Pack your bags and visit Scotland for an island hopping getaway. Only 10 miles long and six miles wide, Barra has a one lane road that loops around the island. If you continue browsing this site we assume you agree with the use of cookies in this website. You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button. Let's start with a map to help you get oriented: WHICH SCOTTISH ISLANDS TO VISIT. Visitors shouldn’t miss the Shetland’s only museum, Unst Boat Haven. Their rhododendrons are some of the finest and most varied in Scotland. Standing stones: Circle Lochbuie from the Bronze age and other sets of stones hidden in the forest. Lerwick, Mainland’s busy fishing port, has a population of 7,500 and offers many big city amenities like restaurants, bars and clubs. Canna is also one of the most tranquil places in Scotland. Don’t forget to check out the Old Man of Storr, a rocky hill that juts into the Scottish sky like a blade. If you’re a walking enthusiast, take the path along Rackwick Bay to see the Old Man. Spend the day walking up and down its beaches enjoying a quiet breeze. The Benedictine Abbey Church and the neighboring Augustinian Nunnery are must-dos for any travelers. The landscape is hilly, treacherous and wet, ideal for wildlife and nature walks but more difficult for carving out a living. This article presents 24 of the main islands in Scotland. One of the coolest things about the small island of Barra is that flights can’t arrive at high tide because the runway is underwater. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Craighouse Village Hall sometimes has live performances and hosts ceilidh, a traditional Scottish storytelling gathering. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by Shetland ponies at the pier. Getting around: come by car - some busses between to main towns. Sanday: Low-lying island with Beautiful beaches, bays and dunes - Quoyness Chambered Tomb, Start Point Lighthouse... Overnight ferry from Aberdeen (14h) or 7 hour ferry from the Orkney islands with Northlink Ferry, Flight from major Glasgow and other cities, Getting around: main city is Lerwick - rent a car or use the good public transportation system, Archeology: Settlements of Jarlhoh and Scatness, Clickimin Broch, Monument: Scalloway castles Fort Charlotte, Maryfield House Hotel in the town of Lerwick -, Drumquin Guest House in the North of mainland -, Inter-Island Ferry from Toft in Mainland Shetland to Ulsta operated by the. It’s one of the big questions that I get thrown at me on a regular basis. There are also flights from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh or Kirkwall.How to get around: Car, rental car or limited bus service. Whether you have a week or a month, deciding to spend your holidays on Scottish islands is an easy choice to make. How to get there: There are flights from Glasgow and seasonal ferries from Lochboisedale to the mainland at Malliag. South Uist does have a more foreboding feeling, however, probably because its sparse scenery feels a slightly forlorn. They may not be as famous as other islands of Scotland but don’t count them out — they’re easy to reach and just as charming. Your next stop could be one its 20 beaches, many that have towering sand dunes and an assortment of seabirds, rabbits and otters. Steady your nerves at the Arran Distillery and then seek out other local favorites like traditional oatcakes or Arran’s artisan cheese. There are eight distilleries on Islay to visit, so get ready. Later in the year, Tiree becomes a haven for windsurfers from all over the world. Explore Scotland: Scottish Highlands and Western Isles 02 Jun 2015. Because Muck is only two miles long and one-mile-wide, you can easily walk to Gallanach Beach on the island’s north side. Located on the west coast of Scotland, the region is home to 23 inhabited islands, each offering tranquil beaches and their own unique island cultures, while the rugged vistas on the mainland are guaranteed to take your breath away. Today, visitors can see the outside of Kinloch Castle, a Victorian mansion built in 1900 by his son, George. When you return ashore, stop in to Dualchas or the Barra Heritage Centre on Castlebay’s western end to learn about local life and history of the island. The Orkney Islands are known for sea stacks, and Hoy has the UK’s largest —The Old Man of Hoy. How to get there: There’s a ferry from Oban and flights from Glasgow.How to get around: Car or bicycle.How long to stay: For an overnight getaway, you could combine a trip Tiree and see everything on both islands. From the mainland, you’ll only have a 2-3 hours on Iona so you may want to spend at least one night. Amazing! Of all Scotland’s islands, the Isle of Arran is most like a miniature version of Scotland. The Inner Hebrides are an incredibly popular collection of islands off Scottish coast and some of the best Scottish islands for wildlife. You might even see a puffin or two if you’re lucky. Taxis also available. You’ll find the Shetland Islands between Scotland and Norway. You’ll need to take a five-minute boat ride to visit this medieval “Castle in the Sea.” It looks like something out of a fairytale and is the ancient seat of the Clan MacNeil. Contactez votre entreprise pour acquérir une licence pour cette image. St. Magnus Cathedral is there as are shops with local crafts, jewelry and clothing. There are flights from Glasgow.How to get around: Car, walking or bicycle.How long to stay: For an overnight getaway, you could combine a trip to Coll and see everything on both islands. Cliffs, heather covered moors, not to mention a rich Gaelic culture. If it’s bird breeding season, bring those binoculars — Canna’s coastline is home to over 20,000 birds including puffins and eagles. How to get there: There are flights from Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Edinburgh. It’s also home of the Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Getting around: come by car - some busses between to main towns. Tiny Fair Isle is the most remote inhabited island in the UK. If you’re really motivated, climb all 2,866 feet of Goatfell, the tallest mountain in Arran. Browse the map of Edinburgh city centre to see if you can spot the iconic Edinburgh Castle or the map of Glasgow city centre to see where some of the most artistic and creative buildings in Scotland are set. Arran is often called “Scotland in miniature” and has a little bit of everything Scottish including its own highlands and lowlands. Boundary Files (.shp) for the following areas: Statistical Units – 13 datasets – Broad Rental Market Areas, Data Zone boundaries and centroids (2001 and 2011), Intermediate Zone boundaries and centroids (2001 and 2011), Local Administrative Units (LAU, Levels 1 and 2), Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS, Levels 2 and 3). The DNA of Scottish people still contains signs of the country’s ancient kingdoms, with many apparently living in the same areas as their ancestors did more than a millennium ago, a study shows. Maps; Symbols; Located off the northern coastline of mainland Scotland, the Orkney Islands, an archipelago of near 70 islands (17 inhabited), cover an area of 975 sq km. Castle buffs should seek out Duart Castle, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Sound of Mull. Then it’s time to visit Unst, the UK’s northernmost inhabited island. If it’s Wednesday or Friday, visit the Colonsay House Gardens, an 18th century house with a 20-acre woodland garden. Deer were introduced to the island when textile tycoon John Bullough purchased Rum as his hunting playground in 1888. When you look at a map of Scotland, you may think we're small, but we pack an amazing variety of things into our borders. It may be a trek to get there but one that is well worth the effort. No matter where you go, you’ll find dramatic sea cliffs atop churning sea water and ancient archeological sites like standing stone circles that are older than Stonehenge. Take the time to consider each group of islands, what they have to offer and which ones will be the right fit for you and your family’s ultimate Scottish adventure. Don’t forget about the scotch — some of the world’s best is crafted in the Inner Hebrides. For something a little more mellow, visit Craighouse on the island’s southwest corner. Includes maps with all the islands of Scotland and separate maps for the Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1891, it was recently restored to its current grandeur. Mainland and Hoy are most popular to visit but so are the Northern Orkney Isles if you’re after some peace and quiet. At first glance, Rum feels relatively barren. If you like gorgeous scenery, rugged coastlines, moody moors and tranquil beaches, then you won’t do much better. It’s the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides and one of the larger Scottish islands at 240 square miles. For something less strenuous, visit the RSPB nature reserve — 10,000 acres of gorgeous country and a bird nesting and migrating site. Also, if you’re brave, Windhouse is a ruined 18th century manor home that is considered to be the most haunted house in Shetland. Bute is the smaller of the two Islands of Clyde. There are flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Benbecula. It’s only 3 miles long and 1 ½ miles wide and sits between the Orkney and Shetland Islands. And if you still have questions why not join my UK and London travel planning group on Facebook! Geology: Fossil Tree (12m high sea cliffs from cooled lava, walk accessible if you do not have vertigo), cave and Carsaig arches, Tour to Iona (ferry at Fionnphort) or part of Boat tours - chapel, Abbey, Hermit cell and maybe Quarry, Sleeping in style at the Glengorm Castle -, Ferry from Oban -  4 hour crossing (Stopping first at Coll 3h and then Tiree) - car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, Getting around: come by car or take a taxi, hire a bike, Ring'n Ride service on Tiree - your car, a taxi or bike on Coll (no public transportation on Coll), Tiree: kerryvore Lighthouse Museum, Sandaig Museum, walk on the beach or get to Ben Hynish the highest point for views of the island (141 m high at the South point), Coll: Standing stones forts, duns, souterrain as well as beaches and nature walks, Ferry from from Glenelg to Kylerhea or Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, or Ferry linking it to the Outer Hebrides, Getting around: come by car or take the bus, taxis or tours, Skye Serpentarium, which is an award winning reptile exhibition and breeding centre, Several Duns and Cairns and the Castles of Dunvegan, Armadale and Dungaith (ruins), Ferry from Mallaig on the small isles route -  1h30 crossing - ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, In Summer, fast boats from Algol on Skye with Aqua Explore, Getting around: you cannot come with a car, so discover it on foot or hire a bike near the pier, The Singing Sands: walk on the beach and listen to the quartz, An Sgurr, the largest pitchstone in the UK with great views of the islands, Kildonan Graveyard and the ruins of the chapel, Grelin abandonner farms and the nearby Massacre and Cathedral caves, Ferry from Mallaig to on the small isles route -  80 min crossing - Car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, Hill walks and mountaineering including 2 heritage trails, Ferry from Mallaig -  2h30 crossing (1 hour after the RUM stop (not everyday) - Car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, or via tours from the island of Skye during the summer months, Walk to the island of Sanday at low tide (but not the Sanday island from the Orkneys of course), Ferry from Ullapool to Sotrnoway (3 hour crossing) or from Skye (2h) or North Uist islands (1h) - ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, Getting around: come by car or take the bus (good service), The Callanish Standing Stones and other monuments such as the Carloway Borch, the Lews castle, the Trussel stone, White sand beaches including Luskentyre and Borve beaches, Drive to Harris islands famous for tweed and Knitwear, Uig Lodge, right by the beach on the isle of Lewis -, Ferry from the island of Skye to North Uist (2h crossing) or from Oban to South Uist (6h30 crossing) - car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry - or ferry from Harris/Lewis islands, Getting around: come by car or take the bus, car hire available, Barpa Langass, a 5,000-year-old burial chamber and the Langais stone circle, Uist Animal Visitor Centre Farm with rare Scottish breeds such as Eriskay Ponies, Viewpoint where on a clear day you can see the Monach island and supposedly all the way to Saint Kilda, Ferry from Oban (5h30 crossing) or from the neighbor island or South Uist (2h crossing) - car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, Getting around: come by car or take the bus between the main town, car and bike hire, Old settlements cold deserted villages at Balnabodach, Ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (7 hour crossing) or from Scarbster to Stromness (2h crossing) - car ferry company: Northland Ferry, Fly from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Inverness, Getting around: come by car or take the bus (good network) - rend a car or a bike, Monuments: St Magnus Cathedral, Palaces in Kirkwall, Skara Brae (stone village) and the Broch of Gurness as well as, The famous wildlife of the Orkney islands, Various ferries from different islands in the Orkneys, Getting around: come by car or take the Hail and ride community busses - or hire a bike, The Old Man of Hoy sea stack (3h return hike from Rackwick), Various ferries from different islands in the Orkneys (1h to 3h crossings from mainland Orkney). The Scottish Highlands. It’s got everything you could want in a Scottish Island experience — moors, lochs, castles and dramatic scenery galore. Shetland Islands The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 mi north of mainland Scotland.The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. How long to stay: Plan to spend a day or two. Map of Scotland including: The whole country of Scotland. You cannot bring your vehicle when visiting Eigg but don’t despair — you won’t miss it. It’s hard to do everything in a single visit but start with Lochranza Castle — its creepy underground prison is a must-do. There are over 100 islands but only 15 are inhabited, with Mainland, Yell, Unst and Fair Isle being the most well-known. With over 35+ years of experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. Getting around: come by car, take the bus or a private tour with Jura island Tours. If using it as a base to explore other islands, plan on several more days. Whether you’re looking for an active, outdoor vacation or a tranquil place to kick back, the Outer Hebrides has something for everyone. As I was preparing my trip to Scotland, I stated researching all the Scottish islands. If you like creepy burial chambers and archeology, you’re in luck. At the Hermaness National Nature Reserve at the northwestern tip of the island, you can see a variety of seabirds, arctic alpine plants and unique blooms. Organized tours can be a good option. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a destination where all three of those travel dreams could become a reality? The eastern side of South Uist is mountainous and great for hiking. How to get there: There are ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway. Tobermory, its largest town, makes for a picturesque scene with its colorful buildings overlooking the waterfront. To the south of Scotland is England, the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Irish Sea to the south-west. Be sure to look for the rugs and hand-knitted clothing made by the locals. You could spend days island hopping within the Inner Hebrides and never do the same thing twice! Mainland is the largest of the Orkney Islands and makes a great base for exploring the other islands. 2 min read. How to get around: Car, rental car (from Islay), bicycle (rental available) and limited bus service.How long to stay: Jura makes a lovely day trip from Islay. Taxis also available. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Topographic map of Scotland Boreray and the stacks from the heights of Conachair, Hirta The outlying islands of Scotland incorporate those that are not part of the larger archipelagos and island groups of Scotland and are thus not listed as being part of the Hebrides, the Northern Isles or the Islands of the Forth and Clyde estuaries. Make time for the Old Haa Museum. [1773] - Thomas KITCHIN - A new and complete map of Scotland and islands thereto belonging ; 1774 - Samuel DUNN - Scotland, and its islands; : or the North part of Great Britain, divided into shires ; 1774 - RICHARD OF CIRENCESTER - Mappa Britanniae Septentrionalis Faciei Romanae, secundum fidem monumentorum ; 1775 - Andrew & Mostyn ARMSTRONG - A new map of Scotland, with the distances … Landscapes: easy hiking in the mountains up to 900m, beaches, Was Fors Waterfall, Castles: 6 on the islands: Duart Castle, Torosay Castle, Glengorm Castle, Moy Castle, Dun Ara Castle and Aros Castle. Each have their own character. Mar 14, 2017 - Maps of the Scottish Islands. Pitchstone is a form of volcanic glass but you’d never know by looking at the imposing geological feature that dominates the island’s southern end. Which Scottish Islands To Visit? How to get there: Ferry from Mallaig.How to get around: Walking.How long to stay: Canna is perfect for a day trip. Walk along its historical waterfront and then visit the Shetland Museum for a dose of local history, mythology, geology and culture. Selecting which Scottish Islands to visit, the reasons to visit the Shetland islands, The Fairy Pools Skye Scotland – Stunning Photos + Video + Planning Tips, How to choose your Isle of Skye Tour (Options, time, things to see…), 10 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh (Scotland) – Tours or by car, the Isle of Skye in 3 days from Edinburgh -, 6 days to cover the isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides -, Main ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick - 1 hour crossing - Car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, Less frequent smaller ferry from Claonaig on the Kintyre peninsula to Lochranza - 30 min crossing, or you can take the bus between the 3 main Towns, One main road circling the island and 1 main road crossing in the center, Stone circles: Auchagallon (15 stones), Machrie Moore (6 tall stones), Moss Farm Road Cairn (mostly covered), Landscapes: Glen Chalmadale Valley, Whiting Bay, Lamlash Bay, Drumadoon Bay, 3 hour hike up to the tallest point Goat Fell, Castles: Lochranza (ruins surrounded by water), Brodick with its garden (open to the public in Summer), Balmichael center: fun park and retail store for Island wares, Remnants of old structure: Kilpatrick Dun, Torr A'Chaisteal fort, Torrylin Chambered Cairn, The stunning Butt Lodge in the North of the island -, Ferry from Kennacraig (North of the Kintyre peninsula) to Port Ellen and to Port Askaig -  2h20 crossing - 3 to 4 times a day (2 time on Sunday) - Car ferry company: Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry, Getting around: come by car or take the bus, or hire a car, ​Landscapes: good for easy walks beach, woodland and pastures + views of Jura from Port Askaig, Soldier's rock, 8 well known distilleries: by alphabetical order, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig, Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte presenting the history of the island, Finalaggan: loch with 3 islands, one with remains of the 13th century defences, Monuments: Kildalton cross, american monument, 2 RSPB sites (small reserves) near Kinnabus and Lecht Gruinart, The Burnside Lodge at the end of the peninsula -, Ferry from Tayvallich to Craighouse -  under 1 hour crossing - with, Ferry from Port Askaig (on ISLAY island) to Feolin (at least every hours), short trip possible by car. I spend hours researching and planning. Scottish Highlands from Mapcarta, the free map. For the mountain climbers in your party, tackle Ben More—the only munro (mountain over 3,000 feet) outside of the Isle of Skye. Its Victorian promenade features ice cream shops and old school pubs as well as stylish boutiques and esoteric bookshops. In Port Ellen, you’ll see the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse. Here we let you have the inside scoop on our favourite Top 10 Scottish islands: 1. Start at the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum in Hynish and then wind your way through the workshops and walled gardens of the past. Many people arrive via North Uist and drive to South Uist.How to get around: Car and limited bus service.How long to stay: Like North Uist, it’s a perfect place for a day trip. Throw in waterfalls, hiking trails and myriad adventure activities it really does have everything. How to get there: There’s a passenger ferry that leaves from Fionnphort in Mull.How to get around: Walking or taxi service.How long to stay: If you’re in Mull, Iona makes a perfect day trip. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, consider a jaunt to Colonsay. Its coasts are alive with seabirds, otters and seals. Go back to see more maps of Scotland UK maps Iona is also incredibly beautiful. On the north coast you can visit Dun Mor Vaul, an iron-age broch, or roundhouse. How to get there: Ferries cross to the island at three points: Oban, Lochaline and Kilchoan. It is the northern half of the island of Great Britain, along with many other islands, with about five million people living there. For a wee dram, visit Highland Park, the northernmost distillery in the UK. Loch Ness and Cairngorms. Map of Scotland and travel information about Scotland brought to you by Lonely Planet. How to get there: There are flights from Glasgow and from Lewis. Mainland is the largest island in the Shetlands. Each of these groups consist of many smaller and larger islands from which the largest inhabited islands, and St Kilda, are featured below. It has island artifacts, local whaling history, a tearoom and a gift shop. Lewis’s main town, Stornoway, has about 7,000 residents, about 60% of which speak Gaelic. It occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain and shares a land border to ... Scottish council areas (system of local government 1996-present) Topographic map of Scotland Simplified topographic map of Scotland Map of the land cover History maps. Lochmaddy, formerly a herring fishing port, is the main settlement on the island’s west coast. The Paps of Jura, three conical shaped mountains, dominate the landscape. Bute is smaller and fun to explore, offering dramatic coasts, history and a variety of wildlife. If you’re a hard-core hiker, consider tackling all three peaks with the 10 hour, 10-mile trek. This is our selection of hotels, apartments, Airbnb properties and even castles in Scotland.…, on 17 Things to do in the Cotswolds (+ tips to plan your visit), on Cotswolds Travel Guide (with Essential Tips, Itineraries & Map), on 12 Very Best Cities to Visit in England, on Top 10 places to visit in the East of England (+ East Anglia), on Best Castles in Wales to explore (+ tips and map of locations). How long to stay: A day trip to Yell is ideal. It’s 10 miles long and 2 miles wide and is known for having unspoiled, natural scenery. Dramatic coastlines, windswept moors and an amazing array of wildlife, there are also historical and archeological sites. Looking for beautiful Scottish Islands? Comission free rentals direct with property owners. Eigg is also home to An Sgùrr, Britain’s largest pitchstone ridge. Combining stunning scenery and island paradises, Argyll & The Isles is the ideal area to escape amid awe-inspiring landscapes. There are 70 inhabitants, many of whom make their living producing traditional hand-knitted sweaters. If you’re in Kirkwall and want to explore Scotland’s undiscovered country, take a ferry to one of Orkney’s North Isles. On the southern part of the island, the ruins of St. Blane’s Chapel and its creepy graveyard are just waiting to be explored. Your suitcases are open and ready to be packed, you’ve got all the time off you need and now you’re ready to plan that trip of a lifetime. If you’re looking to travel to islands off north coast of Scotland, you won’t go wrong visiting the very popular Orkney Islands. It’s a charming place with a surprising variety of restaurants. How to get there: There’s a ferry from Oban. Barpa Langais, a burial chamber that dates back 5,000 years. Scotland has over 790 islands, most of which are to be found in several distinct main groups. Its bleak geography makes it feel more remote than it is — only 5 miles from the mainland. At 82 square miles, Yell is the largest of the Northern Isles and has a population of just under 1,000. How to get there: There’s passenger and car ferry from Mallaig. With close to 800 islands in this seemingly small little land, the choices are endless and more than a little confusing. It’s a five-mile, uphill journey but well worth it. Most have a wide variety of wildlife and some can boast the best bird watching the world has to offer. Just a short drive from North Uist, South Uist has similar geography to its northern counterpart, with machair, lochen and boggy, sodden hills. The Caledonian MacBrayne Interactive Map provides a visual way of browsing the Scottish ports, routes and destinations of the CalMac network It’s flat, sandy and a lovely place to get away from it all. Does strolling along a white sandy beach with turquoise water lapping at your toes sound pretty good? Off the northwest coast of Scotland, beyond the Inner Hebrides, you’ll find the Outer Hebrides. Portree, Skye’s main village, has a harbor lined with pastel-colored buildings, perfect for Instagram-able moments. Please see our full disclosure for further information. While you’re there, check out Taigh Chearsabhagh, an arts center and museum that has a gift shop and café. If you’d like to play a round of golf, try Askermish Golf Club. Then, seek out the White Wife of Queyon, a ghostly figurehead from the ship Bauhaus, lost in 1942. The question is…where do you want to go? If the great outdoors is your passion, take a stroll along the coast — you may spot a soaring golden eagle or a seal playing near the shoreline. There are 119 islands in total but only five are inhabited, including Lewis, Harris, North and South Uist and Barra. If you bring a car, you’ll need a permit to travel.How to get around: Walking. There’s also a ferry from Skye into Tarbert in Harris and from there you can drive to Lewis. The wildlife varies from seabirds to seals and of course, those famous Shetland ponies. On the island’s southern end, you’ll find Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve. Aptly dubbed ‘Scotland in Miniature’ Arran has it all, from valuting mountains to rolling hills and tranquil beaches. How long to stay: You can explore the entire island in only a few hours. If you want a strenuous hike, climb 137 meters to the top of Beinn Airein for a spectacular view of the Small Isles and Scottish mainland. Mull is one of the best Scottish islands to visit because of its gorgeous landscapes, historical sites and diverse wildlife.