MAGGIE SERVICE, ACTOR

Where is it?

Ardnamurchan, Lochaber. 

Why do you go there?

We used to go as a family every summer. My mum and dad would fill the car to the gunnels with food and supplies.

My brothers Tom, John and I would be squished in the back seat, listening to our trusty Walkmans (the soundtracks most likely being Mozart, Nirvana and Guys and Dolls respectively).

We’d make the five-hour car journey from Glasgow to the cottage we’d rent every year.

The days were spent rock-pooling, swimming, competing in the infamous “sinking sand Olympics”, seaweed-gathering, cowrie-finding, enjoying Highland Games, lighthouse-visiting, nature-spotting, drinking post-swim Thermoses of hot, sweet tea.

Sandy sandwiches, shooing cows away from our picnic, basking in the sun and sheltering from the rain. I loved every single second of it.

How often do you go?

I went with my folks on a day trip to take a wander down memory lane a while ago and my brothers have felt the same inclination, but we’ve not managed to all be there at the same time for years. It was always the highlight of my year (that and Christmas). 

How did you discover it?

My great aunt used to run the Kilchoan hotel. She is the reason for discovering most of my favourite places in Scotland. I’d love to be able to talk to her now about all things Highland, attempt some Gaelic speaking with her and learn how she discovered such wonderful places.

What’s your favourite memory?

I remember one year when we were all a bit older - I was a teenager by then - it was 11.30pm and still light. Because of its geographical position it barely gets dark, and the sky turns into seemingly endless magnificent sunsets of different colours every night. 

I asked if anyone wanted to join me for a late-night dip, but they were all ensconced in reading books or partaking of a tipple, so I made my journey over the stepping stones down to the beach. The white sand had turned light pink as it reflected against the sky.

The tide was fully in, and the water looked almost like liquid silver. I swam in the warm shallows feeling as though I was swimming in a painting as I looked out to the islands and then back towards the cottage with its inviting golden lights which held my family. It was an unbelievably tranquil moment in my life.

What do you take?

Books, Thermoses, walking boots, swimming costume, sun lotion, waterproofs and provisions, including Kendall mint cake.

What do you leave behind?
There’s hardly any reception, so you can basically leave your phone. 

Sum it up in five words.
Stunning. Majestic. Tranquil. Remote. Heavenly.

What other travel spot is on your wish list?
I’d like to swim with pigs in the Bahamas, see the cherry blossom in Japan and step foot on every Hebridean island. Each one has its own distinct personality. I’m up to 19 so far and counting…

Maggie Service stars in Good Omens 2, which launches on Prime Video from July 28