Many different islands with secluded white sand beaches, tall mountains, quaint blackhouse settlements, and amazing wildlife are dispersed off the coast of mainland Scotland. These ten outstanding Scottish islands must be on your list of future travels.
1. Isle of Arran
It is frequently referred to be Scotland in Miniature since it is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. That’s because this place has everything that Scotland has to offer. This Scottish island has everything, from a craggy shoreline to medieval castles and whiskey distilleries producing the most well-known Scottish 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 islands and the biggest island in the Inner Hebrides. This is in part because Skye is simpler to access than many other Scottish isles because of a bridge that connects 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
One more of the top Scottish islands to visit is Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Despite the name, there are mountains dividing this island into two parts. Lewis and Harris, the largest island in Scotland and the major island of the Outer Hebrides, are renowned for their stunning beaches and extensive cultural history.
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
This Inner Hebridean island features castles, sand dunes, crescent beaches, and some of the greatest seafood in the Country. On Coll, the residents are also welcoming. A couple pulled over and offered to take us to a nearby hotel restaurant.
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.
Scotland’s Shetland Islands are some of the most picturesque islands in the North Sea. Visitors seeking to disconnect from the outside world and experience the magic are drawn to the area by its secluded beaches, stunning coastline, and Viking past.
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 Another excellent Scottish island to visit is Lunga. It is one of the Treshnish Isles in the Inner Hebrides, and among other bird species, it is well-known for its puffins and guillemots.
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 the best islands to visit in Scotland.
Neolithic sites in Orkney include Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old town, and Maeshowe, a chambered tomb with Viking sculptures. The islands are renowned for other things as well, such as their magnificent 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 famous for its infamous Kinloch Castle, which is located on the island. Visitors can now take a tour of the inside, which the original owners are said to have used for scandalous parties in the Edwardian era.
Excellent walking routes may be found across Rum through the fields, through hills, and along the coast. This Scottish island has a lot to offer tourists, including isolated red phone boxes, wild animals, and the blue sea.
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, together with Vatersay.
Among Scottish islands, Barra is distinctive in a number of respects. The fact that Barra Airport is the only one in the world with a runway that is a tidal beach 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.
On this Scottish island, there is a wealth of history to explore, including the majestic outline of Kisimul Castle, Neolithic monuments, and standing stones.
