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Discovering Scotland’s Must-See Islands
From the lush rolling hills of the Highlands to the stunning lochs and glens, Scotland is renowned for its natural beauty. But what about its islands? Scotland is home to over 790 islands, each with their own unique charm and character. Whether you’re looking for a remote hideaway, a bustling city or a nature-filled adventure, Scotland’s must-see islands have something for everyone.
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the most popular of Scotland’s islands. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, the Isle of Skye is home to a wealth of attractions. There’s the dramatic Cuillin mountains, the fairytale-like Fairy Pools, the picturesque fishing villages, and the mysterious Loch Ness. With its rugged landscapes, rich wildlife and ancient monuments, the Isle of Skye is the perfect destination for a wild and wonderful adventure.
The Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is a haven for nature lovers. With its sweeping coastline, rolling hills and ancient forests, you’ll never be short of things to explore. Home to a wealth of wildlife, including golden eagles, otters and red deer, you can take a boat trip to spot dolphins, seals and whales in the waters around the island. Don’t miss the chance to visit the majestic Duart Castle and the white-sand beaches of Calgary Bay.
The Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ due to its variety of landscapes. From the tranquil glens and forests to the rugged mountains and sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Arran distillery, one of the oldest whisky distilleries in the country, and take a hike up Goatfell, the highest peak on the island.
The Isle of Islay
The Isle of Islay is the perfect destination for whisky lovers. Home to some of the oldest and most renowned distilleries in Scotland, the island is the birthplace of many of the world’s most famous whiskies. There’s also plenty of natural beauty to explore, with rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches. Don’t forget to visit the prehistoric standing stones at Finlaggan.
The Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris is renowned for its stunning beaches, with many boasting a stunning white-sand shoreline. There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot, including seals, otters, dolphins and whales. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, why not take a boat trip to the Outer Hebrides and explore the stunning islands of St Kilda and North Uist.
The Isle of Jura
The Isle of Jura is known for its wild and remote beauty. With its rugged mountains, stunning lochs and ancient forests, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had. The island is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including red deer, wild goats and golden eagles. Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic ruins of the Jura Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
The Isle of Coll
The Isle of Coll is an idyllic island located off the west coast of Scotland. With its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect destination for a beach getaway. Take a boat trip to spot dolphins, seals and whales, or explore the island’s ancient monuments, including the Iron Age brochs. Don’t miss the chance to visit the world-famous Coll O’Dochart, one of Scotland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
The Isle of Iona
The Isle of Iona is a tranquil and spiritual island, located off the west coast of Scotland. Home to the ancient Iona Abbey, a site of pilgrimage for centuries, the island is the perfect place to find peace and tranquillity. Explore the island’s stunning beaches and take a boat trip to spot dolphins, seals and whales. Don’t forget to take a wander around the island’s ancient standing stones, a reminder of its rich history.
The Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is an island of contrasts, with its sweeping coastline, rolling hills and ancient forests. Home to a wealth of wildlife, including golden eagles, otters and red deer, you can take a boat trip to spot dolphins, seals and whales in the waters around the island. Don’t miss the chance to visit the majestic Duart Castle and the white-sand beaches of Calgary Bay.
The Isle of Orkney
The Isle of Orkney is an archipelago of over 70 islands, each with its own unique character. From the ancient standing stones at Ring of Brodgar to the beautiful sandy beaches of Stromness, there’s plenty to explore. Don’t miss the chance to visit Skara Brae, a prehistoric village dating back to 3000BC, and explore the island’s many ancient monuments and medieval villages.
The Isle of Canna
The Isle of Canna is the perfect destination for a peaceful getaway. With its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and abundance of wildlife, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a boat trip to explore the island’s rugged coastline and spot seals, dolphins and whales. Don’t miss the chance to visit the world-famous Canna House, an 18th-century manor house.
The Isle of Eigg
The Isle of Eigg is renowned for its stunning scenery and wildlife. Home to a wealth of rare and endangered species, including golden eagles, red deer and dolphins, there’s plenty to explore. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat trip to the uninhabited islands of Rum and Canna, and explore the dramatic coastline and stunning beaches. You can also take a walk up the island’s highest peak, the An Sgurr.
The Isle of Bute
The Isle of Bute is an idyllic island located off the west coast of Scotland. With its rolling hills, stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect destination for a beach getaway. Take a boat trip to spot dolphins, seals and whales, or explore the island’s ancient monuments, including the Iron Age brochs. Don’t miss the chance to visit Rothesay Castle, the island’s most famous attraction.
The Isle of Coll
The Isle of Coll is an idyllic island located off the west coast of Scotland. With its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect destination for a beach getaway. Take a boat trip to spot dolphins, seals and whales, or explore the island’s ancient monuments, including the Iron Age brochs. Don’t miss the chance to visit the world-famous Coll O’Dochart, one of Scotland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Scotland’s must-see islands are packed with adventure and beauty. From exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye to spotting dolphins and whales on the Isle of Coll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a remote hideaway or a bustling city, Scotland’s must-see islands have something for everyone.
