Is it a caribbean resort? No, it's the Isle of Barra off the coast of sunny Scotland
Is it a caribbean resort? No, it's the Isle of Barra off the coast of sunny Scotland
The islands around Scotland are the perfect tourist destination to get a real taste of traditional Scotland, away from the cities and towns. The islands are a fantastic place to see picturesque views and clear white sandy beaches that go on for miles, and they really show off Scotland’s natural beauty. Here are just a few Scottish island delights:
Known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’, the island of Islay is a Scottish island with fantastic history, wildlife and scenery. The weather in Islay relatively good, as the island sits in the Gulf Stream, allowing for mild warm weather. The island has 8 working distilleries, so there is plenty for the avid whiskey drinker to do. For the others, there are a variety of activities to indulge in on Islay, including golfing, cycling and fishing. The island also plays host to various annual events including the Islay Jazz festival.
Barra is the most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides, and the most westerly point in the UK. The island of Barra is a favourite amongst tourists – particularly in July for Barrafest, a highly respected and loved music festival. There is plenty of fantastic scenery, along with some great beaches to stroll along during the summer months while breathing in some clean Scottish air. For the more adventurous among you, the island offers sea kayaking and power kiting.
Skye is located off the west coast of Scotland, only two and a half hours from Inverness. Skye is an island known for its hilly and mountainous scenery and is home to 20 Munros, so it’s perfect for avid walkers and skilled mountain climbers. The island is also home to an array of wildlife including red deer, Scottish wildcats and seals. The waters in Skye are also said to be crystal clear and perfect for swimming.
The island of Mull is famous for its ‘capital’ village of Tobermory, with its colourful house and shop fronts, seen in many a tourist adverts on TV. Mull has some fantastic unspoiled landscapes, beaches and wildlife areas, and is perfect for long cliff-top walks. Mull is perfect for a weekend visit thanks to the variety of land and sea excursions on offer. We recommend a sea excursion, as Mull is the best place in Europe to catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales.
Harris is a picture-perfect scenic island with long stretches of white sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing and taking leisurely walks in the afternoon. Harris is best known for its world famous Harris Tweed, which is still manufactured on the island. There is plenty to do on the island of Harris including arts and crafts, rounds of golf and, best of all, enjoying the peace and tranquil surroundings. It’s the ideal getaway for city-dwellers!
If you are keen to explore the islands of Scotland, why not arrange to hire a car from Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental and see where your journey takes you?
