SCOTTISH ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
DISCOVER SCOTLAND'S ISLANDS
Scotland’s mainland has a lot to offer, but taking the time to venture a little further out to its islands is an opportunity few rarely miss, and you shouldn’t either. No two islands are the same, and we don’t have the time in this guide to cover most of them, but the ones that are mentioned offer their own special taste of Scotland, and can suit every type of trip.
So, brave the salt spray and uncover a sense of tranquility and wonder that is unique to Scotland. Most islands have their own delicacies and exports that are unique to them, no matter where you go you will experience a unique slice of Scotland.
WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM A SCOTTISH ISLAND
X
DFH RECOMMENDS
ISLE OF SKYE
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most loved islands, it captures the essence of what most people seek from visiting the country. It’s colourful, whether that be the painted homes of Portree or the sunsets and rises that paint the sky.
Folklore and legend is weaved into the land and culture, a stop at the Old Sligachan Bridge promises eternal beauty to those brave enough to dip their face into the icy waters for seven seconds, a visit to the Fairy Glen will sweep you away in the mystical as you ponder the enigmatic landscapes.
You’re never far from some of the most remarkable coastal views Scotland has to offer, we make sure our guests never miss the pleated basalt columns of Kilt Rock, where a waterfall plunges 200 feet into the sea. On the never skip list is also the Old Man of Storr – the remains of a fallen giant to some, a towering jagged representation of the land's history to others.
Taste whisky from Skye’s oldest working distillery, Talisker. It’s a great representation of the island’s character and artistry. You’ll find more of that in the cuisine and hospitality across the island, warm, distinct and memorable.
Walk in the 170-million-year-old footsteps of dinosaurs at An Corran beach, explore Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod for eight centuries and oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
ISLE OF ARRAN
Just a short ferry hop from the west coast, the Isle of Arran is a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant community spirit. If you are exploring the mainland and want a luxurious taste of island life, Arran is the perfect addition to your itinerary, it is even accessible enough for a day trip.
You can trace the island’s 540-million-year journey at the Arran Geopark or stand among the towering prehistoric sandstone pillars of Machrie Moor. For those drawn to stately heritage, Arran offers everything from the atmospheric ruins of Lochranza Castle to the Victorian elegance of Brodick Castle, the historic seat of the Dukes of Hamilton.
The island truly comes alive through its people and traditions. There is a year-round rotation of folk, rock, and drama festivals that showcases deep-rooted creative passion.
To get a true taste of local life, explore the incredible local businesses, Arran has a range of artisanal produce such as cheese, whisky and honey. You’ll experience some of the friendliest teams in the world – always happy to make recommendations and let you really make sure you can make the most of each experience.
ISLE OF MULL
If you’re interested in wildlife, geology, history and incredible landscapes – the Isle of Mull should be on your list. The land is thick basalt lava resting on a foundation of rocks nearly 2,000 million years old. Its journey began in the southern hemisphere before continental drift and ended in its current Highland home. You can see clearly there the land was torn away from it’s neighbour Greenland millions of years ago. There are very few places that can make you feel the age of the earth so palpably.
From the Viking raids of the 8th century to the rise of powerful clans like the Macleans and MacDonalds, the island is peppered with historic strongholds like Moy Castle and Duart Castle. Today, the community is a warm, thriving blend of "true Muileach" descendants and newcomers, all united by a passionate love for Mull’s unique heritage.
Along the shoreline, you can spot playful otters and Atlantic grey seals, while the surrounding waters frequently host basking sharks and whales. For a truly unforgettable afternoon, nothing beats a boat trip to Lunga, where you can share a quiet lunch with vibrant, tiny puffins in one of the most serene wildlife havens in the world.
ISLES OF LEWIS & HARRIS
Stepping onto Lewis and Harris feels less like a typical island visit and more like a journey into a realm where every famous Scottish characteristic flourishes at once. Though they share a single landmass as the largest of the Outer Hebrides, the island is a tale of two halves: the wild, archaeological north of Lewis and the more rugged, beach-fringed south of Harris. Here, the air is thick with the lilt of Gaelic and the remote tranquility of the Atlantic, offering the perfect escape for the soul.
Prepare to lose your heart to the coastline; Harris is home to world-renowned sands like Luskentyre and Borve, where the water is so turquoise and the sand so white you might genuinely believe you’ve landed in the Bahamas, until the Scottish breeze and accents remind you where you are. On Lewis, the landscape hosts the legendary Callanish Standing Stones, which served as the creative spark for the stone circles in Outlander, rivals even Orkney for its sense of ancient mystery and historical weight.
A visit here isn't complete without experiencing the island’s artisanal spirit. As you drive south into Harris, you’ll find the world-famous home of Harris Tweed and knitwear. Between the towering monuments like Carloway Broch and the regal Lews Castle, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet friendly locals who are more than happy to share the stories that make these islands so distinct.
ISLAY & JURA
These two islands are separated by only a narrow stretch of water. Islay is a lush paradise for the malt enthusiast, boasting a network of world-famous distilleries like Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Bowmore. With a population of just 3,000, you aren’t travelling far between the world’s best sips.
Beyond the copper stills, you can discover a rich tapestry of history at the Museum of Islay Life or explore the ancient ruins of Finlaggan, once the seat of the powerful Lords of the Isles. For a touch of cinematic glamour, a visit to the Islay Woollen Mill reveals the source of exquisite fabrics featured in Hollywood masterpieces like Braveheart and Forrest Gump.
Just a short hop across the water from Port Askaig lies the Isle of Jura, known by its three soaring "Paps" and a population of wild deer that vastly outnumbers the people. This solitude is what famously drew author George Orwell to the island, where he found the tranquility required to complete his legendary novel, 1984. Today, Jura remains a quintessential "getaway-from-it-all" destination where you can navigate the swirling Corryvreckan Whirlpool by boat, hike through secluded coves, or simply relax with a glass of Jura’s own renowned whisky while taking in the spectacular views.
ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDS
To travel to the northernmost reaches of Scotland is to discover Orkney and Shetland, two archipelagos of Norse heritage and Neolithic wonders.
Orkney is a place of quiet majesty, home to some of the most significant archaeological treasures in Europe. You’ll find yourself standing in awe at the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, or exploring the remarkably preserved stone dwellings of Skara Brae.
In the charming town of Kirkwall, the sandstone walls of St Magnus Cathedral and the nearby palaces offer a warm welcome. Between exploring the Broch of Gurness and the mysterious chambered tomb of Maeshowe, take a moment to look out for the islands' famous wildlife, which flourishes across the emerald landscape. We suggest no less than 2 days to explore the best of Orkney’s highlights.
Further north lies Shetland, a land of dramatic cliffs and deep-rooted Viking tradition. The landscapes here are truly breathtaking, from the soaring cliffs of Eshaness to secluded, pristine beaches. History buffs will be captivated by the ancient settlements of Jarlshof and Scatness, while the Clickimin Broch and Scalloway Castle whisper stories of a turbulent, royal past. In the bustling main port of Lerwick, you can explore Fort Charlotte before heading out to spot the incredible marine life and seabirds.
There are lots of islands aside from the mainland of Shetland, if that’s something you want to explore our genuine recommendation is to ask the locals what they’d recommend – most islands have daily ferries and can be booked easily. Allow 2 to 3 days to properly immerse yourself in the Shetland way of life.
PLAN YOUR SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS EXPERIENCE
CREATE YOUR CUSTOM SCOTLAND TOUR
OUR TEAM WILL DESIGN YOUR DREAM SCOTLAND ITINERARY
Whether you are a seasoned collector or newly curious, exploring the country through its distilleries offers a deeper connection to the land.
Many of our guests choose to pair their drams with the fairways, combining world-class malts with golf trips to Scotland.
Our guides curate the ultimate itineraries, ensuring you experience the very best Scotland of whisky heritage in one luxurious journey.