Scotland's Islands

Scotland's Islands

Scotland’s islands really do let you get away from it all.

The gentler pace of life is infectious.

Their natural beauty takes your breath away. Local prehistoric treasures and native wildlife are fascinating and rewarding. A world away from daily hustle and bustle.

Fun Facts

  • Up Helly AA, the Viking fire festival, takes place on the Shetland islands every January.
  • Dunvegan Castle is probably the oldest inhabited castle in the north of Scotland. The Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod have occupied it continuously for more than 750 years.
  • There are estimated to be over 60,000 Gaelic-speakers in Scotland.
  • Portree means "Port of the King" after a visit by King James V in 1540.
  • The name Arran may mean 'place of peaked hills' from the Brythonic word Aran meaning height or peaked hill.

Tours that visit Islands