Scotland Folk & Whisky

A wonderful combination of sailing, playing Folkmusic and visiting famous whisky distilleries.

This trip differs from other trips because nothing is predetermined. On this journey there are professional musicians who can inspire others and whose music we can enjoy with a glass of whisky in hand. Live music every day with our musicians, who play and jam to their heart’s content, in the evening in the local pub or on the ship. Anyone who has a warm heart for folk music, whisky and Scotland can join in and come along. We sail to some of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Our Musician

Joost van Es grew up in an artistic environment, and has played the violin since childhood, instilled in the beginning by his mother, later trained at the conservatory(?conservatory?). Very early on there was a great interest in everything related to folk music, bluegrass, country, and more and more string instruments were added. In 2008 he was an official finalist at the Nashville Fiddle Championships in Nashville, Tennessee (more than 100 participants from around the world). Joost has participated in a large number of music and music theater productions, mostly as a soloist on violin but also on other string instruments.

Scotland Folk & Whisky: Itinerary

We start our Scotland Folk & whisky journey in Oban, a cosy fishing village located around a beautiful bay. The famous Oban Whisky Distillery is also located here, which is well worth a visit. You will meet the crew and the other guests during a delicious welcome dinner with a musical note. We raise a glass of Whisky to a wonderful journey.
Besides the music and whisky, sailing is also important on this trip. To reach as many places as possible under sail, flexibility in the program is important. The route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.

Possible destinations:

Tobermory:

Picturesque Tobermory is the largest town on the Isle of Mull. It is a charming little town with brightly colored houses and a range of small businesses including a chocolate shop, bakery, candle maker, silversmith, art gallery and pottery. Tobermory is also known for its arts center, a small theater company and some good pubs and eateries. If time allows you can visit the famous Tobermory whisky distillery on our trip. There are a number of beautiful walks to be made around the natural bay.

Staffa/Iona:
The uninhabited island of Staffa is famous for Fingal’s cave and the basalt rock that can be seen around the island. The awe-inspiring cathedral-like cave is 70m long and 20m high. This place inspired Mendelsohn to write the “Hebridean Overture”. It is an unforgettable experience to see the swell crashing against the hexagonal rocks at the mouth of the cave.. Puffins can also be found on Staffa and the surrounding sea.
At the south west point of Mull lies the small island of Iona. In Gaelic/Celtic: Chaluim Chille, the island of Colm Cille, an Irish priest and prince who would later become Saint Columba. This small island holds a unique place in Scotland’s history. It ignites the imagination of thousands who travel here every year as monks, pilgrims, clan chiefs and kings. During the sailing trip from one island to the other, in addition to the beautiful landscape, we may also see basking sharks, minke whales and dolphins.

Jura:
The island of Jura is a paradise of unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty. The name Jura comes from Old Norse and means ‘Deer Island’, still an appropriate name as the 5,500 deer out-number the human population of 180. The Jura distillery is located in the town of Craighouse, at the end of the jetty where we will moor with the Flying Dutchman.

Small Isles: Muck, Eigg, Canna and Rum.
The four “Small Isles” are a group of islands located south of Skye, each with its own character but all incredibly beautiful. Both on land and off the coast, nature is breathtaking. From whales and dolphins to otters, seals and sea eagles, if you keep an eye out you might spot them here.

Islay:

Islay owes its fame to the 9 distilleries, which produce millions of liters of liquid gold. Because of the various taxes levied on alcohol, it is said to be the most heavily taxed part of Britain. Islay’s largest port is Port Ellen, in the south of Islay. Here you will find the distilleries of Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavullin and Ardbeg within walking distance. Many distilleries are beside the sea, so we have the opportunity to visit some by ship.

On the last evening we are back in Oban, where after a nice evening meal there is enough time to visit a pub. It has been a great and varied week where we discovered hidden gems of Scotland, music, Whisky and met new friends in a unique unforgettable way.

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The Flying Dutchman