alan Squires I made a similar trip in 2016 for my ancestor Kenneth McKenzie and Janet Nicholson. They lived on Rona in the early 1800's. There son William came to Australia in 1852 (my great grandfather). Kenneth accidentally drowned in 1822 during a storm. From then on Janet put a light in her Bothy window to show sailers the entrance to the harbour.

Kate What a great trip - looks like you had lovely weather.

MURDO Thanks to all for these kind comments. It's rewarding when a blog generates so much interest with people from the opposite ends of the earth!

Mairi Nicolson I am coming from Australia too with my sister Deborah, the keeper of our family history! Thanks for the wonderful blog. We're very excited to be coming to Raasay again and hopefully Rona.

Deborah I can't believe I chanced on this today. I too am planning to realise a long-held dream of mine to visit the birthplace of my grandmother, Barbara MacLeod and that of my grandfather's Nicolson family. Having been to Raasay several times, Rona always seemed not quite within reach. But this September I'm making it happen. Thanks so much for your photos - they will help in planning my trip (e.g. bring wet weather gear... I am coming from Australia!!) No doubt you are related, so mhath slainte and many thanks again.

Seonaid MacLennan A well written and interesting blog.Rona is such a beautiful island but our ancestors must have had it hard. I felt so honoured to be part of the group to visit Rona along with you Murdo. To also re-connect as cousins, perhaps far related but none the less related !

Stewart Really interesting Blog and atmospheric pictures ! well done

Alan Very interesting trip even if the weather did not help the photography. It is difficult to see how your ancestors mad a living on Rona. Looking into one's past is fascinating and I have managed to get back to late eighteenth century on both sides. On dad's side they were all miners. Next time you pass Hogganfield Loch imagine a row of miners' cottages. My great-grandfather lived there and my grandfather as a boy used to swim out to the island in the middle.

Kate What a fascinating trip!

PJ Claffey Murdo great to hear about your travels in the Irish midlands. I am from a village called Kilbeggan which you passed on the way to Moate. The next time you come over you could visit Locke's distillery in Kilbeggan. I still remember our good times in Vietnam last year. Off to India in October. Recovering from a hip replacement op last week and hope to be fit again to walk in India in October. Best wishes PJ Claffey