Did the 90 minute seal spotting trip aboard Glad Tidings VIII as part of a day excursion from Newcastle, and it turned out to be an exhilarating experience! Both the skipper and his crew of one were very helpful with getting all the passengers, some of whom were mobility impaired, on board. Plenty of seating on both sides and also in the middle of this open boat. Some of us were apprehensive because there was a strong breeze, and as soon as we left the harbour and hit the open sea, it became very choppy, but the skipper handled the boat so well that I for one soon realised we were in safe hands! And as we approached the islands, the sea became calmer. We sailed around all the islands, including one with a large number of grey seals basking on the rocks. Did not see a great many seabirds however; the main nesting season is over in late August and all the puffins had gone, but we did spot several cormorants and shags nesting on the rugged cliffs of one island. We passed places of historic interest too: the medieval chapel of St Cuthbert on Inner Farne, and the red and white lighthouse on Longstone Island where the heroine Grace Darling lived, and we also saw Bamburgh Castle in the distance. The skipper gave us a commentary on the landmarks and the wildlife we saw, though at times I struggled to hear it above the noise of the wind and the waves. But as a whole, the trip was highly enjoyable, and the crew were knowledgeable and friendly and really looked after us. Would do another boat trip with Billy Shiel's if I return to Seahouses.