It’s no secret that Scotland has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Here, snow-capped mountains, huge lochs, and dense forests provide a haven for rare wildlife and are shrouded in the history of ancient clans. It feels untamed – a place where wildcats roam free, eagles soar above the treetops, and millennia-old traditions continue unchanged.
But perhaps the most spectacular part of the Scottish landscape is its 790 islands – offshore wildernesses that have preserved their history and heritage. Places where you’ll discover pretty ports and castle islands alongside jaw-dropping landscapes scattered with ancient relics and the world’s best whiskey distilleries.
But no two Scottish isles are the same, and to make the most of the region, it’s best to travel between them. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of island hopping in Scotland.
Island hopping in Scotland
Scotland’s islands can be described in clusters, with each island group offering something different. The best way to access them is by catching Scotland’s island-hopping ferries from ports including Oban, Ullapool, and Aberdeen.
Orkney and Shetland
Starting in the north, Orkney and Shetland are remote outposts where time seems to have stood still. Here you’ll discover archipelagos of over 170 islands, which are as close to Norway as they are to Aberdeen. As a result, there’s a unique blend of Celtic and Scandinavian heritage preserved in its Neolithic stone circles, Viking festivals, and jovial folk music traditions. North Link Ferries will help you get there from ports in Scrabster and Aberdeen.
Inner Hebrides
Moving to the west coast of Scotland, the Inner Hebridean Islands are known for their rugged landscapes, attractive fishing ports, and remote Gaelic-speaking communities. There are more than 100 islands, and 15 are inhabited. Amongst them, Skye, Mull, and Islay are as well known for their whiskey distilleries as their open landscapes and abundant wildlife. While smaller islands like Colonsay provide a quiet island escape. They are best accessed using CalMac Ferries from the mainland ports of Oban, Mallaig, and Kennacraig.
Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides are even more remote, with wilder, more exposed landscapes. Here, smaller islands like Harris, Lewis, and Benbecula pack in a surprising amount, including pristine beaches, excellent food and drink, and dramatic history. Described by some as a ‘slice of heaven’, the Outer Hebrides are also home to some of the happiest people in the UK. CalMac Ferries can help you access your own slice of heaven and even offer multi-island packages available for those seeking jam-packed itineraries.
Wildlife in the Scottish islands
A huge part of Scotland’s draw is the wildlife, and Scotland’s islands give you access to the country’s ‘Big Five’.
Golden eagle
Scotland’s national bird, the golden eagle is a magnificent bird of prey with a wingspan of over 2 metres. Keep an eye out for them (and white-tailed eagles) swirling and soaring above the coastline in search of their next meal.
Red deer
The largest land mammal in Britain, Scotland’s red deer maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem with their grazing. For a true spectacle, the autumn rutting season brings the opportunity to watch magnificent stags fighting for territory and the rights to mate throughout the Hebridean islands. They’re most often spotted around dawn and dusk, free-roaming on the roadside.
Common seal
The Hebrides and Oban are hotspots for common seals, often seen hauled out in remote bays at the foot of the cliffs. Keep a sharp eye while on coastal walks, especially in autumn when you’ll see pups resting near the shoreline.
Otters
The Shetlands and Hebrides are excellent locations for spotting Eurasian otters along the coastline, sea lochs, and rocky shores. They’re shy and often camouflaged amongst the seaweed and the rocks.
Red squirrel
Unlike the rest of Britain, red squirrels in Scotland thrive on the Scottish mainland. For a chance of seeing them while island hopping, make your way to Old Man Storr on the Isle of Skye, where there is a small population.
Other wildlife to look out for includes the adorable Highland cows that roam freely throughout the Scottish Isles, protected from the elements by their shaggy golden coats. There are also puffin colonies in the cliffs of the Shetlands, Orkneys, and Hebrides during the early summer and a chance of spotting dolphins, whales, and even orca from the ferries while you island hop.
Scottish island ports
A huge draw of island hopping in Scotland is the pretty ports and seaside villages you can visit in between travelling to and from the islands.
Oban
Though technically on the mainland, Oban is a gorgeous port and gateway for many Scottish island-hopping adventures. Home to one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in Scotland, the ancestral ruins of ancient clans, and known as Scotland’s seafood capital, it’s well worth exploring before you board your ferry.
Scalloway, Shetland
Once the capital of Shetland, Scalloway is a working fishing port and hub for island life, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink while soaking up views towards the other islands. Scalloway Museum provides insight into the history of the Shetlands as far back as the Bronze Age, and there’s a crumbling castle nearby, making it a great launchpad for learning about Shetland’s heritage.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Most things on the Isle of Skye revolve around the harbour at Portree, which is surrounded by beautiful mountain views and joins the stunning Storrybreac hiking trail. In the town itself, you’ll find colourful houses, restaurants, cafés and art galleries, and further afield, the island is a paradise for walking.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Colourful houses reflect on sheltered waters backed by verdant woodland to make Tobermory one of Scotland’s most aesthetic ports. For a spot of retail therapy, make your way to the high street, where you’ll also find a great choice of seafood cafés and restaurants. Or, join a wildlife tour to search for otters, Minke whales, puffins and basking sharks.
Port Ellen, Islay
Overlooked by three distilleries, whitewashed cottages, and an unusual square-shaped lighthouse, Port Ellen is the gateway to Islay’s golden bays and ancient relics. Lining the port are a few pubs and gift shops that look across the deep bay, or you can hire bikes and kayaks to explore the coast and landscapes.
The best Scottish islands to visit
Don’t miss out on these incredible destinations as part of your Scottish island-hopping adventure.
Mainland, Shetland
Shetland’s principal island, Mainland is also the fifth largest island in Britain. Fertile farms and low-lying hills characterise the landscapes of the south, while wild moors bejewelled with lochs and volcanic cliffs are the defining features up north. The summer sun stretches for 17 hours in Shetland, and annual events include the winter fire festival of Up Helly Aa and Wool Week in the autumn. Other highlights include watching otters, orca, and humpback whales swimming around the coast, and exploring the island’s ancient Norse settlement of Jarlshof.
Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides
A world-class destination for walkers, the Isle of Skye includes all of Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ for wildlife watching. Plus, it has a solid reputation as one of the best places in the Scottish Isles for feasting on local produce. Not to be missed is the Scorrybreac Trail for a chance to spot eagles nesting on the cliffs, and Old Man of Storr, a 55-metre-high tower of volcanic rock – the island’s most popular visitor attraction. For fans of history, the castles of Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLeod are a must-visit.
Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides
Known for its wildlife watching, the Isle of Mull is also loved for its colourful port and stunning landscapes. Wile away the day at the bright white stretch of Calgary Beach, stroll along the coastal paths or gaze seaward from Glengorm Estate to appreciate its full beauty. Mull is also full of local history, including Duart Castle, once home of the Maclean Clan, and Mull Museum for further insight into the island’s past.
Colonsay, Inner Hebrides
For an island escape, Colonsay is a magical place with empty beaches and glorious cliff-top walks. Its quiet roads also make it the perfect place to tour by bicycle. On the north-western coast, Kiloran Bay is popular with surfers, while Colonsay House is home to one of Scotland’s finest rhododendron collections, all together making for a tranquil holiday destination.
Islay, Inner Hebrides
A favourite with whiskey enthusiasts because of its nine distilleries, which take advantage of the island’s peat-rich soil, Islay is also known for its birdwatching, including thousands of migrating geese that visit its shores each year. Impressive bays line its coast, home to seals, otters, and dolphins. Cultural highlights include the Kidalton Cross, which depicts biblical scenes, and the standing stones at Ballinaby.
Benbecula, Outer Hebrides
Best for nature lovers seeking a quiet getaway, Benbecula’s low-lying landscape is dotted with lochs and lined with breathtaking white bays. A paradise for birdwatchers, it is also an important stop on the Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail, and has retained its strong Gaelic culture, with over half of the island speaking this ancient language.
Things to see and do
Wondering what there is to see and do while island-hopping in Scotland? These remote parts provide landscapes, culture, and history in abundance.
Enjoy the landscapes
While island-hopping in Scotland, you’ll have access to some of Britain’s most untouched landscapes, ranging from craggy rock formations and volcanic cliffs to pristine bays and loch-studded moorland. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, wild swimming, or simply enjoying the views through a café window, it doesn’t get more beautiful than this.
Explore the distilleries
No trip to Scotland is complete without a tour of a distillery – and there is an abundance of them throughout the Scottish islands. Islay alone has nine whiskey distilleries because of the island’s peat-rich soil. Other must-visit distilleries include Talisker on Skye and Colonsay Distillery, renowned for its award-winning Scottish gin.
Wildlife watching
All of Scotland’s Big Five can be seen while island hopping in Scotland, along with an incredible range of cetaceans, including dolphins and whales, while travelling by ferry to and from the islands. For deeper insight, join a guided tour, either by land or sea, and prepare to be amazed by species you won’t find in the rest of Britain.
Discover Scottish island culture
The Scottish Isles see a fusion of Gaelic and Nordic influence, most easily recognised in the place names of the Hebridean islands, but listen closely and you’ll still notice Gaelic is widely spoken throughout the archipelagos too. For a further exploration of the island’s culture, look out for traditional crafts like Harris Tweed and traditional music like Gaelic reels. Or, line up your visit with one of the Hebridean music or arts festivals.
Visit the castles and ancient monuments
Uncover the history of Scotland’s famous battle-hardened clans or the trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Outer Hebrides. The Scottish Isles’ ancient history is rich too, with favourite monuments including its numerous prehistoric standing stones (some of which have inspired beloved films), Iron Age forts, and neolithic tombs.
Food and drink
Take a pick from one of these top-notch eateries to sample the best of Scottish produce and cuisine.
The Colonsay Pantry
Nestled 200 yards from the pier and boasting sweeping views over the island, The Colonsay Pantry offers an idyllic setting for a hearty refuel. Enjoy local seafood, meat, and locally grown veg as part of the menu, which varies from mouthwatering platters to toothsome pasta dishes.
Oban Seafood Hut
Sample a selection of mouthwatering ocean-sourced dishes from Scotland’s seafood capital. Oban Seafood Hut provides light bites and on-the-go eats to be enjoyed whilst overlooking the port. Highlights from the menu include local caught scallops, oysters and crab.
Loch Bay, Isle of Skye
There are four Michelin recommended restaurants on Skye, but for the authentic tastes of Scotland, we’d pick Loch Bay. Scottish-flavoured dishes are prepared using local ingredients, and the décor includes Harris Tweed from the Hebridean region.
While island hopping in Scotland, our self-catered holiday cottages offer tranquil havens surrounded by nature. Browse our Scotland collection, including peaceful retreats in Colonsay, Benbecula, and Oban.
