Episode 5: ‘A Whole New World’ – Isle Martin
What does the Scottish coast look like from the water? This episode of Wild for Scotland leaves the solid ground of beaches and cliffs behind and explores the north-west coast and the Isle Martin by kayak.
‘A Whole New World’ is a story about changing your perspective in order to learn something new about a place you thought you knew like the back of your hand. Travelling is all about these kinds of learning experiences for me.
Kayaking is one of my favourite ways to explore and change my viewpoint. This trip to the Isle Martin, an outlier among the Summer Isles is no exception.
In this episode, we learn about the history of the Scottish kelp industry, the geology of the Summer Isles and the wildlife you can expect to encounter on the north-west coast – from seabirds to marine wildlife and even otters.
A big thank you to Will Copestake of Kayak Summer Isles for his help researching this episode.
Helpful links and resources
Book a kayaking excursion with Kayak Summer Isles.
Here’s an amazing read about the way we talk about the far north of Scotland (and it’s definitely not so “empty wilderness”).
Plan your NC500 road trip with my North Coast 500 Guide.
Learn how to forage for seaweed.
Listen to this very cool episode on kelp farming on How to Save a Planet.
Try seaweed products by the Scottish company Mara Seaweed.
Hike to the top of Stac Pollaidh.
Follow the Snorkel Trail on the north-west coast. (Downloads the PDF brochure)
Check out the Isle Martin Seaweed Festival.
Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.
Credits
Written, hosted and produced by Kathi Kamleitner. Additional support by Fran Turauskis.
Cover Art illustrated by Lizzie Vaughan-Knight. Musik by Bruce Wallace.
Additional sound effects from Zapsplat, Pond5 and SoundBoard.
All photographs by Kathi Kamleitner.
Images from the Isle Martin





