10 Greatest Islands In Scotland
Scotland's collection of over 800 islands—nearly a hundred of which are inhabited—accounts for more than 10% of Europe's coastlines. These include numerous islands within both the Inner and Outer Hebrides, as well as those in the Firth of Clyde—not to mention around 100 islands in Shetland and about 70 in Orkney.
For the past two decades, I've dedicated my career to exploring these islands, and I'm frequently asked to pick a favorite. It's really about what's best for you. Whether you're a gastronome, a bird watcher, or someone in search of tranquil shores, Scotland's islands offer stunning hikes, breathtaking landscapes, and sunsets that seem almost surreal, accompanied by a warmth you might have thought was only found on TV screens. This summer, why not take a ferry (or perhaps a plane that lands on a beach) to the island that best matches your taste?
1. Skye
Best for foodies
Indeed, the Skye Bridge does see a stream of motorhomes, but once you're enjoying the culinary delights of Michael Smith at Loch Bay in the tranquil village of Stein, they'll slip your mind. Smith's former establishment, the famed Three Chimneys, thrives under the direction of Scott Davies, who is fervently aiming to reclaim their Michelin star at this wonderfully revived croft.
Staying over is a must, with rooms offering serene contemporary decor and views of the loch. In southern Skye, Isabella Macdonald carries on her mother's impressive legacy as a hotelier, chef, and author at Kinloch Lodge, where head chef Jordan Webb dazzles in the kitchen. Take a swim off their hidden little beach and join the Skye Ghillie for foraging expeditions for sea herbs and chanterelles.
Where to stay
Soak in the timeless elegance of Kinloch Lodge, once a hunting lodge, now offering views of rolling hills and the loch, with impeccably smooth service. Room rates start at £550 for a double.
Where to eat
Sample the gastronomic excellence at all the mentioned spots. If you must choose one, don't miss the Michelin-starred experience at Loch Bay.
2. Coll
Best for beaches
The western coast of Coll is essentially a vast string of beaches. Reports vary—some say 23, though locals, whether they're sober or have had a bit to drink, may debate the number. Regardless, there's no shortage! Start with a visit to Crossapol with its expansive sand dunes, then meander through the flower-covered machair to Feall Beach.
The joy of my daughters as they played on these pristine sands, and their excitement at seeing seals up close, are memories I'll always cherish. Biking leisurely between these beaches, with a picnic in tow, you'll lose all sense of time.
Where to stay
The Coll Hotel is the heart of hospitality here, with stunning sea views and warm smiles from the Oliphant family team. Doubles are available from £130.
Where to eat
Enjoy a meal at the Coll Hotel's restaurant, where homemade linguine and plump local lobsters are the stars. Expect a daily feast of fresh seafood and local lamb.
3. Islay
Best for whisky
Islay is the place to be, now boasting 10 distilleries with the reopening of Port Ellen. Arriving by sea, you'll pass icons like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. Start with these three storied distilleries, connected by a walkable and bike-friendly path. E-bikes are available for rent from Islay E-Wheels. Don't miss Ardnahoe, a modern marvel with panoramic windows overlooking the sea. Enjoy a whisky-paired lunch here.
Neighboring distilleries like Bunnahabhain offer excellent tours, and Caol Ila contributes to the famed Johnnie Walker blends. Kilchoman, the smallest, embraces traditional methods at its farm-based facility. Bruichladdich stands out for its use of time-honored techniques, while Bowmore, located centrally in the town of the same name, helps heat the local pool with its production processes, allowing you to enjoy your whisky responsibly.
Where to stay
The Port Charlotte Hotel, with its picturesque whitewashed exterior and vintage charm, offers a dreamlike escape. Double rooms start at £255.
Where to eat
Indulge in oversized scallops and a creamy local lobster mac 'n' cheese at the Islay Hotel, a meal your palate is sure to remember.
4. Mull
Best for wildlife
Skip the international travel for animal sightings; Mull provides a rich tapestry of wildlife right at home. Mull Sealife Surveys offer cetacean expeditions with cameras, not harpoons, in hand. Spotting whales, especially minkes, along with the occasional humpback or orca, is a likely thrill. Sightings of dolphins and porpoises are common, and mistaking a sea eagle for a glider is a testament to their impressive size. Onshore, the UK's largest land mammal, the red deer, frequents the glens, visible during hikes on Ben More, the sole Munro on the island outside of Skye.
Golden eagles often overshadow the abundant local buzzards. To immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mull, consider joining Nature Scotland. Cap off a day of wildlife exploration with a small glass of whisky by the sea at dusk, the perfect time to catch a glimpse of otters.
Where to stay
The Mishnish in Tobermory, the bustling island capital, immerses guests in island culture with its renowned Scottish ales and spirited live music. Doubles start at £160.
Where to eat
At Café Fish in Tobermory, familiarity with their fishermen ensures the freshest seafood. Enjoying a seafood platter on a sunny terrace feels divine.
5. Arran
Best for it all
When asked which single island to visit, I immediately suggest Arran, often to the surprise of those expecting a list of contenders. Dubbed “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran mirrors the nation’s diverse landscapes: its northern part boasts jagged mountains, deer-filled glens, and ancient castles, while the south offers serene sandy shores, quaint villages, and fertile lands producing the renowned Arran cheese.
Arran is home to two distilleries and breweries, a celebrated local butcher, baker, ice-cream maker, and even a chocolatier. It boasts all five of Scotland’s major wildlife species and offers a cycling route that encircles the island in just a day.
Where to stay
The Auchrannie stands as the islands’ premier resort, featuring multiple pools, diverse dining options, and ample leisure facilities for rainy days. Doubles are priced from £199.
Where to eat
At Kilbrannan Restaurant, watch gannets dive as you savor large scallops and superb Arran lamb, harvested from local waters.
6. Barra
Best for the Outer Hebrides in miniature
For a condensed experience of the vast Outer Hebrides, choose Barra or “Barradise.” Land via the unique beach runway of Loganair, the world’s only such scheduled service. Castlebay, the island's hub, hosts Bùth Bharraigh, an excellent community-driven visitor center and market.
Cycling around Barra reveals breathtaking white sands and formidable hills like Heaval. For aquatic adventures, join Clearwater Paddling, and don’t miss the quirky golf course where Atlantic beaches serve as sand traps and livestock-proof fences enclose the greens.
Where to stay
Opt for a sea-view room at the iconic Castlebay Hotel and hope for a live performance by the famed Vatersay Boys. Room rates start at £185.
Where to eat
The unforgettable king scallop pakora at Café Kisimul, featuring scallops directly sourced from local diver Martin, is a must-try.
7. Eigg
Best for community spirit
The small but vibrant Isle of Eigg showcases the success of community ownership since 1997. The population has increased, supported by the dynamic An Laimhrig community center, which includes a shop and café.
Explore Eigg’s offerings like the brewery, adventurous e-bike tours by Eigg Adventures, and Lost Map Records. The island also features pristine beaches, an old-school museum, excellent hiking trails, and villages that reflect past hardships.
Where to stay
Eigg Camping Pods offer cozy accommodations with views of the ferry and community center. Rates begin at £65 for a minimum two-night stay.
Where to eat
At Galmisdale Cafe, located in An Laimhrig, enjoy local Eigg beer paired with Arisaig mussels, fresh from nearby waters.
8. Orkney mainland
Best for epic prehistory
Orkney’s Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surpasses the historical significance of Stonehenge. This network of ancient sites includes Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village, and the awe-inspiring henge at Brodgar. Nearby, explore the vast Ness of Brodgar settlement and the monumental Stenness stones.
Visit Maeshowe for a guided tour through its long, dark tunnel leading to a burial cairn adorned with Viking carvings. Also inquire about the less-visited nearby cairns, often deserted and shrouded in solitude.
Where to stay
Stay at the stately Kirkwall Hotel, located on the Kirkwall waterfront, featuring the Harbourview Restaurant and the Highland Park Bar. Doubles are available from £220.
Where to eat
Experience the Foveran, a cliff-top restaurant with rooms, offering freshly caught seafood like Orkney scallops and crab, providing a breathtaking dining experience.
9. Unst
Ideal for Geographic Extremes
The UK's northernmost inhabited island, Unst, captivates those intrigued by geographical boundaries, offering the "most northerly" experiences imaginable. A visit isn’t complete without mailing a letter from the northernmost post office in the UK. This island offers an eclectic charm with its award-winning bus shelter-turned-art gallery and a Viking longship on display in a local museum that celebrates Unst’s ancient Norse heritage.
The natural world thrives here, with otters and orcas frequenting the shores, and the Hermaness National Nature Reserve serving as an important sanctuary for birds. Looking beyond the local bonxies (great skuas) and diving gannets, one can glimpse the rugged beauty of Muckle Flugga, the northernmost isle of the UK, which is among my top Scottish vistas. The Aurora Borealis is a common spectacle here too.
Where to Stay
Opt for the Baltasound Hotel, typically the sole dining option on Unst. This elegant retreat offers 24 snug rooms. Double rooms start at £130.
Where to Eat
Enjoy a meal at the Baltasound Hotel, where the menu celebrates Shetland’s finest seafood. Delight in dishes featuring crab, monkfish, lobster, and haddock; the Shetland lamb is exceptional as well.
10. Inchcolm
Ideal for a Quick Getaway
Inchcolm stands out as a unique destination on Scotland’s east coast, within close proximity to Edinburgh, making it perfect for those short on time. Depart from South Queensferry aboard the Maid of the Forth, which glides past the iconic Forth Bridges and stops at Inchcolm. Explore the island's rich avian life, including puffins during the summer months, and visit Inchcolm Abbey, often dubbed the ‘Iona of the East’.
From atop the abbey’s tower, the vista spans across to Edinburgh, transporting visitors far from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. While overnight stays on Inchcolm are not possible, the island is an enchanting location for weddings or simply capturing your heart.
Where to Stay
Reserve a room at Orocco Pier in South Queensferry with a view of the Forth Bridges, and Inchcolm will be visible in the distance. Double rooms are available from £99.
Where to Eat
Experience dining at the Boathouse in South Queensferry, where you can indulge in fish and chips while overlooking the Firth of Forth, followed by a selection from the Scottish cheeseboard.
