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Top Island Destinations in Scotland

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Sep 19, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Only the adventurous think of venturing past Glasgow or Edinburgh to the far northern reaches of the islands of Scotland, but those that do are well rewarded. Scotland has over 900 offshore islands, but some of the best are the Hebrides archipelago. One of the main allures of the Hebrides Islands is that they are designed for those who love to be outdoors. It is a climate that requires you not to be afraid of all types of weather because you'll face various conditions. There is plenty of outdoor activities to keep your days full.


An elevated panoramic view showcases the rugged coastal landscape of the Isle of Vatersay in Scotland. In the foreground, a rocky, grassy hillside with patches of golden and green vegetation slopes down. Below, two crescent-shaped sandy beaches, each with turquoise water and gentle waves, frame a narrow strip of land. One beach is on the right, and another, smaller one, is on the left, connected by a narrow isthmus of green land. Beyond these, the deep blue ocean stretches to the horizon, dotted with distant, dark green islands. The sky above is a mix of blue with scattered white clouds, suggesting a bright day.
Isle of Vatersay

Islands of Barra and Vatersay

Sea kayaking off the island of Barra will leave you almost as amazed as the hilly cycle on the nearby island of Vatersay. This bike ride will take you up and down the coastline. This is not an easy bike ride by any means, but it is one that you won't regret. You'll also find beautiful sandy beaches reminiscent of something you may have seen in the Caribbean. This is just one of the incredible islands off of the archipelago.


An elevated view overlooks the coastal town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, with a harbor filled with boats in the foreground and a vast expanse of water and land in the distance. The town's buildings, a mix of grey and white, are clustered around the harbor, with several boats and yachts docked. Beyond the town, a large body of water stretches out, meeting the horizon where land is faintly visible. The sky is a soft blend of blue and white, suggesting either early morning or late afternoon light. The scene is framed by dark green foliage and tree branches in the immediate foreground, providing a natural border to the panoramic view.
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Isle of Lewis

One of the more hustle and bustle of the islands is the Isle of Lewis. This island is one of the most bustling harbors in the archipelago and was frequented by the Vikings. The main bay of the Isle is called Stornoway. It was named "Steering Bay" by the Vikings, which translates to the name it has today, Stornoway. One of the more unique destinations on the Isle of Lewis is the Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Museum on the island's northern side. It is a museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, language, and culture of North Lewis through exhibits of ancient crafts, fishing, and artifacts.


A large, historic Dunvegan Castle stands prominently on a cliff overlooking a body of water on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, under an overcast sky. The castle is a light tan color with multiple windows and prominent battlements. Below the cliff, a marshy, green landscape with exposed mud and shallow water stretches towards the sea, indicating a low tide. The water of the loch is a calm grey-blue, and distant, low-lying landforms or islands are visible on the horizon. Sparse green trees and bushes dot the landscape around the castle.
Dunvegan Castle

Isle of Skye

Perhaps one of the most famous islands in the Hebrides archipelago is the Isle of Skye. It is known for having more sheep than people, beautiful but not easy hikes, and a picturesque harbor. It is home to some of the most scenic sights in all of Scotland, with steep cliffs and large castles. Plenty of castles and distilleries fill your time in the countryside. The most famous distillery on the island is the Talisker Distillery. It has been making Whisky since the 1830s and tends to be a bit smokier than mainland whisky. Near the distillery is the Dunvegan Castle, which is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, and worth a visit because of the views. From the castle, you'll have stunning views of the sea loch below.


A serene natural landscape showcases the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland. In the foreground, a crystal-clear, shallow pool of water reveals smooth, colorful rocks on its bed. A series of small waterfalls cascade over dark, rocky ledges into the pool, creating a soft, misty effect. Beyond the waterfalls, rugged, imposing mountains with steep slopes rise dramatically under a vibrant sky, painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple, suggesting either a sunrise or sunset. The overall impression is one of tranquility and natural beauty.
Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Wildlife

Another great way to see the Isle of Skye is on a wildlife tour from the sea. If you plan your trip at the right time, you can find many options to take in the beautiful coastline and sea animals, including sea eagles, seals, dolphins, herds of red deer, and puffins. One of the best trips to take is out of the southern port of Elgol. Not only are the wildlife excursions wonderful from this tiny town, but the views of the surrounding island are something to write home about and a great way to get off the beaten path of the typical destinations of the Isle of Skye.


Are you ready to adventure to one of Scotland's most stunning destinations? Pack your rain jacket and schedule an online consultation with me to plan the time of your life in northwest Scotland.

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