7 Scottish Islands You Should Visit (and why)
If you’ve ever looked into visiting Scotland you’ve probably heard of Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. All famous, wonderful locations… but also, they are just the tip of the iceberg. As an employee of a Scottish tour company and an avid traveller of this incredible place, I feel I can offer a bit more variety for your next holiday destination selection.
That’s why in this article I’m going to tell you about 7 Scottish islands that I’ve visited this past year, each with their own USP and reasons for visiting. I hope you’ll feel more informed about your next trip and perhaps you’ll choose a location you otherwise wouldn’t have!
To me, each island offers something different. That something might be the thing you personally find magical and will inspire you to visit. So let’s get into, here are 7 Scottish islands you should visit (and why).
The Island of Ancient Mystery
Orkney Island! I probably should have chosen a picture of the incredible standing stones or the ancient Skara Brae (5,000 year old, well-preserved village) found on Orkney, but I love this photo too much to not share it.
I had never been to Orkney nor heard of why you’d want to go this time last year. Fortunately, I got the chance to explore this mysterious island on a filming trip for our new multi-day tours there.
Orkney is off the far north coast of Scotland and is, in fact, about 70 separate islands - although most is happening on one or two of the biggest.
It’s first on the list because it was the one that most surprised me of all the Scottish islands. I won’t lie, it’s often windy, wet and quite cold but my goodness does it pack a historical punch. Our first day on the island included exploring ancient burial cairns in the morning mist without a soul in sight. After sliding back the trap door/hatch we could climb down and inspect something that had been created before the pyramids!
Why should you visit Orkney?
I’m no history buff but standing beneath the shadow of 5 meter tall standing stones and clambering into the burial cairns of those long, looong gone was a feeling I hadn’t expected. Orkney will make you think. It will make you contemplate the passage of time and the lives of those people, so like us, but with lives vastly different.
You should visit Orkney for the wealth of ancient history but it doesn’t stop there, as the photo above can testify too. The coastal views are incredible.. there are frequent sightings of wildlife - whales, puffins, eagles… and the people are absolutely lovely.
I would visit Orkney again in a heartbeat! Hopefully I get the chance too next year. If you’re looking to check it out for yourself, consider our 5-day Orkney tour that will be starting in 2024 - click here to check it out.
The Island of World-Famous Whisky
Disclaimer: I am no whisky lover… BUT the gentleman in the picture, our tour guide Andrew, is a connoisseur of the golden drink.
To give you an idea of the scale - Islay has around 3,000 inhabitants and a staggering 9 separate whisky distilleries (and a 10th on the way)!
It’s fair to say that if you are a lover of the dram, then Islay is the place for you. Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bunnahabhain (pictured), Bowmore, the list goes on. This truly is a whisky lovers paradise.
Why should you visit Islay?
The whisky, obviously, but also it is simply a stunning island in its own right. Some of the distilleries, if not all, are places on the coast with the most breathtaking views to boot. I found myself falling in love with the quiet rock of the waves and the smell of the whisky making process.
And, although I’ve found a lot of friendly folk on the many islands I’ve visited, Islay had by far the friendliest! Free drams and warm welcomes await you on this enchanting island. Consider taking a 4-day whisky tour of Islay with us in 2024! See the tour here.
The Island You Know - Skye
Right, I know it’s one that you’ve probably heard of and maybe you already know why it’s a great place to visit. But in case you didn’t, let me explain.
The Isle of Skye is immensely beautiful! It really, truly is a magically place and I believe that’s why it’s become so vastly popular and known throughout the world.
That does also mean it’s more likely to be busier and full of tourists during the summer. But my goodness, what views. If you pick the right time of year you can dodge the swarms of people and enjoy the island at your leisure!
For instance, one of our tour guides be travelling to Skye this December for a festive tour - with snow covered peaks and mulled wine in abundance.
Why should you visit Skye?
It’s for the views baby! Everywhere you turn will be stunning and you probably will remember it for the rest of your life. Is it top of my list? It’s not, but I would love to return and see more of the island - perhaps in winter, or late autumn?
If you’ve not been, it won’t disappoint and we’ve got a new 3-day tour heading out there next year with our incredible Scotland guides! Check it out here.
Isles of Mull & Iona
I’ll put these two islands together as the are practically touching anyway and you can only get to one by going on the other first.
I travelled to Mull about 3 months ago for the first time and I wasn’t surprised to find the squiggly, twisted, single-track roads meandering everywhere around the island - it’s something I’ve come to love driving on, actually.
Mull is a hot spot for wildlife enthusiasts and it’s a place that you might catch sight of the majestic white tailed sea eagle or the Scottish osprey. It’s also where plenty of dolphins and whale watching tours begin and so is probably top of the list for animal lovers.
Iona on the other hand is home to Iona Abbey (Pictured) the site where St Columba’s original abbey stood and the place from where he travelled from to spread Christianity around Scotland - The Birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, it’s often called.
Why should you visit Mull & Iona?
It’s wild and rugged, a glimpse of the real wilds of Scotland and for those that love wildlife - an added bonus. You get a real sense of remote island life while driving the small roads here and it really takes you away from the every day bustle of life in the cities.
The Outermost Hebrides - Lewis & Harris
For these islands I feel there isn’t any one defining characteristic that stands out - they have them all!
Why should you visit Lewis & Harris?
They have the most incredible beaches, think Scottish Bahamas!
The history is as ancient as on Orkney - check out the incredible Callanish Standing Stones.
Oh my, landscapes that will blow you away as much as the Quairang on the Isle of Skye.
You’ll most likely hear some Gaelic, meet friendly locals and bask in the remote tranquility of the Outer Hebrides!
Let me be the first to say that this list is far from exhaustive… Scotland has hundreds of islands and many of these would be a great holiday destination. This list is just some of my favourites that seem to contain a unique character that draws certain people to them. I hope you’ve found one that draws you in!
Taking people to the islands of Scotland (as well as the highlands and lowlands) is what we do best! Check out our small-group tours that range from day trips to multi-day island adventures - Day Tours & Multi-Day Tours. We also offer Private Tours where we can craft the ideal trip for you and your friends/family/self!
