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The Islands of Scotland
Surprising to many, Scotland has over
790 offshore islands, most of which are to be found
in four main groups:
Shetland, Orkney, the
Inner Hebrides and the Outer
Hebrides. Out of these four groups, there are over 95 inhabited
islands with a total population of just under 100,000.
The Northern Isles (Orkney and Shetland) have cultural
and historical ties with Scandinavia, whereas the west
coast islands have more affinity with Ireland. The
southernmost of the Atlantic islands, Islay, lies within
sight of Rathlin island and the coast of Antrim. The
Western Isles have the largest concentration of Gaelic
speakers in Scotland.
The islands of Scotland are some of the most enchanting
places on earth. Even the tiniest of them has its own
individual character and charm. Dramatic sunsets, spectacular
scenery and a traditional Scottish island welcome are
just a few of the things that await you.
Scotland has over 790 offshore islands, most of which
are to be found in four main groups: Shetland, Orkney,
and the Hebrides, sub-divided into the Inner Hebrides
and Outer Hebrides
The Hebrides
The Hebridean Islands stand majestically at the northwest edge of Europe,
this 150 mile-long island chain of beaches, culture,
wildlife and adventure is a haven for outdoor activities,
and a great place to unwind.
The Isle if Lewis is the largest and most populous
of the Outer
Hebridean Islands, with over 6000 residents living in the main
port of Stornoway alone. Bursting with world famous
archaeological sites, Lewis holds the Neolithic 'Callanish
Stones,' (which predate the Egyptian Pyramids) the
Pictish Carloway Broch (roundhouse) the Norse
Mill House and many more.
The Isle of Harris, from the old Norse meaning 'high
land,' is often described as the 'high heart of the
Hebrides'. With incredible diversity in its landscape.
The East Coast is a dramatic, rocky landscape,
whereas the West Coast is breathtakingly beautiful
more conventionally, with miles of golden sandy beaches
and fertile machair soil with stunning mountainous
backdrops.
North Uist is a stunning blend of beaches, machair
lands and freshwater lochs interrupted by rolling
dark moorland hills and takes roughly 45 miles to
travel around the whole island.
The Isle of Benbecula - bridges and causeways link
North and South Uist, to Benbecula, the island of
fords.
South Uist has over 20 miles of brilliant white shell
beaches running continuously down the west coast.
The Isle of Barra is the smallest and most remote of
our main islands, but often noted for its beauty.
Only five miles across by eight miles long, while the Islands
of St Kilda are volcanic islands lie 40 miles to the west of
the main archipelagos chain and have the most dramatic
and foreboding landscape of anywhere in the UK.
The Northern Isles - Orkney & Shetlands
The Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland
have cultural and historical ties with Scandinavia and there are
almost 3000 Neolithic Sites on Orkney alone, including Skara
Brae - the best preserved prehistoric village in Northern
Europe whose foundations were laid thousands of years before the birth
of Christ. The Shetlands also has a long arts and crafts tradition
inspired by the region's dramatic scenery, heritage and culture.
The Inner Hebrides
The Inner Hebrides comprise the great swathe of
islands lying off the western coast of Scotland - east of the Outer
Hebrides, south of Skye and west of the Kintyre peninsula.
The Isle of Skye is probably the most famous (and second
largest) and home to the famous and dramatic Cuillin
Hills. The island has many brochs, duns and hill forts, some
of them very well preserved, such as Dun Beag and Dun
Ardtreck. St Columba
is said to have visited the island in the 6th century
Each is
very different in appearance and atmosphere and each
has its own distinct appeal. The most accessible
is the Island of Mull, a short ferry ride
from Oban. It's also the most popular by far, and
with some justification. The variety of scenery on
offer is astounding and its capital, Tobermory, is
the most attractive port in western Scotland.
A stone's
throw from Mull is the tiny Island of Iona, one of
the most important religious sites in Europe, with
some divine beaches. Boat trips can be made from Mull
or Iona to the dramatic Island of Staffa, looming
out of the sea like a great cathedral and the inspiration
for Mendelssohn's 'Hebrides Overture'. Boasting
some of the best surfing in the country, are the beautiful
islands of Coll and Tiree.
They both offer
miles of unspoilt beaches and perfect if you
seek to enjoy peace, tranquility, natural
beauty and wildlife. To the south, Colonsay is
a total stress-free zone that makes the Isle of Mull
seem hectic.
Those who enjoy a good malt whisky should head for Islay,
famed for its distilleries, while neighbouring Jura is
a wild and beautiful place, perfect for some off-the-beaten-track
hiking. If you're after some peace and quiet on Jura
then you're in good company, for this is where George
Orwell came to write '1984'. Furthest north are the "small islands" of Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna,
reached from Mallaig, but sadly are ignored by
most tourists. People do like to to come here
for the fine bird watching and superb walking. |
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Home to some outstanding wildlife, why not take a private yacht charter and view the islands and wildlife from a vantage point like no other, and if you fancy a wee tasting, visit some of the islands many whisky distilleries.
One of the best way to see Scotland is with a Self Drive Tour. We will work out
your route taking in the areas and sites you would like to visit, as well as
making the neccessary arrangements for your car, accommodation, route planner,
and any other requirements you may have.
