20 Amazing Islands In Scotland To Visit

From the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona to Lewis and Harris, and to Shetland and Orkney islands, this article lists the best islands in Scotland. 

Scotland is home to over 790 stunning islands. Thus, picking the top 20 islands is not easy.

Most of the best islands in Scotland are a ferry ride out from the mainland. Set sail to the Scottish Islands for a trip full of adventure.

There are many sheltered islands off the west coast and north coast of Scotland. The islands have beautiful stretches of white sands, stunning mountainous landscapes, charming seaside villages and Neolithic monuments. 

It can be tricky trying to get around all the Hebridean islands so are pretty remote. Also, attempting to visit all the islands in one visit will be difficult.

Therefore, I recommend visiting one or two islands and then coming back for another trip to see more. It is important to carefully plan your route and book your ferry in advance. 

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s well-known islands and it has the highest number of visitors each year. The island is the Inner Hebride’s biggest island and has a population of 10,000 people.

Skye is a popular filming location and a source of inspiration for numerous movies and TV shows.

Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye which features rainbow-coloured houses lined up along the harbour.

Also, the town has many good options for food and accommodation. From Portree, you can follow many coastal walks around the island. 

Skye has magnificent mountains known as the Cuillins which dominate the landscape. Also, there are extraordinary landscapes, so unique that you will not find them anywhere else.

Some of the most well known dramatic scenery includes Neist Point, the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, Mealt Falls and the Quiraing. 

Isle of Skye Accommodation: Elfin Cottage, Bracken Hide Hotel, Storr Apartments

Orkney Islands

On the north coast of Scotland, there is the scattered archipelago of around 70 islands.

Orkney has a long history of Viking occupation. Also, Orkney has ancient wonders that lovers of archaeology lovers will adore.

This includes the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ which is a group of 5,000-year-old sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle. 

Also, Orkney is full of natural beauty which is perfect for everyone who loves the outdoors.

Some of the island’s unique highlights include Hoy, which is well known for steep valleys, high cliffs and a famous red sandstone sea stack – Old Man of Hoy.

Moreover, on the south eastern tip, you can view The Gloup – a deep cave at Mull Head. 

As well as intriguing history and natural landscapes, Orkney is a wildlife paradise. Seabirds, dolphins and killer whales occupy the coastline.

There are several ferry routes to Orkney, running from Scrabster, Gill’s Bay and John O’Groats. 

Orkney Accommodation: VitaVer B&B, Old School B&B, Aurora

Shetland Islands

Travel even further to the most northern archipelago the Shetland Islands. From Orkney, it will take five hours to reach Shetland, you can catch a ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick.

During the summer, it is near-perpetual sunlight, a phenomenon where a silver lustre covers the island at midnight the ‘simmer dim’. 

Moreover, there is an abundance of wildlife on the island including puffins, otters and orcas. Also, the coastline showcases towering sea cliffs and unspoilt beaches.

Shetland is home to the UK’s longest tombolo – St Ninian’s Isle. This island is ideal for a long walk through the rugged landscape and around the sea lochs. Also, Shetland is popular for sailing and fishing. 

Shetland Accommodation: Craigielea Apartment 3, Westhall Cottage, Scalloway

Isle of Mull 

When you arrive at the Isle of Mull by ferry one of the first things you will see is the town of Tobermory. This is a popular attraction on the island due to the colourful houses lined up along the harbour.

This is a stunning town with popular places to try seafood which is locally sourced. Also, there are several boutique shops and the town is not far from Glengorm Castle and Aros Park. 

Moving inland, you can hike up the islands only Munro and the highest point – Ben More. The views from this peak are outstanding, you will see sea lochs and white-tailed sea eagles.

On the south of the island, there are plenty of white beaches, which are a perfect place to catch a sunset or go kayaking in the waters. Calgary Bay is an absolute must-see and is one of the most popular bays in the Inner Hebrides.

The Isle of Mull is one of the most popular islands for spotting cetaceans on their summer migration. Moreover, there is an abundance of wildlife in the water including humpbacks, northern bottlenose whales and sperm whales.

Isle of Mull Accommodation: Dolphin Apartment, Burnbank BnB, Carnaburg Guesthouse

Isle of Iona

This small island on the west coast of the Isle of Mull has been a popular place for spiritual retreats for centuries.

People from all over the world have been attracted to the Isle of Iona due to its natural beauty and important history.

St Columba first landed here after crossing over from Ireland, and this is when Scottish Christianity was born. Its iconic landmarks include the Iona Abbey and Nunnery – among the oldest Christian religious centres in Western Europe. 

The Isle of Iona is compact and no cars are allowed on the island. The population of Iona is approximately 200 people. 

Due to the close proximity to the Isle of Mull, Iona is a fantastic destination for a day trip. You can get to Iona by taking a very small ferry ride from the Isle of Mull.  

The adventure seekers can set off on the trails that wind through the coastal hills, St Columba’s Bay on the south side of Iona is an excellent viewpoint. 

Also, Iona has many more sandy beaches, high cliffs, rocks and fields meaning there is a wealth of flora and fauna.

Puffins and rare corncrakes are popular on the island. In the waters, you may be lucky to spot different species of dolphin. 

Isle of Iona Accommodation: Iona Pods, Ardoran House, Martyr Bay Rooms

Isle of Staffa

Staffa is truly one of Scotland’s hidden gems. This island is put on the map by Fingal’s Cave which is a large sea cave made with hundreds of hexagonal basalt columns.

The cave is located at the southern tip and is accessible during low tide. Fingal’s Cave’s Gaelic name is Uamh-Binn which translates to ‘cave of melody’. 

This name reflects the noise the waves make as they crash against the rock. This uninhabited island is best known for its unique geological features and birdlife.

Elsewhere on the island, the grassy slopes and cliff top are the habitat for a range of wildlife including puffins, razorbills and guillemots during spring and summer.

The boat ride to the island is a great opportunity to see dolphins or fin whales swimming by. Day trips are available to the island from Mull or Oban. 

NOTE: The Isle of Mull, Iona and Staffa can be visited together in one trip. Catch a ferry from Oban to Mull, before moving onto the smaller islands. The ferry time from Oban to Mull is only 45 minutes.

Isle of Tiree

This is one of the most westerly islands in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Also, Tiree is known as the windiest yet sunniest place in Scotland.

As with many of the islands the Gulf Stream influence the water temperatures and climate. Tiree is known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’ as the island benefits from more hours of sunshine than anywhere else.

Tiree represents a tropical haven and is known for its pristine beaches, which is a haven for surfers and windsurfers. The world’s longest-running windsurfing competition – Tiree Wave Classic, is hosted here.

The low-lying island is a great example of Scotland’s island village life through its fishing and farming communities.

On the western part of the island, locals engage in farming on the fertile lush farmland for traditional small scale food production.

White and blackhouses with their charming thatched roofs are a popular feature of the Isle of Tiree. Also, Tiree has unique ‘pudding houses’ where white mortar contrasts with dark stone. 

Other interesting sights on the island include the Dun Mor, a 1st century AD Iron Age Broch.

Also, there are plenty of beaches and bays including Balephuil Bay. Finally, you can admire the 128 feet tall Skerryvore Lighthouse. 

Isle of Tiree Accommodation: Kirkapol Beach Apartment, Kirkapol Beach Pod – Ebb

Isle of Rum & Canna

The Isle of Rum is mostly a National Nature Reserve with a mountainous landscape. The volcanic peaks of Cuillin make the island a paradise for hikers.

Also, there are sea cliffs and hidden bays with bothies from where stags and otters can be spotted. When you arrive you can explore the castle and small ran community hamlet of Kinloch before going out into the wilderness. 

From the port of Mallaig, you can get to the gorgeous island of Rum in 80 minutes.

After exploring Rum, you can take a short ferry to the Isle of Canna. On the Isle of Canna, there are some lovely walks and there is plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as dolphins and whales.

Isle of Eigg & Muck

The second-largest island in the Small Isles is the Isle of Eigg. The isle has a thriving green community that relies on electricity from renewables.

Eigg offers lush landscapes, stunning coastal beauty and intriguing history. Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust owns and cares for the island. 

The island is small enough to explore on a hike. There are sites to explore including the Singing Sands which is where the sand squeaks when you walk on it.

Also, there is an abandoned village of Grulin. On the south side of the island, you can enter the Massacre Cave, the site of Scotland’s most brutal mass murders. Skye’s Clan MacLeod asphyxiated and burned the MacDonald Clan alive. 

From the Isle of Eigg, you can get a short ferry to the Isle of Muck. Muck is the smallest of the four Small Isles.

It is so small that the perimeter can be walked in a day. On the Isle of Muck, there are white sandy beaches, blue water and secluded rocky bays.

Horses roam the island semi-freely and hang out regularly at the beaches. Additionally, kayaking is a popular option to explore the perimeter of the island and seals and colonies of puffins can be spotted from the water.

Isle of Lewis & Harris 

The Isle of the Lewis and Harris is the largest Outer Hebridean island. These islands in Scotland are rich in Gaelic history and culture.

The northern part of the island is known as the Isle of Lewis. On the Isle of Lewis, there are interesting sites including old blackhouse villages, brochs and standing stones. 

One of the must-see attractions is the Calanais Standing Stones. The Neolithic Stone Circle is thousands of years old and cannot fail to inspire a sense of awe and mystery.

Another interesting quirky attraction is the Bridge To Nowhere, which is part of an abandoned project. 

To the south, there is the Isle of Harris which is more mountainous with a rugged landscape. Some of the best beaches include Luskentyre Beach which has white sands that stretch for miles.

Harris is a haven for tropical-looking beaches including Valtos and Tolsta. Beware as the water is freezing even in the height of summer.

The dramatic sea stacks at Mangersta are a breath taking sight which cannot be missed.

Isle of Lewis and Harris Accommodation: 1 Anderson Court, Broad Bay House, Achmore Schoolhouse

Isle of North & South Uist

There is so much contrast on the Isle of North and South Uist from high hills and peat bogs to beaches and freshwater lochs.

From the top of Eaval, the highest point on the island, there are amazing views of the maze of lochans. Meanwhile, on the west coast are stunning white sands and high sand dunes. 

To get to North and South Uist head for Mallaig and make the crossing to Lochboisdale on South Uist. This is a less visited part of the Hebrides, and you will find tranquillity and escape.

There is a causeway which connects a chain of the six Uist islands. The six islands from north to south are Bernanay, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay.

There is so much scenery and areas to explore on this lovely, peaceful chain of islands in the Outer Hebrides.

Isle of North Uist Accommodation: Constant & True Seasmhach agus Dileas, Eagle’s Rest, The Fisherman’s Snug

Isle of South Uist Accommodation: Grianaig Guest House, Loch an Eilean Pod, Taigh Dhonnchaidh

Isle of Barra

This island is delightful and is located on the southern end of the island chain.

The main village on the island is called Castlebay and it gets its name from Kisimul Castle, a medieval fortress situated on a tiny island in the village harbour. 

Traigh Mhor is famous for its pristine sands and for being the only airport in the world where planes take off from the sand. Also, in the east, there are high cliffs and in the west, there are lovely beaches and bays.

If you are looking for a beach which is more tranquil then head to Seal Bay, where you guessed it, you can see the island’s seal population.

Moreover, you can hike up Heaval, the highest point on the island. From the top, you will be able to see the white marble Our Lady of the Sea Statue.

Also, you will get a picturesque view of the other neighbouring islands including Vatersay, Berneray and Mingulay. 

Barra Accommodation: Seaview

Isle of Vatersay 

The most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides. Vatersay is a small tranquil island which is connected to Barra by a small causeway.

The isle is small and narrow, with the sea indenting each side. On a sunny day, Vatersay Bay is a brilliant spot for picnicking and when the water is calm, it is an excellent place for wild swimming. 

St Kilda

St Kilda is the most remote and north-westerly island in the archipelago of Hebridean islands. Also, it is one of the most remote and uninhabitable islands in Scotland.

Now, St Kilda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Kilda is a memorable experience and can be reached as a day trip from Harris or Skye.

The largest island, Hirta, was permanently inhabited until 1930 and the eerie remains of the settlement are still sitting by the bay.

You can see the unique former homes of the islanders including the stone storage bothies.

Also, Hirta has the highest sea cliffs in the UK and this is the area of the world’s largest colonies of gannets. 

Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is often referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’, as every landscape is compacted into a couple of square miles.

This island is situated in the Firth of Clyde and is one of the southernmost islands which is the easiest to access from Glasgow. The ferry across to Arran will only take you 55 minutes and arrives in Ardrossan. 

The island’s northernmost village Lochranza is backed by hills and set on the shore of a small sea loch. Goatfell is the highest point on the island and is found in the northern part of the island.

On a clear day, you will be rewarded with views across the Mull of Kintyre. Also, there is a golf course, quaint villages and the grand baronial Brodick Castle. 

At the southern end of the island, the landscapes represent the Scottish lowlands. Head to Lamlash for a scenic village overlooking the bay and Holy Isle.

Holy Island is a small island owned by the Buddhist community which can be visited on a boat trip. The Isle of Arran is home to an abundance of wildlife including red deer, otters and seals. 

Isle of Arran Accommodation: The Douglas Hotel, Altbeg, The Shorehouse

Isle of Bute

The Isle of Bute is one of the easiest islands in Scotland to get too. A ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay only takes 35 minutes.

Bute is knowns for its grand architecture and glorious gardens. Rothesay is a stunning Victorian village which is very traditional.

You can visit the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, a unique 1920s building that showcases the best of Bute. 

Before you leave Rothesay takes a look at Rothesay Castle. At the castle, there are massive walls, dungeons and a grand hall.

Also, the island is home to Mount Stuart House, an impressive gothic mansion with flamboyant gardens.

Finally, north of Rothesay is Ettrick Bay. The mile-long beach is located on the west and there is a tearoom nearby serving cakes. 

Isle of Bute Accommodation: Bruichladdich, Dairsie Sea View, Highlander House B&B

Islay 

Islay island is the southernmost island in the Hebrides. It is best known for its luscious landscapes which are excellent for hiking.

Also, Islay is where you can find many single malt distilleries. Spend a day learning about the whisky-making process at one of the island’s many distilleries.

Close to Port Askaig are Caol Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabain. There are whisky tours in Bowmore and you can soak in the charming views of Leodamais Bay from Port Ellen. 

In the northeastern part of the island, you can view Loch Finlaggan with its medieval graves, ancient castle ruins, and an abandoned cottage on two small islands.

Moreover, you can explore the parish of Portnahaven on the southwestern point of the island or discover smaller villages such as Ballygrant. 

Isle of Islay: Glenegedale House, Skerrols House, Kilmeny

Isle of Jura

The Isle of Jura is sparsely populated and has a rugged, hilly landscape. This island is one of the most sparsely populated islands in Scotland.

The ferry ride to Jura takes less than an hour. Jura has some of the most attractive mountains of the Western Isles and is known for producing Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 

The island was the home of the famous author, George Orwell. Also, Jura is known to have the most famous and permanent whirlpool on Earth – Corryvreckan Whirlpool.

NOTE: The Islands of Jura and Islay are often visited together. Travel to the Port of Kennacraig where the ferry will take you to Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay.

The crossing will take around 2 hours. A quick ferry from Port Askaig will take you to Jura.

Which Scottish island has the best beaches?

You do not have to search far to find magnificent beaches on the islands of Scotland. Some of Scotland’s beaches have been mistaken for tropical locations such as Thailand.

One of the most spectacular beaches is located in the South of Harris. Luskentyre Beach was named one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. 

The islands in Scotland have some of the best beaches. On the west coast of Shetland, you can view St Ninian’s Isle which is one of the largest tombolos in the UK.

Not just that, there the Isle of Skye has a beautiful beach with blue waters and white sand – Claigan Coral Beach. 

Which is the easiest Scottish island to get to?

The easiest island to get to the Isle of Skye is by car. The Isle of Skye is so close to the mainland of Scotland and it is connected by a bridge.

So no ferry is required. Also, Skye can be reached by a ferry from Mallaig.

The ferry arrives at Armadale in the south of the island while the bridge will take you to Kyleakin. 

Alternatively, the Isle of Mull is considered easy to get to and is one of the most popular routes in Scotland.

The Isle of Mull can be accessed by ferry from Oban. Train services run from Glasgow and it is just over a two-hour drive. 

Final Note

The islands in Scotland are truly unique and magical. This post lists the best islands in Scotland. From the dramatic landscapes and waterfalls on the Isle of Skye to the Neolithic remains on the Orkney islands.

There is so much to explore regarding Scotland’s history and heritage. 

Not only are the islands rich in culture. They have some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Dramatic high cliffs, geological formations and white sandy beaches are common sights on the island of Scotland. Some of the beaches in the highlands and islands have been confused with tropical beaches abroad!

Moreover, the islands are a little bit tricky to get to compared to other destinations, so there is a chance that you arrive at these spectacular destinations and have it all to yourself.