Scottish Islands
Isle of Skye, Orkney, Harris, Lewis.
Discover Scotland’s most incredible islands.
Although most visitors to Scotland base their trip around Edinburgh, the country has much more to offer, including its 790 islands, of which around 90 are inhabited. They fall into three main groups:
The Inner Hebrides: the Isle of Skye, Mull, Islay and Jura.
The Outer Hebrides: the most remote and untamed islands, Lewis and Harris, Barra and St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular cliffs and thousands of seabirds.
Orkney and Shetland: in the far north, with a blend of history and Viking culture, having been ruled by the Norse for centuries, which is still reflected in the local language, architecture and traditions.
Each group of islands has its own identity, culture and unique landscapes, and all are famous for their wild scenery, white-sand beaches and turquoise sea.
A true delight for nature lovers!
Discover our island itineraries.
A trip to the Scottish islands is a true immersion in the country's culture: as well as breathtaking scenery, you can experience the Gaelic and Norse heritage that is still very much alive there.
Our private island tours offer plenty of options, from beautiful beaches to whisky distilleries, archaeological sites and even Viking festivals.
Here are some of the options.
The Inner Hebrides – the islands closest to Scotland's west coast.
Isle of Skye – the most famous, with epic mountains, the Old Man of Storr and historic castles.
Isle of Mull – stunning beaches, the colourful harbour of Tobermory and Duart Castle.
Islay – famous for its peated whiskies, from distilleries such as Laphroaig and Lagavulin.
Jura – wild and remote, with deer, eagles and one of Scotland's most isolated distilleries.
The Outer Hebrides – the most remote and untamed islands.
Lewis is the largest island in the Outer Hebrides, with prehistoric monoliths and small villages to visit. It is home to the Callanish Stones, one of the most impressive stone circles in Scotland, often compared to Stonehenge and even older.
Harris shares the same island as Lewis and has beaches of white sand and turquoise water. Truly enchanting.
Orkney and Shetland – natural beauty and history in Scotland's far north.
Orkney and Shetland are two remarkable archipelagos, full of breathtaking landscapes, rich history and a unique culture: an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for a more remote, authentic side of Scotland.
Orkney
Off the north coast of Scotland, Orkney is known for its ancient history and spectacular scenery. Of its 70-plus islands, around 20 are inhabited, and people have lived here for thousands of years, with prehistoric remains still visible today.
Orkney highlights:
Skara Brae: a Neolithic village, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Europe.
Standing Stones of Stenness: a stone circle around 5,000 years old, older than the pyramids of Egypt.
St Magnus Cathedral: one of the oldest cathedrals in Scotland, with stunning medieval architecture.
Shetland
As well as its incredible natural landscapes, Shetland is famous for its Viking heritage and traditions rooted in the sea.
Shetland highlights:
Jarlshof: an archaeological site spanning more than 4,000 years of history, from prehistoric times to the Viking age.
St Ninian's Isle: linked to the mainland by a stunning white sand beach, ideal for walking and exploring.
Shetland ponies: one of the oldest and smallest pony breeds in the world.
Up Helly Aa: visit in January to see the famous Viking fire festival, with its torchlit procession and traditional celebrations.
Both Orkney and Shetland combine fascinating history, impressive landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, far from the usual tourist routes. They are perfect for travellers looking for authenticity, adventure and a connection with nature.
If you would like to explore these remote islands, get in touch and we will design a private, tailor-made itinerary so you can enjoy the very best of them.