Scotland has over 790 islands, some large and some small, some inhabited and some not. If you want to experience island life there are various boat trips and even flights that will take you to some of these islands. You may have one in mind that you would love to visit or you may want to island hop and see a group of islands. Most of the islands can be put into several groupings. There are the Inner Hebrides, the Outer Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, the Isles of Bute and dozens more in rivers and lochs. The Inner Hebrides includes the popular Skye, Islay and Mull. The Outer Hebrides includes Harris and Lewis. The Shetland Isles are a group of over 100 islands with its main island known as the mainland. Orkney is an archipelago of around 70 islands with only about 20 of them inhabited.

Why Visit the Islands?

Each island has something different to offer its visitors. You may be looking for remoteness and tranquillity, to get up close to seabirds, otters or seals, to enjoy island hospitality, to visit a castle or two, to learn of the island history and its people, to enjoy its beautiful white sandy beach and clear water or to be inspired by its scenery. Browse through the islands we have showcased and see which one is for you.