Hebrides - Scottish Islands

INNER HEBRIDES

• Isle of Arran
  A small island, 20 miles long and 56 miles round, located off the south-west coast of Scotland. Easy to reach from Glasgow. It can be accessed by ferry from Ardrossan (Ayrshire) or Claonaig (Kintyre). Known as 'Scotland in miniature'. It has history (castles and standing stones), wildlife (birds, seals and deer) and leisure facilities (tennis, golf, yachting, pony trekking, bowling, cycling). Something for everyone. For keen golfers, it boasts a choice of 7 courses.
• Isle of Bute
  This small island less than an hour from Glasgow is an easy place to get away to on a short break. It has many sandy beaches, 3 golf courses, several ancient monuments and is home to the exquisitely sumptuous Mount Stuart House.
• Isle of Coll
  Sandy beaches and wide open spaces make this a great place to relax. Inspiration for the Katie Morag children's books.
• Isle of Colonsay
  Accessible by ferry from Islay or Oban. Visit colonsay.org.uk (external site) for detailed info.
• Isle of Gigha
  Purchased by the islanders in 2002. Visit isle-of-gigha.co.uk (external site) for detailed info.
• Isle of Iona
  Only 5 minutes over the sea from Mull sits this tiny island with its Abbey, now famous for its history relating to Saint Columba and Celtic Christianity.
• Isle of Islay
  With its many whisky distilleries, empty beaches, nature reserve and historical sites, Islay is a good place to get away from it all. Known as The Queen of the Hebrides.
• Isle of Jura
  Very close to Islay is this sparsely populated island, home to thousands of deer. George Orwell chose to retreat here and write his novel '1984'.
• Isle of Mull
  Second largest of the Inner Hebrides, this large, unspoilt island has hills, waterfalls, sea caves, standing stones, forest walks and beaches with a coastline of over 300 miles. Home of the BBC TV series called Balamory (Tobermory). Just a short ferry ride from Oban. From Mull, you can take boat trips to neighbouring islands including Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
• Small Isles
  The four islands of Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck each have their own character. Accessed by boat from Arisaig and Mallaig.
• Isle of Skye
  The largest and most popular of the Inner Hebrides, this island is famous for its mountain scenery (the Cuillins and Quiraing), waterfalls and castles. Reach by bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, or by ferry from Mallaig and Glenelg. Skye's neighbouring island of Raasay is well worth a visit too. You can also take the ferry from Skye over to the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides).
• Isle of Staffa
  Take a boat trip from Mull or Iona to see the famous Fingal's Cave!
• Isle of Tiree
  Off the west coast of Mull, right on the edge of the Atlantic. With a mild climate and sunny skies, Tiree is a popular destination for windsurfing.

OUTER HEBRIDES / WESTERN ISLES

The Outer Hebrides of Lewis and Harris featured in the BBC Call the Midwife Christmas special (December 2019). Filming took place at the Callanish / Calanais standing stones (Lewis), Gearrannan black house village (Lewis), Rodel church (Isle of Harris), Luskentyre beach (Harris) and Eilean Glas Lighthouse (Scalpay). The cast stayed at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (Harris).

• Isle of Harris
  A beautiful island of contrasts: its rocky east coast looks like the moon, in the west its golden beaches are often deserted. Offshore are the tiny islands of Scarp and Taransay. Just over 90 minutes by ferry from Skye or just a drive over the border from the neighbouring Isle of Lewis which can be reached by air. From Harris you can also sail over to the Uists.
• Isle of Lewis
  Its capital Stornoway is the largest town in the Western Isles and is less than 3 hours by ferry from Ullapool and a plane ride away from many UK airports. The island has lots of unspoilt sandy beaches and is home to the famous Callanish standing stones (second only to Stonehenge). Offshore is the beautiful island of Great Bernera with an Iron Age Village overlooking a spectacular beach.
• The Uists
  North Uist - Benbecula - South Uist. This chain of islands has alsorts on offer: hills, sandy beaches, nature reserves and ancient monuments. The Uists are reachable by ferry and plane from the mainland and the neighbouring islands.
• Isle of Barra
  Situated towards the end of the Western Isles chain, this little place has been described as "Barradise" with its hills and beaches. One of my personal favourites for getting away from it all. Accessible by plane and ferry.
• St Kilda
  Approximately 55 miles west of Harris, this little archipeligo comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay & Boreray. Inhabited for centuries, then evacuated in 1930. Famous for its remoteness and sea bird colonies. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.