12 Small islands trips

Scotland is known for its unbeatable landscapes and scenery, but did you know our islands have something to say for themselves too? A trip to one of our smaller islands is a great opportunity to explore somewhere new and the perfect recipe for a day trip or two in Scotland.

Before you consider planning a trip to the islands, make sure to book ferry travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The isles of Tiree and Coll are magical spots on the map just off the west coast of Scotland. While Tiree is known as a surfing haven with flat landscapes and white sand beaches, Coll wows visitors with wide-open spaces, untouched nature and a dark night sky.

Across Tiree, you can explore historic landmarks and attractions, try your hand at windsurfing and kayaking, or stay on dry land and marvel at the island wildlife, including basking sharks, grey seals, and a variety of bird species.

Coll is the perfect location for relaxing and getting away from it all. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you walk along a beach and settle in with your favourite book with nothing but the sound of the sea as company. At night, watch the skies come to life as the island boasts the perfect conditions for stargazing. You might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis.

Visit the Isle of Tiree

Visit the Isle of Coll

Getting to Tiree and Coll

Travel from Oban via CalMac ferry to Tiree and Coll. The ferry stops in Arinagour on Coll and in Scarinish on Tiree.

Despite its proximity to the mainland, this car-free island offers a real break from the everyday and a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity. The Kerrera circular walk is a great way to get your bearings around the island. Walk past dramatic sea cliffs and historic sites including Gylen Castle, a 16th century ruin overlooking the Firth of Lorn. To help refuel your energy levels, follow the colourful teapots lining the path to Kerrera Tea Garden, where you can stop off for a spot of tea and cake.

If you’re not too strapped for time, explore the northern part of the island through Hutcheson’s Monument circuit. This walking trail is dedicated to David Hutcheson, a pioneer in Scottish steamboat services. Enjoy the fresh sea air and the fantastic 360-degree view of the island’s natural beauty.

Visit the Isle of Kerrera

Getting to Kerrera

Travel from Gallanach just south of Oban via CalMac ferry to Balliemore on Kerrera. 

The Small Isles are located just south of Skye and offer a range of distinct experiences, from the towering mountain of Eigg and the nature on Muck to wildlife on Rum and the Neolithic and Viking links on Canna.

On Eigg, take on the challenge of the Sgùrr of Eigg. The route is relatively straightforward but there are rocky scrambles, so you’ll need the correct footwear and equipment. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views over to Skye and the wild peninsula of Ardnamurchan. Rum does not only have a large population of red deer, it also features one of the finest nature reserves in Scotland where you might spot Manx shearwaters flying low above the water or otters playing on the shore.

Canna is the most westerly of the Small Isles and a fantastic location for delving into the rich history of the islands. Visit one of the many historic sites to find traces of human life on the island dating back thousands of years. Muck is the smallest, with a population of just 35, and is home to a range of sea and land birds. Stroll through purple heather and past stunning beaches to enjoy the panoramic views out to the neighbouring islands from the summit of Beinn Airein.

Explore Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck

Getting to the Small Isles

Travel from Mallaig by CalMac ferries, or from Arisaig in the summer months. Time on the islands can be limited so planning is essential.

The Isle of Raasay lies between the famed Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland. With a regular ferry service that runs throughout the year, 7 days a week, Raasay is one of the most accessible islands in Scotland and a great choice for a last-minute day trip idea. Soak up the magical scenery as the wind carries the unmistakeable call of an oystercatcher up from the shore. Climb the winding path through moorland and trees up to the summit of Dùn Caan and let your eyes roam over the mountains of Skye and the mainland.

For more outdoor fun, visit Raasay House to perfect your aim during an archery session, go for an exhilarating wildlife spotting trip in a RIB, or hire a bike to discover the island at your own pace. The Isle of Raasay Distillery offers a real taste of the island, with guided tours and drams of lightly peated whisky or samples of gin with refreshing citrus notes to try along the way.

Visit Raasay

Getting to Raasay

Travel by ferry from Sconser on the Isle of Skye. Skye itself can be reached by ferry or by bridge.

This small, friendly and inviting island sits west of Jura and offers up something for the whole family to enjoy. Immerse yourself in a day away from it all and relax on sandy shores with a good book or take a wander around the island’s trails and routes. The terrain is flat and with a rocky coastline to admire, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views and scenery the whole way.

Stop off at the Wild Island Distillery, which is home to award-winning gin that captures the flavour of the island in a range of wild botanical and seasonal specials. Sports enthusiasts can explore the island on two wheels or hire a paddleboard to calmly glide along the coast and see the island from a new perspective.

Visit Colonsay

Getting to Colonsay

Travel from Oban via daily CalMac ferry (March – October). You can also take ferries from Kennacraig on the mainland and Port Askaig on Islay. Whether you can visit Colonsay for a day trip depends on ferry times throughout the year, so please check these in advance.

Lismore, or ‘Lios Mòr’, meaning the ‘Great Garden’ in Gaelic, sits in Loch Linnhe between Fort William and Oban. Get your boots on and follow one of the many trails, wandering past ancient brochs and atmospheric castle ruins perched on the edge of the island.

The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into island life and the Gaelic culture that shaped it. Pop into the shop for a locally produced souvenir. Next door, visit Taigh Iseabal Dhaidh, a faithful reconstruction of a 19th century house, and marvel at the rough stone walls and thatched roof that help the building blend into its surroundings.

Visit Lismore

Getting to Lismore

Travel from Oban via CalMac car ferry to Achnacroish or from Port Appin to Point via passenger ferry.

The isles of North and South Uist are gems in the southern Outer Hebrides. Both are surrounded by sandy shores and glistening waters – perfect for wildlife watching and delving into a watersport or two.

North Uist is a popular spot for walkers, bird watchers and cyclists alike, with miles of flat scenic landscapes to explore. Stay in a traditional Hebridean croft and transport yourself back in time to get a taste of what island life was like. Tuck into fresh local food, wander along untouched beaches, or enjoy a day out at RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve, where colourful wildflowers gently sway in the coastal breeze.

On South Uist, follow along the Uist Sculpture Trail to discover a series of artworks across the islands that invite you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Go for a walk along one of the wonderful beaches lining the western shore of the island, framed by grassy dunes and the bright blue sea, and find traces of remarkable Bronze Age roundhouses.

Visit North Uist

Visit South Uist

Getting to North and South Uist

Travel from Oban and Mallaig to Lochboisdale on South Uist or from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy on North Uist, both via CalMac ferry.

This small yet unique island sits between South Uist and Barra. Let your eyes roam across the rugged landscape and you might spot the rare wild Eriskay ponies. They are one of the last surviving native Hebridean breeds, well equipped to withstand the weather conditions on the island thanks to their dense, waterproof coats.

Get your walking boots on and follow one of the island’s footpaths. Enjoy the views over one of the most remarkable football pitches in the world before strolling along the beach where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil. After your walk in the fresh sea breeze, stop by Am Politician to warm up with some delicious local seafood. Over a drink, hear the story of a whisky-laden ship that ran aground off the Eriskay coast in 1941 and inspired authors and Hollywood producers alike.

Visit Eriskay

Getting to Eriskay

Travel from South Uist via the Eriskay Causeway, or via CalMac ferry from Ardmhor on Barra.

Just over 200 people call this wild west coast island home, vastly outnumbered by more than 6,000 deer. Jura is a wildlife paradise so you might not only see red deer drinking from clear mountain streams but also spot golden eagles soaring across the sky or a lazy seal enjoying the warming rays of the sun. Explore the island on a guided tour with an experienced local who knows all the island stories and can take you to secret nooks and crannies that you may not be able to find on your own.

In Craighouse, you’ll find the Isle of Jura Distillery, where you can embark on a guided tour to sample some of their finest malts whilst learning all about the intricate whisky-making process. If you want to explore your adventurous side, head out on a boat trip around the neighbouring islands or journey through the roaring Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world!

If you’re looking for an extra addition to your trip, hop over to the neighbouring Isle of Islay.

Find out more about Jura

Getting to Jura

Travel from Tayvallich in Argyll & Bute via the Jura Passenger Ferry, or via the small car ferry from the neighbouring island Islay.

Steeped in Viking heritage, Unst is Britain's most northerly inhabited island. Thanks to its location, it was once the home of Norse travellers who were trading between Scandinavia, Greenland and Newfoundland. Today, the island still takes great pride in its Norse and Viking connections. Step into the grass-covered replica of a Viking longhouse and marvel at the sturdy tree trunks supporting this traditional structure. Right next door, you’ll find a full-size replica of a Viking ship. Admire the vessel up close and picture sailors hundreds of years ago, braving the churning North Atlantic in oak constructions just like this one.

At Unst Heritage Centre, find out more about island culture through fine lace knitting and discover the history of the beloved Shetland ponies. Book a gin tasting at Shetland Reel where you’ll get behind-the-scenes access into the distilling process. Keen wildlife enthusiasts should head to the spectacular cliffs at Hermaness National Nature Reserve and if you’re up late, take in the starry skies or head out on a night-time exploration along the Sky Trail. 

Visit Unst

Getting to Unst

Travel from Toft on Shetland Mainland by ferry to Ulsta (Yell), then from Gutcher (Yell) to Bellmont in Unst. Make sure to allow 30 minutes to drive between Ulsta and Gutcher.

When you visit the northern island of Westray, expect an exciting few days of outdoor adventure. Breathe in the salty sea air on a walk along the Noup Head Circular route, taking you past dramatic coastline scenery, spectacular sightings of seabirds and a lighthouse that seems to sit at the edge of the world. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, the Westray Explorer route covers most of the island and encompasses highlights like Castle of Burrian, Noltland Castle and Grobust beach, with frequent views out across the sea to neighbouring Papa Westray.

A special treasure waits at the Westray Heritage Trust: the Westray Wife, also known as the ‘Orkney Venus’. At just 4cm tall, this was the first Neolithic carving of a human form to be found in Scotland. Hume Sweet Hume will tempt you with their range of handmade homeware, clothing and accessories made from the softest silk, Geelong lambswool and angora, all inspired by Orkney's spectacular landscape.

Visit Westray

Getting to Westray

Travel from Kirkwall to Westray with Orkney Ferries.

For keen wildlife enthusiasts, be sure to add the Isle of May to your bucket list. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a warm welcome from the rangers who live on the island; they’ll be happy to help with all your questions and will give a full debrief on what wildlife you can expect to see. Mind the Arctic terns swooping low as you walk from the jetty past their nesting site overhead – you might even want to put up your hood or wear a hat – before you pick one of the many paths leading across the island.

Whichever way you turn, you will see charming puffins on the ground and in the air as well as guillemots, razorbills, shags, gannets and grey seals. If you’re lucky enough, you may spot dolphins, porpoises or even a whale in the waters around the island. With its rugged landscape and scenic cliff-top paths, the Isle of May an impressive place to while away the hours and take in the sea views.

Visit the Isle of May

Getting to the Isle of May

Travel from Anstruther with Anstruther Pleasure Cruises from April to October or from North Berwick with the Scottish Seabird Centre on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). 

Across our islands, you'll find many single-track roads with designated passing places. These are used to pull over and allow any oncoming traffic or vehicles behind to pass safely. This system is crucial to help traffic flow safely and smoothly, particularly on narrow roads. When out and about on the road, always be mindful of passing places and be prepared to use them. Please remember that passing places are never to be used for parking.

Some islands are car-free destinations. Make sure to plan in advance and consider ferry schedules and walking distances when booking your trip.

Find out more information about driving in Scotland