Touring the Scottish Islands is the perfect way to see one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Scotland’s Islands all have their own character, and with so many different ones to explore, you could spend an entire Scotland tour just travelling between its islands. Of course, you don’t have to stick purely to Scotland’s islands, as they are often great paired with the Highlands.
That’s what’s so brilliant about our Tailor-made Scotland Tours: you decide what you want to see and do, and we will create the tour, providing you with your own driver and tour guide. Whether you’re planning to visit Skye, Iona, Arran, or sample the whiskies and distillery tours on Islay, we’d like this resource to help you learn about Scotland’s islands and plan your dream tour.
Scotland’s terrain is extraordinarily diverse, but one of its most astounding facts is that there are over 900 islands in the country. Of those, fewer than 100 are inhabited, and fewer still are close enough to the mainland to make for an easy trip across a bridge or by ferry. But, whatever the journey, the islands are absolutely worth every effort for their incredible beauty.
With so many islands in Scotland to visit, it can be hard to figure out where to go and how to get there. We love crafting tailor-made tours of Scotland that can include one or several islands, based on your interests. With our years of experience traversing this fabulous nation, we can offer plenty of insights and advice for all types of visitors.
If you’re just doing some research to learn more about the Scottish islands, we’re also happy to oblige! Take a look at these articles to continue being inspired for your Scotland adventures:
Ready for the whirlwind tour of the Scottish Islands? This page would turn into a novel if we told you absolutely everything we know and love about the many islands we visit, so we’ll keep it brief and then you can always contact us if you have questions or want to know more about visiting the islands in Scotland.
Arguably the most famous Scottish island internationally, Skye is very popular — and for good reason. The stunning topography, its convenient access from the mainland, and its large size in comparison to other islands offer a litany of places to see and things to do. If you’re interested in visiting Skye during your Scotland tour, we recommend you take your time to get the most out of your visit. Traipsing around checking places off a list isn’t the best way to enjoy this island…slow down and stay a night or two to really bask in the beauty.
Arran is another popular destination for its convenient accessibility from the mainland. In fact, you could leave Glasgow and be sitting on a beach on Arran within about 2 hours! Arran is known as Scotland in Miniature; you can do everything you want to do in Scotland right here on this one island. Tour a distillery, wander through a castle, marvel at the Highlands, stroll the coastline of the Lowlands, awe at standing stones, and even have your choice of golf courses to play.
Mull is another easily accessible island in Scotland and one that we highly recommend. The seaside town of Tobermory has to be one of the most picturesque coastal villages with its colourful buildings showing stark contrast to the sea and sky.
Iona is a very tiny island just off the larger island of Mull that can be reached by a 10-minute ferry. Known for its connection to early Christianity in Scotland, Iona is popular for visitors interested in religious history. Iona Abbey and the Nunnery are places of interest, as well as Columba’s Bay and the Well of Eternal Youth.
Beautiful Islay is best known for its very popular whisky distilleries. You can read all about them in our guide to the Scottish islands. You can also learn everything you need to know about Scottish whisky before your visit!
Ready for even more? Check out our Scottish Whisky & Culture Exclusive Tour!
St Kilda is a remote archipelago in the Outer Hebrides that is no longer inhabited. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant seabird breeding sites, with the largest puffin population in Britain.
The island of Barra has a fantastic claim to fame! This is one of the only places in the world that uses a beach runway for regularly-scheduled flights. If you’re seeking something extra special for your Scotland trip, enjoy this incredibly scenic landing and take-off at Barra. Just remember that flight schedules are dependent on the tides!
Orkney rests off the northern coast of the Scottish mainland and is known for its exceptional layers of history. Sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are nothing short of spectacular, whether you’re a history buff or not.
Located between Scotland and Norway, Shetland is famous for its jaw-dropping beaches, the Up Helly Aa viking festival, and the depth of ancient history still seen around the islands. Shetland isn’t a quick day trip, but absolutely worth the effort to reach!
These certainly aren’t all the islands in Scotland and we’ll be sure to keep adding to this list. But, for now, we hope you’re feeling inspired to visit! You can always contact us with any questions about traveling to Scotland; we’d be happy to help you plan a tailor-made tour with us.
