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My favourite Scottish Islands
ellisoconnor
VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭
Hello all!
Three years ago I made a pact with myself to try and visit all of the Scottish Islands and explore as much of this country as I possibly could. As I am a visual artist and photographer whose work is directly influenced by the more remote areas of Scotland and the stunning mountain ranges we have it wasn't going to be much of a hard challenge for me to start exploring!
And so to date I've nearly reached my goal!
I'm a massive fan of the wonderful and varied Islands we have here in Scotland and so I'm going to share with you my personal top 5 for my first discussion post.
1: Isle of Eigg: One of Scotland's small Isles that lies off the West Coast near Mallaig and looks over to the Isle of Skye. A lot less documented but so wild and a very special place because of the people (the community famously bought out the Island in 1997) and the rich culture, heritage and amazing unspoilt hiking to the Sgurr, Laig Beach, Grulin, Kildonans Cave and many more!
2: Isle of Colonsay: A jewel in the ocean. The Isle of Colonsay is one of Scotland's Inner Hebrides located north of Islay and South of Mull. Famous for it's beaches and incredible unspoilt rich landscapes. Must see's are Kiloran Bay, the long but worthwhile hike to Balnahard Bay at the North of the Island, the rich geology, wildlife and so much more!
3: The Archipleago of St Kilda: Unbelievable. These Islands are located 40 miles off the Western Isles of Scotland and are famously difficult to get out to. I was very lucky and after 2 failed attempts at trying to reach St Kilda I finally ventured out there the summer of last year with Sea Harris. Nothing prepares you for the atmosphere or rich history that is so deeply felt there. We spent the whole day on the Island and then the evening circling the infamous stacs of Stac Lee and Stac An Armin (the tallest sea stacs in the UK) St Kilda is world renowned and you have to see it to believe it, if you get a chance to go you definitely should!
4: The Isle of Jura: The Isle of Jura is also one of Scotland's Inner Hebrides and is a remarkably mountainous remote Island. The 200 locals are immeasurably outnumbered by deer and it's almost inevitable you will run into one on the Island. I spent a few days there hiking in the wilderness, tasting the infamous Jura Malt Whisky, staying in Craighouse and ambling over the Paps Of Jura, the stunning mountain range!
5: Shetland: I have so much to say about Shetland as I've spent a lot of time on the mainland of Shetland and around all of it's stunning unique Islands. I spent the summer of 2014 circling the Shetland Islands on a boat which was an incredible experience in itself. My favourite places to visit are the Islands of Papa Stour, Fetlar, Foula and on the mainland; Sumburgh Head, Eshaness Cliffs and Silwick. I cannot wait to go back up to visit Fair Isle! It's a land very much connected to it's Viking past and rich Scandinavian ties, I would recommend a couple of weeks there to see the Islands too!
I could ramble on for days about my experiences on these Islands but thought I'd tell you my favourite spots to see so you can get a sense of some of the incredible locations these Islands offer.
All of my photos from my trips to these specific Islands and more are on my;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellisoconnor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellisoconnor1
And Website: http://www.ellisoconnor.com/
What are all of your favourite Islands and why? Would love to hear about your adventures!
Ellis
Three years ago I made a pact with myself to try and visit all of the Scottish Islands and explore as much of this country as I possibly could. As I am a visual artist and photographer whose work is directly influenced by the more remote areas of Scotland and the stunning mountain ranges we have it wasn't going to be much of a hard challenge for me to start exploring!
And so to date I've nearly reached my goal!
I'm a massive fan of the wonderful and varied Islands we have here in Scotland and so I'm going to share with you my personal top 5 for my first discussion post.
1: Isle of Eigg: One of Scotland's small Isles that lies off the West Coast near Mallaig and looks over to the Isle of Skye. A lot less documented but so wild and a very special place because of the people (the community famously bought out the Island in 1997) and the rich culture, heritage and amazing unspoilt hiking to the Sgurr, Laig Beach, Grulin, Kildonans Cave and many more!
2: Isle of Colonsay: A jewel in the ocean. The Isle of Colonsay is one of Scotland's Inner Hebrides located north of Islay and South of Mull. Famous for it's beaches and incredible unspoilt rich landscapes. Must see's are Kiloran Bay, the long but worthwhile hike to Balnahard Bay at the North of the Island, the rich geology, wildlife and so much more!
3: The Archipleago of St Kilda: Unbelievable. These Islands are located 40 miles off the Western Isles of Scotland and are famously difficult to get out to. I was very lucky and after 2 failed attempts at trying to reach St Kilda I finally ventured out there the summer of last year with Sea Harris. Nothing prepares you for the atmosphere or rich history that is so deeply felt there. We spent the whole day on the Island and then the evening circling the infamous stacs of Stac Lee and Stac An Armin (the tallest sea stacs in the UK) St Kilda is world renowned and you have to see it to believe it, if you get a chance to go you definitely should!
4: The Isle of Jura: The Isle of Jura is also one of Scotland's Inner Hebrides and is a remarkably mountainous remote Island. The 200 locals are immeasurably outnumbered by deer and it's almost inevitable you will run into one on the Island. I spent a few days there hiking in the wilderness, tasting the infamous Jura Malt Whisky, staying in Craighouse and ambling over the Paps Of Jura, the stunning mountain range!
5: Shetland: I have so much to say about Shetland as I've spent a lot of time on the mainland of Shetland and around all of it's stunning unique Islands. I spent the summer of 2014 circling the Shetland Islands on a boat which was an incredible experience in itself. My favourite places to visit are the Islands of Papa Stour, Fetlar, Foula and on the mainland; Sumburgh Head, Eshaness Cliffs and Silwick. I cannot wait to go back up to visit Fair Isle! It's a land very much connected to it's Viking past and rich Scandinavian ties, I would recommend a couple of weeks there to see the Islands too!
I could ramble on for days about my experiences on these Islands but thought I'd tell you my favourite spots to see so you can get a sense of some of the incredible locations these Islands offer.
All of my photos from my trips to these specific Islands and more are on my;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellisoconnor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellisoconnor1
And Website: http://www.ellisoconnor.com/
What are all of your favourite Islands and why? Would love to hear about your adventures!
Ellis
8
Comments
I have yet to visit any Scottish Islands, but I'd love to visit Skye and the Isle of Colonsay also sounds amazing!
Where's next on your list?
Amy
But it's a beautiful island with the great little village of Arinagour at one end. You can get an amazing Sunday roast at the Island Cafe (it used to be called the First Port of Coll, not sure if it still is) which is a very obvious blue door on the main road into the village.
Make sure and pack a hat though; like most of the Hebrides it can get a trifle windy!
St Kilda is definitely on my bucket list, just need to pluck up a huge amount of courage for the sail there
A few of my favourites are:
Arran - living up to it's nickname 'Scotland in Miniature' Arran has it all, from dramatic mountains and glens to spectacular coast line and wildlife. I spent almost every year of my childhood holidaying on Arran and am very pleased to be able to see it every day now, on the journey to my studio in West Kilbride. (Ok, I admit sometimes it's not there but that's the wonderful Scottish weather for you)
Harris - like @mustseescotland big fan of Harris. You can't quite believe it looks like the photos you see... but it is that beautiful! I wrote a bit about that trip here
Skye - We visited Skye for the first time last Spring with my partner, my 11 yr old daughters and my Mum and we all fell in love with the island. In fact we go back next Saturday
We did worry we were pinning all our hopes on the view of Blà Bheinn from the dining table, which was on the website and to be honest didn't look real, but it was...
janehunterart.com
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Like @ellisoconnor I'm also working my around Scotland's islands - but with 790 of them it may take some time ...
Harris, Skye and Arran are all great places to visit, with lots to see and do, but my favourites have to be St Kilda, Colonsay and Rum.
St Kilda's the only site with dual World Heritage Status in the UK and its human story and wildlife are unforgettable. It does take a little time and effort to get there but it's definitely worth it ! My top tip would be to leave an extra day after your scheduled boat trip from Harris or Skye just in case the sea's too rough to land. (And @janehunter I'm also prone to sea sickness and was dreadfully sick both ways ... but despite this it's certainly worth making the effort).
Colonsay is a real gem, with Kiloran Bay in the north and the walk over the sands at low tide to the neighbouring island of Oransay the highlights for me.
Now, Rum is a hillwalker's paradise (and in damp weather, also a midgie's paradise!). The views from the Rum Cuillin mountains on a clear day are stunning, as is the gorgeous beach at Kilmory Bay in the north of the island (see the pic below).
Here's my take on Scotland's Top 10 must-visit islands.
Exploring Scotland's wild places by foot, bike and camper van
WildaboutScotland blog | Twitter
I've been waiting to see if I can make a new friend who has a helicopter! If I don't find one soon though I will consider the boat.
janehunterart.com
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Yes, Skye and Colonsay are amazing! So much to see and do there!
I'm really interested in some of the harder to reach Islands like the Shiant Isles, not many people know much about these Islands so I'm desperate to see them and also spend a bit more time on the Islands around Orkney!
Ellis
That's great you know the locals there, it's always a better experience when you do as they tell you all the hidden gems.
When I'm back there, (I'm going to try and get back in the summer amidst all the other Islands on my list) I'll definitely check out the cafe and other ones you recommended.
Cheers again!
Ellis
It's such a magical place, I completely agree with you, it's so secluded and I always feel so peaceful after spending a few days there.
Barra too is amazing! I'm going to spend a couple of weeks on Barra this June living in one of the croft houses so if you have any recommendations for me there I would really appreciate it!
I've been before but only for a flying visit!
Cheers!
Ellis
Thanks for the kind words, I love your work. After reading your comment I went and found your website. You can tell we have very similar influences and passions, it's interesting to see how our outlets for showing our inspirations are very different though. I love the textiles!
Anyway, thanks for reaching out and letting me know about your favourite Islands, Arran is actually one of the only Islands I've not been too yet, I have a friend visiting Scotland next month so I'm think we are going to venture there so I can see it with new eyes too.
Are you going on any other Scottish adventures this summer?
I'll look out for your instagram too!
I've just recently came back from a quick hiking trip up in Glen Coe and have posted a few new ones on the app.
Ellis
It's good to chat to a fellow traveller who has managed to get out to St Kilda!
I've never been prone to sea sickness having spent a lot of time on the ferries around Scotland and a month on a boat around Shetland however the St Kilda crossing is another league of its own! haha!
I have to say I was quite sick going over including a few others on the wee boat, however it's so worth it when you get out there, you immediately forget about the queasy feeling when you are faced with the immensity of the stacks! We even got a sunny day, I actually got a bit sun burnt, which I'm sure is unheard of out there!
Thanks for the tips on Rum too, that's one of the Islands I've not been to yet, I'm going to be spending 6 weeks on Eigg this summer so will definitely be planning a few trips over to Rum, it looks incredible!
Ellis
If I remember correctly from our conversation you still have to visit the Isle of Bute? I know how much you love wild landscapes so hopefully these will entice you (and anyone else reading!)
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I've just returned from a wee holiday on the Isle of Eigg and have absolutely fallen in love with the place! This was the view we woke up to every morning from the Cleadale Bothy
I also have a soft spot for Barra - Kisimul Castle, the curry at Cafe Kisimul, the beach landing, and the nearby beaches of Vatersay. Aaaaaaah.
I have to mention Iona too. I was only there for the day, but it's just the most peaceful and serene place I've ever been to. I really want to go back and stay there for a few nights.
I also want to travel to ALL of the islands - done 13 so far.
Happy island hopping to you!
Kay
Have a wee nosey at my blog
Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
Yes Bute is now one of the few Islands I've still not ventured to, don't worry about this though I have a wee plan up my sleeve!
I have a bit more of time in May so going to try and head over that way then!
I'll give you a shout when I know I'm coming over as it would be great to meet up with you!
Have a great day!
E
These photos are lovely, it's so nice to hear you talk so passionately about them, I too feel the same way about these wee jewels of islands we have here in Scotland.
Amazing to know you had a great time on Eigg! It has to be my favourite Island and it's where I have spent the most of my time. I stayed in Cleadale bothy for a few days on my own last January, can't say I had the same weather as you though! It was gale force winds, but I loved every second, such an epic view and Sue and Neil are lovely! This was from the one day of nice weather we had there, I took advantage and climbed up to this lookout!
Also agree with you about Iona and Barra, just so special and unspoilt!
Happy Island Hopping to you too, hopefully we will finish out target and see them all, maybe I'll catch you on one them one day!
Ellis
Passionate about Edinburgh's food and festival scene and slowly starting to explore Scotland.
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Completely agree @Ewan - it is a hillwalker's paradise, and while we didn't quite make it to the Rum Cuillin (Askival - on the list for the next visit) we still enjoyed the stunning walk between Kinloch village and Harris on the west of the island. Look out for the impressive Bullough’s mausoleum.
Although the island is known for its population of red deer, we did stumble upon a few wild ponies on our way towards Harris.
I'd return in a heartbeat and hope to get back there sometime soon. Check out the ferry timetables from Mallaig with Calmac.
It's great to find out everyone's favourite islands and the reasons why they are just so special!
I'm just back from a one night camping trip on Iona and it has reaffirmed what I already knew - Mull, Iona and Staffa are really quite spectacular.
I've seen plenty of photos of Staffa before, but nothing could quite prepare me for seeing it in real life. When you are told that you are going to get up close to the puffins, you really don’t expect just how close you’re going to get – I had puffins at my feet! And what little charmers they are!
Iona’s a place where it feels like time doesn’t really matter - even though I was only there one night, it strangely felt like it could have been days. The coastline is breathtaking, with some of the bluest, purest waters imaginable. Swimming in them is rather invigorating indeed!
What’s great about these three islands is that it’s possible to experience all three in a day trip with CalMac’s Three Isles Tour. If you do have time for a night away, consider camping – Iona Campsite rent out (and kindly assemble) tents, sleeping bags and camping mats, meaning you can have an authentic camping experience without lots of packing and heavy, bulky things to carry.
What a great post with plenty of inspiration - thank you for sharing. I follow your Instragram too and just love your style of photography and how you capture light. I live in Orkney and love this part of the Scottish Isles but I would love to see more and you are definitely helping inspire me. I was over in Skye last year and just loved it and how different the landscape was to Orkney - I had never thought about how flat Orkney was until I went to Skye. I was in Mull many years ago with my parents but I would really like to go back and see more of it. I'm hoping to plan a trip to the Outer Hebrides soon as they look beautiful and, again, so different from Orkney. Do you have an all time favourite island that you have visited?
Natalie
Not only is it one of the most beautiful places with the best beaches ( and I have been to the Maldives )
but the folk are v friendly . My wee Gramps family hale from here and he grew up here ..... so much so that when his family moved to the main land for work reasons he ran away back to the family farm and ended up staying until he was fully grown lol. We go over and I had many a holiday here growing up ....sadly he passed away suddenly last year ......... but we have taken him home to the beaches of Tiree X
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the most beautiful island is Canna. Having been there five times the weather is always glorious, the sea a beautiful millpond, and the fifty metre dive off the lighthouse at Sanday is heavenly. Every visit to Canna has been been outstanding ... the main reason .... no one will take you there unless the weather forecast is outstanding.