I am posting this question for a couple of friends who are considering a Scottish islands cruise (Orkneys, Shetlands, and more) on Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT).VENT charters a small 46 passenger boat for the trip.

Has anyone heard of this outfit or taken a small cruise boat around the Scottish isles? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Guy, I've not heard of them, but having checked the web site, that's not surprising.

Is the purpose of this trip the boat or the birds?

Thanks for the reply. My friends' interest is in the birds and the more remote and exotic destination of these isles. I believe (but am not certain) that the locations may also contain some prehistoric sites that interest them.

The boat is not the reason for their trip. However,having taken a number of large cruise trips and small boat nature excursions myself, I believe they would not be interested in a large cruise line given their sightseeing objectives.

VENT is a very well known and reputable Birding Tour Company. I have been on a number of their trips. Just realize that Birding Tour Companies concentrate on birding and not much else. They probably will not have time for visiting any prehistoric sites.

I think they might do better with one of the local guiding companies. Just a thought, tho'

Local guiding companies? Do you have any information or links about such companies? I'm afraid that I am completely unfamiliar with this area and what options my friends may have.

I'll have a hunt for you. The RSPB's mag is probably the best place to look, but there are two commercial mags called Birdwatch and Birdwatching which might be OK, too