Scotland from Above - Islands

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Their creation has spanned hundreds of thousands of years, with intricate patterns, shapes and sizes breaking off to form exciting lands at sea - all waiting for you to explore. There are over 900 islands off the coast of Scotland, all of which boast their own unique personalities and amazing attractions to uncover.

The uninhabited Isle of Staffa off the west coast of Mull is probably best known for its towering basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave. The distinctive six-sided columns of rock were found to be made of basalt, the same as the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Head to the Isle of Islay which is home to a staggering nine distilleries and is best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. The south of the island also features the impressive Soldiers Rock sea stack which shows the sheer power of the force of water alone and how it manages to sculpt Scotland’s coastline. Just a five minute ferry journey away, the Isle of Jura is one of the wildest places in Scotland with a population of just 200 people, and features the soaring Paps of Jura, and over 5,000 wild red deer. Venture by boat out to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool – one of the largest permanent whirlpools on earth and one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles. One of the most iconic and easily recognisable places in Scotland has to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. With its colourful houses dotted along the quaint harbour, this town is a must-visit when on the island. Tuck into a delicious locally-sourced fish and chips, wander along the harbour at sunset, and why not browse many arts and crafts in local shops and cafes?

The most southerly of the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Barra is best known for its very own beach airport on Traigh Mhor. One of the most unusual in the world, with flights landing on the beach at Cockle Strand in between tides, but at high tide the runway disappears beneath the waves. Elsewhere, explore Kisimul Castle the only surviving medieval castle in the Outer Hebrides, and Bagh A’Deas, an incredible stretch of white sand beach. Located between South Uist and Barra, Eriskay is a hilly little island, stretching only 3 miles and being home to just 200 people. Venture round the island on foot or by bike, explore the Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve, paddleboard around the surrounding waters, and keep an eye out for wild ponies that make their home here.

North and South Uist are two of the biggest islands in the Outer Hebrides, boasting incredible wildlife, beautiful beaches and captivating landscapes to explore. Located between North and South Uist, Benbecula is a small, flat and low-lying island of the Outer Hebrides that is home to some cracking beaches and golden sand dunes, as well as many stunning walking routes to venture on and explore too.

We don’t need to introduce Orkney! Just off the northern tip of mainland Scotland lies neolithic Orkney featuring sites that are over 6,000 years old and house incredible history and ancestry to explore.

An archipelago of around 100 different islands, Shetland boasts some of the most incredible landscapes in the UK with an array of wildlife and Viking heritage to explore too. St Ninian’s Isle is a stunning tombolo on the west coast of the island – this large natural sand causeway links the South Mainland with the isle. Elsewhere, Clickimin Broch is an ancient settlement that will transport you back in time to around 1000 BC with several remains and structure left to explore.

The small isle of Eigg measures just 5 by 3 miles in size, but is by far the more vibrant populous and welcoming, with incredible views and a welcoming community to enjoy.

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