I have slept on the Isles of Bute, Lismore, Mull, Eigg, Skye, Islay, Iona, Orkney, Cumbrae, Arran, Lewis and Harris. All are islands off the west coast of Scotland. My memories are of the peace and quiet after the last ferry has left and of course the sounds of the sea. I remember looking through the visitors’ book on Eigg when we were on holiday and reading this entry: “How indistinct the mainland hills this autumn evening”.