The brief visit to the Hebridean island was a short break to acquaint themselves with some distant relatives before setting off for another 42 months on the road.

Chris, who emigrated Down Under as a teenager, and Elayne – who is half-Scottish – sold everything they owned to fund the trip.

They have spent the last 18 months driving across Asia, Russia and the Middle East, also taking in Japan, Korea and East Siberia.

And Elayne took the wheel for the infamous “‘Road of Bones” through Russia as they motored to Mongolia, the Chinese border and then Afghanistan. 

Chris said: “When our kids are asked where are your parents they say: ‘We don’t know!’

“From here we are shipping the car to Halifax in Canada, then we will head up to Alaska, down back through America to South America and across to South Africa then up through Africa. 

“We have been in some dangerous places, such as Azerbaijan, but we wanted to meet ordinary folk and we’ve met some fantastic people.

“For instance, we received great hospitality in Iran.”

The couple’s bizarre car – constructed from Australian bull-bars – always attracts attention. 

Chris said: “It’s a weird car – once you see it you’ll never forget it, and what an icebreaker when we meet strangers. 

“You’re never too old to live an adventure,” he added. “Anybody can do this, it is just a question of having a go – it has been a privilege to do the trip.”