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Why we love the Scottish Islands

Whether it’s cycling miles of beauty, wild swimming its lakes, stargazing its dark nights, puffin-watching or munching on a local delicacy, the Scottish Islands are packed with opportunities. 

There’s the rugged Outer Hebrides, where you’ll find ancient wonders, white sands and some of Britain’s oldest rocks, and the Inner Hebrides, which includes its Skye with inky lochs and black volcanic hills, and Islay for its perfect whisky. Check out nearby Staffa for one of the greatest geological landmarks on earth. 

The Isle of Arran boasts knife-ridged scenery carved by ancient glaciers, while those looking for a far-flung adventure should head to Orkney, complete with a Neolithic town that predates Stonehenge.

Things to do in the Scottish Islands

Marvel at the mysterious Neolithic standing stone circle on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Find out more about the Calanais Standing Stones

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis
Calanais Standing Stones

Held throughout the Shetland Isles, this annual festival captures the spirit, music and hospitality of Scotland.

Visit Shetland Folk Festival

Photo by: Shetland Folk Festival

Location: Islands

Shetland Folk Festival
Shetland Folk Festival

Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited castle overlooks Loch Dunvegan, and is surrounded by pristine countryside.

More about Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Photo by: odrida_

Location: Islands

Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Above the Sound of Raasay, this monumental natural landscape is a spectacular hiking location.

Meet the Old Man of Storr

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Islands

Couple standing near basalt pinnacles, watching mist
Old Man of Storr

This Isle of Skye lighthouse is a fantastic spot for photography, wildlife watching and sea-breezy walks.

Visit Neist Point Lighthouse

Photo by: Getty Images/JulieanneBirch

Location: Islands

Young walker looking at the view
Neist Point Lighthouse

This sea cave is formed of hexagonal columns – just like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Plan your trip to Fingal’s Cave

Photo by: VisitScotland

Location: Islands

Staffa Island and Fingals Cave in the Inner Hebrides
Fingal’s Cave

For whisky with a view, take a tour of the oldest working distillery on the spectacular Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Discover the Talisker Distillery

Photo by: Talisker Distillery/Jakub Iwanicki

Group of people viewing glasses of whisky at Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery

Immerse yourself in the art and culture of the Western Isles at this vibrant arts centre in Stornoway.

What’s on at An Lanntair

Photo by: Ewen Weatherspoon/ Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Location: Scottish Islands

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
An Lanntair

Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding pro, Scotland’s west coast is a surfer’s dream.

Go surfing in the Inner Hebrides

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Islands

A man paddleboarding in the sea off Traigh Beach Arisaig
Surfing in the Inner Hebrides

Handmade pottery, delicate artworks and traditional keepsakes: you’ll find them all at this ceramics studio.

Shop at Uig Pottery

Photo by: Uig Pottery

Location: Islands

Uig Pottery
Uig Pottery

From freshly caught seafood and organic-grazed beef, to artisan cheeses, small-batch gins and traditional haggis.

Explore Isle of Arran food and drink

Photo by: Isle of Arran Food and Drink

Location: Islands

Isle of Arran Food and Drink
Isle of Arran Food and Drink

As you walk, listen out for the strange squeaking, rustling ‘song’ of the sand as you step.

Plan your trip to Singing Sands Beach

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Woman standing in water at Singing Sands beach
Singing Sands Beach

This Isle of Skye restaurant has a spectacular location, and a fabulous menu to match.

Dine at The Three Chimneys

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Islands

Shucking Oysters
The Three Chimneys

This Isle of Skye shack is famous for its incredible seafood: think oysters, lobster and scallops.

More about The Oyster Shed

Photo by: Rebecca Schochenmaier / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Cuillin Hills mountain view from The Oyster Shed Restaurant on Isle of Skye, Scotland near Talisker Distillery
The Oyster Shed

Home to just 170 people, this small island in the Inner Hebrides is famous for its white-sand beaches.

Plan your trip to Iona

Photo by: Getty Images/roy.james.shakespeare

Location: Islands

A high angle view of an independent young woman walking on the white sand with the crystal clear blue waters of Iona, Scotland
Iona

This mill on the Isle of Lewis has worked with Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel.

More about Harris Tweed Hebrides

Photo by: Getty Images/David Johnson

Location: Islands

Bolts of Fabric-Harris Tweed.
Harris Tweed Hebrides

Welcome to one of Britain’s most vibrant seabird sanctuaries, with sightings of dolphins and whales too.

Discover St Kilda

Photo by: Shutterstock / Martin Payne

Location: Islands

A cleit (store) on the abandoned island of St Kilda, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
St Kilda

The ‘Small Isles’ of the Inner Hebrides are a haven for wildlife watching, nature walks and rich history.

Explore the Small Isles: Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Descent into Cleadale, Isle of Eigg
Small Isles: Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck

On clear days, the views from the summit of Goatfell reach as far as Northern Ireland.

Hike up Goatfell

Photo by: Getty Images/Sam Spicer

Location: Islands

Man climbing to mountain summit, Scotland
Goatfell

Retreat to a private island: a haven of spa treatments, fine dining and luxurious accommodation.

Visit Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

Photo by: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island

Location: Islands

Isle of Eriska Hotel
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

In July and August, the Shetlands’ wildlife is at its most vibrant, as this guided tour reveals.

Discover the Shetland Late Summer Experience Tour

Photo by: Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Birdwatchers watching gannets and great skua soaring past sea cliffs and stacks at seabird colony at Hermaness, Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK
Shetland Late Summer Experience Tour

Swim alongside incredible marine life or a fleet of wrecked wartime ships; diving at Scapa Flow in Orkney should be on every diver’s bucket list.

Find out more about diving at Scapa Flow

Photo by: @krakendivingorkney

Scuba diving at the WW1 wreck at Churchill Barrier no.3
Scapa Flow Scuba Diving

Marvel at the mysterious Neolithic standing stone circle on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Find out more about the Calanais Standing Stones

Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis
Calanais Standing Stones

Held throughout the Shetland Isles, this annual festival captures the spirit, music and hospitality of Scotland.

Visit Shetland Folk Festival

Photo by: Shetland Folk Festival

Location: Islands

Shetland Folk Festival
Shetland Folk Festival

Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited castle overlooks Loch Dunvegan, and is surrounded by pristine countryside.

More about Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Photo by: odrida_

Location: Islands

Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Above the Sound of Raasay, this monumental natural landscape is a spectacular hiking location.

Meet the Old Man of Storr

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Islands

Couple standing near basalt pinnacles, watching mist
Old Man of Storr

This Isle of Skye lighthouse is a fantastic spot for photography, wildlife watching and sea-breezy walks.

Visit Neist Point Lighthouse

Photo by: Getty Images/JulieanneBirch

Location: Islands

Young walker looking at the view
Neist Point Lighthouse

This sea cave is formed of hexagonal columns – just like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Plan your trip to Fingal’s Cave

Photo by: VisitScotland

Location: Islands

Staffa Island and Fingals Cave in the Inner Hebrides
Fingal’s Cave

For whisky with a view, take a tour of the oldest working distillery on the spectacular Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Discover the Talisker Distillery

Photo by: Talisker Distillery/Jakub Iwanicki

Group of people viewing glasses of whisky at Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery

Immerse yourself in the art and culture of the Western Isles at this vibrant arts centre in Stornoway.

What’s on at An Lanntair

Photo by: Ewen Weatherspoon/ Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Location: Scottish Islands

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
An Lanntair

Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding pro, Scotland’s west coast is a surfer’s dream.

Go surfing in the Inner Hebrides

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Islands

A man paddleboarding in the sea off Traigh Beach Arisaig
Surfing in the Inner Hebrides

Handmade pottery, delicate artworks and traditional keepsakes: you’ll find them all at this ceramics studio.

Shop at Uig Pottery

Photo by: Uig Pottery

Location: Islands

Uig Pottery
Uig Pottery

From freshly caught seafood and organic-grazed beef, to artisan cheeses, small-batch gins and traditional haggis.

Explore Isle of Arran food and drink

Photo by: Isle of Arran Food and Drink

Location: Islands

Isle of Arran Food and Drink
Isle of Arran Food and Drink

As you walk, listen out for the strange squeaking, rustling ‘song’ of the sand as you step.

Plan your trip to Singing Sands Beach

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Woman standing in water at Singing Sands beach
Singing Sands Beach

This Isle of Skye restaurant has a spectacular location, and a fabulous menu to match.

Dine at The Three Chimneys

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Location: Islands

Shucking Oysters
The Three Chimneys

This Isle of Skye shack is famous for its incredible seafood: think oysters, lobster and scallops.

More about The Oyster Shed

Photo by: Rebecca Schochenmaier / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Cuillin Hills mountain view from The Oyster Shed Restaurant on Isle of Skye, Scotland near Talisker Distillery
The Oyster Shed

Home to just 170 people, this small island in the Inner Hebrides is famous for its white-sand beaches.

Plan your trip to Iona

Photo by: Getty Images/roy.james.shakespeare

Location: Islands

A high angle view of an independent young woman walking on the white sand with the crystal clear blue waters of Iona, Scotland
Iona

This mill on the Isle of Lewis has worked with Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel.

More about Harris Tweed Hebrides

Photo by: Getty Images/David Johnson

Location: Islands

Bolts of Fabric-Harris Tweed.
Harris Tweed Hebrides

Welcome to one of Britain’s most vibrant seabird sanctuaries, with sightings of dolphins and whales too.

Discover St Kilda

Photo by: Shutterstock / Martin Payne

Location: Islands

A cleit (store) on the abandoned island of St Kilda, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
St Kilda

The ‘Small Isles’ of the Inner Hebrides are a haven for wildlife watching, nature walks and rich history.

Explore the Small Isles: Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Descent into Cleadale, Isle of Eigg
Small Isles: Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck

On clear days, the views from the summit of Goatfell reach as far as Northern Ireland.

Hike up Goatfell

Photo by: Getty Images/Sam Spicer

Location: Islands

Man climbing to mountain summit, Scotland
Goatfell

Retreat to a private island: a haven of spa treatments, fine dining and luxurious accommodation.

Visit Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

Photo by: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island

Location: Islands

Isle of Eriska Hotel
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

In July and August, the Shetlands’ wildlife is at its most vibrant, as this guided tour reveals.

Discover the Shetland Late Summer Experience Tour

Photo by: Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Islands

Birdwatchers watching gannets and great skua soaring past sea cliffs and stacks at seabird colony at Hermaness, Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK
Shetland Late Summer Experience Tour

Swim alongside incredible marine life or a fleet of wrecked wartime ships; diving at Scapa Flow in Orkney should be on every diver’s bucket list.

Find out more about diving at Scapa Flow

Photo by: @krakendivingorkney

Scuba diving at the WW1 wreck at Churchill Barrier no.3
Scapa Flow Scuba Diving

Places to stay in the Scottish Islands

The Scottish Islands are home to some of the most dramatic landscapes you can imagine, peppered with ancient monuments, unspoilt beaches and wildlife havens… But with so much choice, how do you narrow down where to stay?

Outer Hebrides

Whether you wake up to the ocean, stay in a secluded cottage or rent a huge designer house, you’ll find it here. Choose from Lewis and Harris in the north or the southern islands of Barra and Uist.

Inner Hebrides

This area includes Skye (the only island connected to the mainland by a bridge) and nearby relaxed neighbour Raasay, where you can stay at a distillery. The largest of the islands is Mull, where you can choose scenic Tobermory for special coastal views or the south if you want to get away from it all.

The Isle of Arran

The majority of the villages here are on the east coast, near Brodick and Lamlash, and these have the most amenities. In the south you’ll find Whiting Bay and fantastic seafood; Corrie is one of the prettiest of its villages, with stone cottages and a harbour.

Explore nearby

Shetland, Scotland

Island life beckons in wild Shetland.

Photo by: Shutterstock/Marcin Kadziolka

A woman sitting in grass overlooking a spit and fields
Orkney, Scotland

Escape the everyday in enchanting Orkney.

Photo by: Getty Images/Westend61

Man straddling two sea stacks overlooking a rocky outcrop and the ocean

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture, with a heart that beats through its people.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a castle on a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

One epic road trip with hefty mountains, dazzling beaches and tranquil lochs.

Photo by: North Highlands

Location: Highlands, Scotland

visitscotland_41471252178

Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

Photo by: VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

Getting to the Scottish Islands

There are daily flights to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. There are also three ferry points of entry when travelling from the mainland. Several daily flights also run from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Shetland, as well as ferries between Aberdeen and the main town of Lerwick every day, year-round. You can also fly to Orkney from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Shetland.

Ferries travel from the western mainland (around a three-hour drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow) out to Argyll & The Isles on a frequent basis. Two ferry services run to Brodick on the Isle of Arran from Ardrossan on the mainland; Ardrossan is a 45-minute drive from Glasgow.

Getting around the Scottish Islands

The north of Scotland

Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by NorthLink Ferries. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council, while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago’s 13 island destinations.

Scottish island-hopping by plane

In some instances, it’s possible to go island-hopping by plane. Some islands have a local airport where chartered flights are operated from mainland Scotland and beyond. There are also inter-island flights in:

By bike

There are some pretty awesome cycling routes that should be taken while visiting the islands.

By foot

Walking around the islands is one of the best ways to take in the big vistas and landscapes and see nature up close. VisitScotland has a few suggestions.

By bus

Travel by bus in the Outer Hebrides for a wallet-friendly way to see its landscapes. Stagecoach provide bus services in Orkney, and Zettrans look after Shetland’s bus network.

Want to know more?

Check out VisitScotland for top insider tips and travel inspiration.