5 reasons you need to visit Islay
Islay should be at the top of every traveller's bucket list.
A Guide To Island Hopping in Scotland
Island hopping is a great way to experience the offshore gems and secret spots that Scotland has to offer – whether you have a week or a weekend to spend here, the islands won’t disappoint.
Scotland is famed for its staggering mountains, beautiful lochs, and a variety of gems to explore, but, did you know that our islands are magical and otherworldly? Scotland has over 790 islands, each unique in their own way. With incredible natural beauty, dramatic seascapes and magical atmosphere, you’ll never want to leave island life behind.
Our islands are split into a few groups – Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Shetland, and Orkney.
Navigating across these bucket list-worthy islands is easier than you may think. Regular ferry connections run from the mainland to the islands on the west and north coasts of Scotland, as well as between the islands themselves. Some ferries allow you to take your car so you can continue exploring when you’re there.
You can even fly to various islands from the cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness. Or why not fly from island-to-island to save time travelling?
Our islands have more to show than you can fit into a day – so why not stay over? There’s plenty of accommodation options on offer – from cosy cottages on the waterfront and eco-friendly self-catering lodges, to quaint campsites, caravans and B&Bs – but make sure you book ahead!
Venture to the Inner Hebrides if you want to explore places seen in blockbuster films, such as Prometheus, Snow White & The Huntsman, and Flash Gordon, or if you’re up for a scenic sailing tour. If magical lands filled with ancient history take your fancy, then head to Orkney!
The Isle of Mull is the perfect location to spot a variety of wildlife, including eagles soaring overhead, and head to Tobermory to see the colourful houses and buildings as well as trying some fresh seafood in one of the local pubs. Or, if you want to sample a dram or two of whisky then head to the Isle of Islay where you can choose from eight distilleries.
On the west coast, enjoy the untouched beauty of the Isle of Jura, let your inner adventurer out and try windsurfing on the Isle of Tiree, or uncover the turbulent history at the ancient abbey on the Isle of Iona.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the waters off the Isle of Coll are a great place to spot giant basking sharks, and even if you’ve never been there, you’re probably already familiar with Skye – it’s one of the most photographed, and talked about, of the Scottish islands.
The Outer Hebrides are perfect if you’re looking for crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches. Or hop further afield to Orkney and Shetland to tick these magical places off your bucket list. From remnants of ancient civilisations, the chance to spot the Northern Lights during the darker winter months, and the cries of thousands of seabirds, to lively folk music sessions and ferocious Viking culture – there’s an abundance of things to keep you busy!
Why not follow some of our ready-made itineraries, or plan one of your own to make the most out of your island adventure?
Island Hopping:
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Scotland's Islands
Check your local public television station for this Rick Steves’ Europe episode or watch it on We'll begin on the tranquil Isle of Iona, where Christianity first reached the shores of Scotland. Then we'll visit another of the Inner Hebrides, road-tripping across the Isle of Skye, where we'll explore Iron Age forts, peat fields, a venerable distillery, thatched crofter huts, and the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula. Finally, we'll sail to Orkney — more Nordic than Celtic — with its stony remnants of a thriving Iron Age civilization and evocative reminders of the 20th-century wartime harbor at Scapa Flow.
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Places to see in ( Oban - UK )
Places to see in ( Oban - UK )
Oban is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, Oban is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William. During the tourist season, the town of Oban can play host to up to 25,000 people.
Oban occupies a setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is a near perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera; and beyond Kerrera, the Isle of Mull. To the north, is the long low island of Lismore, and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour.
The area around Oban is rich with attractions for tourists, from the dramatic scenery of the coast and mountains to the fascinating histories of the local castles and ancient religious sites. There are also many activities available for families and those interested in more active pursuits. The Oban and Lorn tourist information website has detailed information for visitors. The Oban Visitor Information Centre, operated by VisitScotland, is located in the Columba Buildings on the North Pier.
Oban lies at the western end of the A85 road. It also has a railway station from where a number of Abellio ScotRail trains run to and from Glasgow Queen Street daily. The town is also an important ferry port: it is Caledonian MacBrayne's busiest terminal. Oban is known as the Gateway to the Isles, with ferries sailing to the islands of Lismore, Colonsay, Islay, Coll, Tiree, to Craignure on Mull, to Castlebay on Barra and to Lochboisdale on South Uist. In 2005, a new ferry terminal was opened, and in 2007 a second linkspan opened, allowing two vessels to load/unload at the same time.
Alot to see in ( Oban - UK ) such as :
McCaig's Tower
Dunstaffnage Castle
Falls of Lora
St Columba's Cathedral
Dunollie Castle
Kerrera
Loch Creran
Kilmartin Glen
Inveraray Jail
Castle Stalker
Castle Sween
Oban Distillery
Gylen Castle
Oban War & Peace Museum
Dunstaffnage Chapel
Oban Times Museum
Oban Bay
Ganavan Bay
Oban War Memorial
Hutcheson's Monument
( Oban - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Oban . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Oban - UK
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A Wee Week in Glasgow
Filmed on location in Glasgow, Scotland. A virtual pub crawl through some of Glasgow's best pubs. A trip to Dunoon, and a football match at Glasgow Celtic.
Family Travel with Colleen Kelly - Scotland
Pack up your bag pipes and join Colleen and her family as they don their kilts and head to Scotland. as they hunt for monsters and experience highland traditions in Scotland! The family tries to find the Loch Ness monster on a cruise through its river home. They also learn more about the geology of the loch and the history of Scotland at Urqhuart Castle.
The castle fun doesn’t stop there! Colleen and her children play traditional Highland games like throwing weight for distance, shot putt, tug o’ war, tossing the caber and even haggis hurling and wellie wanging, at Achnagairn Castle. They also learn how to dance traditional highland dances with bagpipes and show off their moves at the Hootananny Pub.
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A Wee Tour of Scotland
Scotland may be a wee spot on the map, but with spectacular landscapes, thriving cities, foodie hotspots and a colourful events programme, it’ll feel like you have the whole world to explore.
Getting to Scotland is easier than you may think. There are a variety of planes, trains, buses and a whole network of major roads that lead you from the rest of the UK into Scotland. There are four main airports here, so flying in from overseas is a piece of cake too. There are regular flights from a whole host of countries around the world that arrive in Scotland every day! Once you’re here getting around is very straight forward. You can hire a car, book a last-minute train or coach ride, hire a bike or even hop aboard a ferry to one of the islands.
Scotland’s weather is often mild, with a moderate chance of rain, but that never stops us from making the most of the day, no matter what the weather throws at us. From windy walks on the beach or sunny bike rides on woodland trails, to gorge walking in the drizzle or skiing and snowboarding on real snow – there’s plenty you can do come rain or shine (or even snow!).
Scotland is home to seven spectacular cities, each with a unique personality of their own, that boast incredible attractions, historic treasures and a wealth of culture to explore. From Inverness in the north, Glasgow in the west, Edinburgh in the east, and Stirling, Perth, Aberdeen and Dundee in between, there are plenty of city gems you can explore across Scotland.
History and heritage is a huge part of Scotland’s past and present; from ancient tribal Celts and face-painted Picts, to Roman conquerors, red-headed Vikings, powerful royals, and great explorers, there is something to uncover and learn about in every corner of the country. Come and explore a wealth of fascinating attractions including mysterious standing stones, fine castles, lavish stately homes, striking architecture, world-famous inventions and so much more.
Our landscapes are next level – just picture towering mountains, swooping valleys, glittering lochs, golden beaches, and pristine waters. These are just a few of the mesmerising gems you can find here. Alongside our landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for our wide variety of stunning wildlife that you can spot on our mountainsides, along our forest trails, soaring in the sky above you, and swimming along the coastlines.
Did you know Scotland is home to over 790 islands?! Whether you’ve only got a couple of days or a couple of weeks to spend in Scotland, it’s well worth the time to explore some of these magical islands that will truly take your breath away. From sampling fine peaty whiskies on the Isle of Islay, to connecting with the rich Gaelic culture in the Outer Hebrides, there are hundreds of things to do and get involved in.
Calling all foodie enthusiasts! One thing you won’t be able to resist about Scotland, is our fantastic variety of delicious produce. With the Atlantic on our doorstep, you can find hundreds of fresh fish, shellfish and seafood in our cafés, bars and restaurants across the country. Head to a local farmers’ market where you taste locally reared beef, pork, chicken and a whole collection of other types of meat. Of course, a trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without some traditional dishes – make sure you try out some haggis, neeps and tatties whilst you’re here, as well as trying a dram or two of our delicious single malt whisky.
Explore Scotland’s fantastic range of exciting outdoor activities, from adrenaline pumping white water rafting and gorge walking, to exploring mountain biking trails and thrilling snowsports, all with a dramatic backdrop to admire too. Scotland also hosts an exciting year-long events programme, which sees the best of Scottish music, culture, dance, theatre, film and much more come together in an entertaining array of festivals.
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Year of Coasts & Waters 2020
In 2020, Scotland will be celebrating its Year of Coasts & Waters through a year-long programme of exciting events, festivals and activities that everyone can get involved in. From historic harbours and winding waterways, to sweeping coastlines, the very best in seafood, whisky, wildlife and wellness – Scotland’s reputation for its rich natural and cultural heritage is one not to be missed.
Water is a huge part of Scotland’s landscapes and is the life-blood that keeps our valleys green and rivers flowing. Many of our much-loved attractions and natural features have been sculpted by the sheer force of water alone and they are a real sight to see up close, so what are you waiting for?
Scotland’s natural environment is out of this world. Picture immaculate structures and formations poking out of the coastline and withstanding the force and pressure of the powerful waves around them. Bow Fiddle Rock in Moray, Yesnaby Stack in Orkney, and Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa are just a few of the coastal formations you can uncover.
Elsewhere, Scotland features hundreds of glittering lochs in all nooks and crannies of the country. From the infamous Loch Ness just south of Inverness, and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, to the beautiful Loch Maree in Kinlochewe, and the royal Loch Muick in Aberdeenshire, there are plenty for you to uncover.
Taste the salt in the wind, feel the crisp sea air on your face, and listen to the soothing sounds of seabirds and crashing waves as you wander along one of Scotland’s stunning beaches. There are hundreds of beaches, bays, harbours and sands across Scotland that you can explore, all of which are set to impress. Some of the best beaches in Scotland include Ayr Beach on the west coast, Achnahaird Beach on the north west coast, Seacliff Beach in East Lothian, and Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders.
If you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot hundreds of species of wildlife across the country. From the elusive pine marten and fluffy red squirrels in the many forests, to seals and dolphins off the coasts, and sea eagles soaring above you, there are plenty to see.
Scotland is overflowing with history, culture and heritage, from Neolithic villages, to 18th century battlefields, there are hundreds of attractions and locations to explore across the country. Venture on Scotland’s Castle Trail where you can uncover 19 of Aberdeenshire’s most famous and dramatic castles, including Dunnottar Castle on the coast, the grand Castle Fraser, and the magnificent Duff House. Elsewhere, you can explore ancient artefacts, precious paintings and a whole world of fine art at the many galleries and museums that Scotland boasts. From exploring the history of the Highlands at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, to uncovering intricate Scottish art at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow, there is plenty to get involved in.
Scotland wouldn’t be Scotland without a little adventure and activity. Scotland is the Home of Golf and boasts prestigious and ancient courses across the country, alongside featuring lands and coastlines that are made for adrenaline-pumping adventures. From world-class watersports, and mountain biking down rugged terrain, to aqualining, and scaling the towering heights of the Cairngorms, Scotland’s magnificent great outdoors are endless.
Whisky, or Uisge Beatha in Scottish Gaelic, is a very popular part of Scotland’s culture. In our distilleries, skilled distillers take pure water from crystal-clear streams, and golden barely from the fields, and transform them into the delectable spirits we know and love today. There are over 100 active distilleries in Scotland, including Balblair in Ardmore, Glenmorangie, and Caol Ila Distillery on the Isle of Islay, to name a few.
With hundreds of seaside towns, harbours and ports dotted around the country, Scotland boasts delectable seafood dishes to try. Taste freshly caught fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, at the many local farmers’ markets that bring together the area’s top producers. You can even head off on Scotland’s Seafood Trail which encompasses spectacular coastal scenery alongside seafoodie delights to sample at a variety of waterfront cafes and restaurants across Scotland.
Head to Scotland to explore more in our Year of Coasts & Waters in 2020.
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Scotland: The Western Islands - Episode 4 - Lewis to Barra
Scotland: The Western Islands is a factual travel documentary series which aims to reveal the lesser known sights and history of just some of the many settlements and islands which exist in this unique part of the world.
In the final episode, Alex and the team explore the Outer Hebrides, travelling south through these unique isles, from Lewis in the north, through to Harris and the Uist’s, before reaching the Isle of Barra.
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The Islay Hotel, Isle of Islay , United Kingdom - Perfect Place
The Islay Hotel - Book it now! -
On Islay’s famous Whisky Coast, in the fishing village of Port Ellen, overlooking the harbour and marina and just 2 hours by ferry from Kennacraig on the Scottish mainland, The Islay Hotel offers recently refurbished accommodation, a restaurant and well-stocked whisky bar. Guests can enjoy the unspoilt Scottish coastline and beaches, from 2 minutes' walk away.
Each bedroom is individually designed and has a king or super-king bed, and has luxury en suite facilities. They all have a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and tea/coffee making facilities.
The restaurant serves fresh, local food. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30, lunch from 12:00 to 14:30 and dinner from 18:00 to 21:00. There is fresh coffee, tea and home baking available throughout the day.
Islay Airport is a 10-minute drive for The Islay Hotel. A links golf course is less than 10 minutes' drive away and guests can visit the distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, situated between 5 and 10 minutes' drive. There is free parking at the property.