You don’t need to fly for hours to explore an island paradise. Scotland’s islands offer a kaleidoscope of experiences, from dramatic coastlines to ancient standing stones and charming villages –and most of them can be reached by boat from the mainland.
But with 93 inhabited islands scattered across Scotland’s rugged coastline, choosing which one to visit can be a difficult decision.
They’re all very different, with some offering the solitude of windswept beaches where you can kayak with otters, and others giving you the chance to tour whisky distilleries and learn how Scotland’s famous spirit is made. History buffs may be drawn to islands dotted with housing structures built in the neolithic period, or around 4,000BC.
To help you decide where to go, here are eight of the most beautiful islands that have plenty to offer travellers looking for something a little bit different for their next adventure. Whether you’re a walker, foodie or an wildlife spotter, you’ll find an island to suit your interests here.
Islay
The Isle of Islay, sometimes referred to as the “Queen of the Hebrides” is famous for its whisky. There are nine working distilleries within 240 square miles. Near Port Ellen in the south of the island are three of the biggest distilleries — Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg — which are all within a mile of each other, so you can do a whisky walk that takes you to all three. Each May, the island hosts a 10-day festival aimed at whisky lovers with distillery open days and special tastings.
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Islay is blessed with several key ingredients for crafting world-class scotch. Its abundant freshwater springs provide the perfect base, while it’s landscape is dominated by peat bogs. Peat not only fuels the kilns that smoke the barley, but also lends the whisky its characteristically smoky flavor – a signature trait of Islay single malts.
How to get there
Reaching Islay is an adventure in itself. Take a CalMac ferry ride from Kennacraig on the mainland, enjoying breathtaking views of the Scottish coastline. Alternatively, hop on a short Loganair flight from Glasgow for a bird’s-eye view of the scattered islands.
Where to stay
Within stumbling distance of the Bowmore distillery, or 210m to be precise, the…
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