Great Coastal Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo explores the stunning scenery of Scotland's west coast and islands

Onboard the West Highland Line, Michael Portillo explores the stunning scenery of Scotland's west coast and islands as he heads to the Hebridean archipelago from the ferry terminal of Oban. On his way to the Isle of Mull, Michael watches eagerly for sea mammals in a stretch of water where many species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been recorded, before checking out the daily catch in the fishing port of Tobermory. Later, Michael heads to the tiny Isle of Staffa, where he follows in the wake of a young Felix Mendelssohn, who was only 20-year-old when he set eyes on the volcanic sea cavern, Fingal's Cave