Posted by Maris on 25th Oct 2023
Top 10 Picturesque Islands in Scotland You'll Want to Visit
Off the coast of mainland Scotland are numerous islands with quiet white sand beaches, majestic mountains, charming blackhouse communities, and wonderful wildlife. These five remarkable Scottish islands should be on your bucket list for future trips.
1. Isle of Arran
Because it is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, it is often referred to be Scotland in Miniature. This is due to the fact that this location contains everything that Scotland has to offer. This Scottish island has it everything, from a rugged coastline to medieval castles and whiskey distilleries creating Scotland's most famous beverage.
On the Isle of Arran, one can find waterfalls tucked away down quiet trails, mysterious ancient stone circles, and an endless supply of adorable sheep.
2. Isle of Skye
It is one of the most well-known Scottish and biggest islands in the Inner Hebrides. This is partly because Skye is simpler to access than many other Scottish isles because of a bridge connecting it to Scotland's northwest coast.
On many trips to the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye is a popular stop. It's the perfect location to see the splendor of the Hebrides and take in the hues of cities like Portree.
Skye's highlights range from impressive waterfalls to enchanted fairy ponds. The island also houses some of Scotland's top eateries.
3. Lewis and Harris
Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides are another must-see Scottish islands. Despite its name, this island is divided into two pieces by mountains. Lewis and Harris, Scotland's largest island and the main island of the Outer Hebrides, are known for their beautiful beaches and rich cultural past.
There is a lot of natural and historic beauty in this region of the Western Islands, from the white sand and turquoise sea of Luskentyre Sands to the Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones and craggy coastline of Loch Suaineabhal.
This Scottish island truly has it all, from gastronomic delights like Stornoway black pudding to fashion highlights like the renowned Harris Tweed.
4. Coll Island
Castles, dunes, crescent beaches, and some of the best seafood in the country can be found on this Inner Hebridean island. The people on Coll are also friendly. A couple stopped over and offered to drive us to a hotel restaurant nearby.
5. The Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands, often known as Shetland, are part of the Northern Isles archipelago. The northernmost region of the United Kingdom is Shetland.
The Shetland Islands in Scotland are among the most beautiful islands in the North Sea. The area's isolated beaches, magnificent shoreline, and Viking history attract visitors looking to detach from the outer world and experience the magic.
There is much to learn about in this region of Britain, from the orca whales and Shetland ponies to the lanes of Lerwick, the capital.
6. Lunga Island
Pint-size Lunga is another fantastic Scottish island to explore. It is one of the Treshnish Isles in the Inner Hebrides, and it is well-known for its puffins and guillemots, among other bird species.
Great views of the lake and the below-water vessels are also available from Lunga. The island is fantastic for nature lovers.
7. The Orkney Islands
The Northern Isles, often known as Orkney, is an archipelago in the north that include the Orkney Islands. Due to their secluded beauty and extensive history, they are among Scotland's best islands to visit.
Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village, and Maeshowe, a chambered tomb featuring Viking sculptures, are both Neolithic sites in Orkney. The islands are also famous for their stunning sandstone cliffs, seals, and spectacular shoreline.
Nevertheless, this is not just about the natural highlights. There are a lot of talented designers in Orkney. In the islands, talented native artisans create gorgeous goods, from jewelry to furniture.
8. Isle of Rum
One of Scotland's top islands to visit is the Isle of Rum, one of the Little Isles in the Inner Hebrides. I visited this location when sailing through the Hebrides, and I adored everything about it, from its beaches to its castle.
Rum is well-known for its infamous Kinloch Castle, which can be found on the island. Visitors can now take a tour of the interior, which is reported to have been used for scandalous parties during the Edwardian era by the original owners. Walking trails through the farms, hills, and seaside can be found all across Rum. This Scottish island has a lot to offer visitors, such as isolated red phone booths, wild wildlife, and the water.
9. Isle of May
It's a natural reserve on Scotland's east coast known for its seabirds and old smuggling stories in the Firth of Forth. A haven for bird species, which dominate the environment and seem to cling to every cliff edge, is the Isle of May. From the pathways, it's simple to see them, from puffins to guillemots.
The Island of May is home to Scotland's first bird observatory since the bird life there is so significant. In the warmer months, visitors can take boat tours from North Berwick and Anstruther to see it and other areas of this Scottish isle.
10. Barra
Barra is the last island on the list of the top Scottish islands to visit. It is the most southerly of the inhabited Outer Hebrides islands and Vatersay.
Among Scottish islands, Barra is distinctive in several respects. The fact that Barra Airport is the only one in the world with a tidal beach runway is the most peculiar of them all.
If scheduled planes want to avoid landing when the runway is submerged, they must time their landings to coincide with low tide. Barra is a beautiful island with white sand beaches, breathtaking scenery, a rich history, and a strong sense of community.
This Scottish island has a wealth of history to explore, including the majestic outline of Kisimul Castle, Neolithic monuments, and standing stones.