Scottish Islands

Imagine a place with the look and feel of the Scottish Highlands, but also the peaceful serenity of a tropical island. Such places exist, and they are known as the Scottish Islands. Just as a piece of Scottish Heirloom Jewelry can give a tangible link to your ancestry, so can the un-spoilt and pristine sites of the Scottish Islands give you an insight into what your ancestors would have seen in historical Scotland.

Now it is of course obvious that the Scottish islands themselves are not new, but there has recently been a rise in the interest shown towards them as a tourist destination. There are hundreds different Scottish Islands, most of these reside close to the Northern and Western shores of Scotland. Although of the multitude of Scottish Islands that exist, only ninety five of them are permanently populated.

The Scottish Islands are divided into six main groups of islands, some of which are independent from the mainland (in terms of their local councils). The independent groups are Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles, whilst the Highland, Argyll & Bute and North Ayrshire groups of Scottish Islands are parts of councils on the mainland of Scotland.

Each Scottish Island has its own unique scenery, atmosphere and attractions. For example, the Orkney Islands have magnificent pasturelands which provide a stunning view, while Tiree has the most sunshine of all the Scottish Islands making for a very relaxing holiday for most. Another attraction of the Scottish Islands is the Shetland Islands, on which you can experience unique sea food dinning, due to their barren lands and historical reliance on fish. The Scottish Islands of Islay, Skye, Orkney and Arran are also popular tourist destinations, but for an interesting reason, they are all homes to Scotch Whisky distilleries, and can make an unforgettable Whisky sampling tour.

For those who wish to experience a different dimension of the Scottish Islands, you do not have to stick to the inhabited islands. As I said before, there are hundreds of Scottish Islands, with a great number of these having no one permanently live on them. These are a perfect opportunity to experience the Scottish Islands in their raw power and mystique. Although as with any remote location, it is always best to go with an experienced tramper and leave details of where you are at the nearest Scottish island town.