Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, intriguing history, and warm hospitality. However, most visitors only experience the country’s more popular destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Scottish Highlands. While these places certainly deserve their fame, some of Scotland’s most beautiful gems remain hidden in plain sight – its lesser-known islands. Venture beyond the mainland to uncover quaint fishing villages, sweeping coastlines, and an unhurried way of life. You’ll also discover an island cuisine influenced by the bounty of surrounding seas.
Choosing the Right Islands
With over 790 islands lying off Scotland’s coasts, deciding which ones to explore can feel overwhelming. To help narrow it down, here are some of the top lesser-known islands worth adding to your itinerary:
Isle of Mull
Known for its rugged mountain landscapes and sandy beaches, Mull makes for a superb island getaway. Colorful fishing villages like Tobermory line the coast, while the interior opens onto sweeping moors and lochs. Wildlife lovers can spot red deer, golden eagles, and bottlenose dolphins. Foodies will love sampling local seafood, smoked salmon, and Mull cheddar cheese.
Islay
Nicknamed “the Queen of Hebrides,” Islay is renowned for its eight working whisky distilleries. Windswept coastlines and blond beaches border the landscape. Wildlife includes white-tailed sea eagles and colonies of grey seals. Foodies flock here to savor seafood, cheeses, and the smoothest single malts. Plan to spend multiple days exploring this underrated gem.
Orkney Islands
Clustered off Scotland’s northern coast, the Orkney archipelago feels quite different than other island groups with its unique Norse heritage. Majestic coastal scenery includes rugged sea cliffs and sweeping sand dunes. Ancient Neolithic sites like the Standing Stones of Stenness help shed light on early cultures. Fresh seafood and beer bannocks (beer bread) highlight local flavors.
Shetland Islands
Lying even farther north, the Shetland Islands experience subarctic influences with dramatic coastal landscapes. Seabird colonies nest along rugged cliffs. Fishing villages and crofting towns dot the coast. Folk culture thrives through weaving, knitting, and fiddle music. Visit local farms to sample oatcakes, lamb, and Shetland cheese made from island ewes’ milk.
Arran
Dubbed “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran offers something for everyone in its varied landscapes. Forests and glens cover the interior. Goldensands Bay and the “Secret Garden” of Brodick make for scenic spots. Hiking and cycling routes crisscross the island. Foodies come to taste Arran whisky, local gin, and smoked salmon from Lochranza.
Planning an Island-Hopping Adventure
The best way to fully immerse yourself in island life and landscapes is through some island-hopping. Here are some tips for planning a multi-island itinerary:
Ferries and Schedules
CalMac Ferries connect most of Scotland’s islands to the mainland and each other. It’s essential to check timetables, which change seasonally. Book seats in advance, especially on summer weekends, and always allow a buffer in case of delays. Consider hiring a car on the largest islands for convenience in exploring.
Islands to Combine
Mull and Iona work well together due to the proximity and scenic contrasts between Mull’s mountains and Iona’s green vales. Orkney’s Mainland and nearby islands offer varied experiences in a small area. The Western and Northern Isles can be combined with careful schedule coordination. Stay flexible, as weather can alter the best-laid plans.
Island-Hopping Itineraries
A few sample multi-day island itineraries could include:
- 3 days on Mull with a day trip to Iona
- 4 days on Islay with trips to Jura and Gigha
- 5 days exploring Orkney’s Mainland, Hoy, Shapinsay and Sanday
- 7+ days discovering Shetland’s Mainland and Out Skerries
Accommodation
Book well ahead in summer as options fill fast. Guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels offer island hospitality. Some areas have campsites or basic bothies for budget travelers. A few islands also have boutique hotels, eco retreats, and even luxury lighthouse stays.
islandhopscotland.co.uk
This excellent resource helps plan ferry journeys, lists accommodation options, and suggests day-trip itineraries around Scotland’s islands. Browse to gain island insights and build memorable multi-destination adventures.
Culinary Highlights of Scotland’s Islands
Some of the most rewarding parts of island-hopping involve sampling the unique flavors of each region. Here’s an overview of top culinary experiences awaiting on Scotland’s islands:
Seafood
With abundant surrounding seas, it’s no surprise that freshly-caught ocean bounty reigns supreme. Enjoy langoustines, scallops, mussels, and lobster, along with haddock, mackerel, and salmon. Restaurants take pride in creative preparations showcasing each catch.
Whisky & Gin
Islay is justly renowned for its oaky single malts, but Orkney and Shetland also produce small-batch whiskies. Artisan distilleries welcome tastings matched with island cheeses or oatcakes. Gin lovers seek out unique small-batch varieties infused with local botanicals.
Cheeses
Rich local cheeses take center stage, from aged cheddar and creamy bries to nutty goat’s cheeses. Islay draws crowds to its award-winning Cowalam cheese. On Arran, try Alpine-style cheeses made with ewe’s milk. Sample pairings on grazing platters for true island flair.
Baked Goods
From Arran oatcakes to Orkney bere bannocks and Shetland oatcakes, each region puts a local spin on classic baked items. Enjoy them on picnic spreads or sample fresh-baked loaves, scones and griddlecakes still warm from the oven. Sweet tooth? Track down Arbroath smokies (ginger biscuits).
Foraging & Preserving
Island larders overflow with seasonal bounty cleverly preserved through smoking, drying, pickling, and jamming. Taste test dulse seaweed, mussel loaf, smoked salmon, and loganberries or rowanberries turned into sweet jams. Foragers delight in unique native herbs.
Local Produce Markets
Browse colorful stalls at farmers’ markets to select provisions for self-catering or picnics. Stock up on cheeses, baked goods, jams, and preserves alongside seasonal fruits and vegetables. Take time to chat with producers who are proud of nurturing island bounty.
Where to Stay on Scotland’s Islands
Accommodations span from hostel bunks to luxury lodges, always with that unique island hospitality. Here are some top places to consider booking:
Bosville Hotel, Isle of Mull
Centrally located in Tobermory with bay views, this elegant hotel pampers guests with aromatherapy treatments, fine dining with wild foraged ingredients, and locally-inspired décor referencing Mull’s crofting heritage.
I’Anson Manse B&B, Shetland
Owned by multi-instrumentalist Adam I’Anson, this charming country house exudes folksy hospitality through heartwarming recipes, live music evenings, and hot tub stargazing at this remote Shetland lochside spot.
The Crowning Tor Hotel, Isle of Arran
Perched high on Arran’s west coast with views across the Firth of Clyde, this striking lodge blends luxurious spa facilities and gourmet dining with mountain hikes right from its doorstep.
The Crofters, Orkney
Clustered cottages on a working farm promise tranquility yet also offer day trips exploring Orkney’s Neolithic sites and puffin watching from this secluded west mainland location.
Shoreview Guest House, Isle of Islay
Within walking distance of Islay’s picturesque Port Ellen waterfront, this family-run B&B serves up huge breakfasts to fuel island explorations, along with friendliness and local guidance.
Lochbay Seafood & Wild Lodge, Isle of Skye
This remote eco-lodge amid Skye’s rugged Cuillin Hills pampers guests in luxury while also immersing them in coastal foraging with a top Scottish chef specializing in sustainable island seafood.
Hostelling Scotland
For budget accommodation, this association maintains clean, basic hostels on Mull, Skye, Isle of Arran, and other islands – offering a social, no-frills way to experience island landscapes affordably while meeting other travelers.