Each has its own distinct character, scenery, and history, as those who have visited these microcosms of Scottish life will attest. In other words, if you haven’t taken a ferry to at least a few of these intriguing locations in Scotland, whether it be a vacation to tiny Iona or a hike through the formidable Cuillin highlands of Skye, you haven’t truly seen the country. The ten largest islands in Scotland are listed here to whet your appetite.
1. Lewis and Harris
Lewis and Harris is by far the largest island in Scotland and, after Great Britain and Ireland, the third largest land mass in the British Isles, with a total area of 217,898 hectares. Both names are used to describe the island’s two sections, which are divided by mountains. There are about 12,000 residents in Stornoway, the island’s capital. The island’s beaches, notably the Reef Beach in the photo, have white sands and turquoise waters, making them some of the greatest in all of Scotland.
2. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second-largest island, covering an area of 165,625 hectares. The rugged Cuillin mountain range dominates Skye’s landscape, making it the most northern of the Inner Hebrides islands.
3. Mainland, Shetland
The fact that Mainland is the largest island in Shetland can frequently befuddle visitors. It is the second most populous of the Scottish islands, with about 19,000 residents, and has a land area of 96,879 hectares. Its capital city is Lerwick.
4. Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull covers an area of 87,535 hectares and is home to the charming and colorful seaside town of Tobermory. It’s one of the best spots in Scotland to watch animals like otters, red and fallow deer, mountain hares, white-tailed sea eagles, and golden eagles, making it a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
5. Islay
With a size of 61,956 hectares, Islay rounds out the top five largest islands. The island, often known as “The Queen of the Hebrides,” is well-renowned for producing whisky and is only a few kilometers from the shore of Northern Ireland.
6. Mainland, Orkney
The Mainland, also known as Hrossey and Pomona, is the main island in Orkney and is home to 75% of the island’s inhabitants, many of whom reside in the towns of Kirkwall and Stromness. Its size is 52,325 hectares.
7. Arran
Arran covers 43,201 hectares and is referred to be “Scotland in miniature” for the variety of its scenery. With about 4,500 full-time people, the island is split into highland and lowland regions by the Highland Boundary Fault.
8. Jura
The island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides is 36,692 hectares large. Although the eighth largest, it ranks 31st in terms of population, making it one of the least densely populated islands in Scotland. The famous Jura distillery is located in Craighouse, which is also home to the majority of the population.
9. South Uist
South Uist, the second-largest island in the Outer Hebrides, has a surface area of 32,026 hectares. It’s the only area in the British Isles where prehistoric mummies have been discovered and has been inhabited for thousands of years.
10. North Uist
North Uist is the tenth biggest island in Scotland and measures 30,305 hectares, making it significantly smaller than its southern neighbor. A massive burial mound at Barpa Langass, several standing stones, and a stone circle at Pobull Fhinn are among the island’s attractions.
