Guide to the Scottish Islands

Every Scottish island has its own charm and personality, so there’s no “best” island or islands. However, some consistently stand out for their stunning scenery, historical interest, and warm hospitality. Being easily accessible from the mainland also helps!

Despite its name, Lewis and Harris is a single landmass, not two islands. Mountains divide Lewis in the north (covering around two-thirds of the island) from Harris in the south. And though technically one landmass, the two communities have developed their own cultures and traditions, offering contrasting experiences for visitors.

The Isle of Lewis and Harris is the third largest island in the British Isles, and it’s the home to the famous Harris Tweed. What better place to pick up some handmade tweed items than in the very place it’s made?

Skye is easily one of the most iconic Scottish islands. With its dramatic peaks, wild coastlines, and folkloric sites like the Fairy Pools, it offers an accessible yet otherworldly experience. The island is also home to the Cuillin mountain ranges — separated into Red and Black — both of which are a magnet for hikers and climbers.

While many islands are remote, reaching Lewis and Harris, Skye, and Orkney is easier than you might think. Discreet Scotland can arrange all transport and logistics as part of your bespoke or pre-planned tour.

• The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by the Skye Bridge. It’s also accessible via the scenic, 20-minute ferry from Mallaig to Armadale.
• Lewis and Harris can be reached by ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway (around two hours 45 minutes) or from Skye to Tarbert (one hour 40 minutes). There are also flights to Stornoway from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• The Orkney Isles are best reached by ferry from Scrabster (around 90 minutes), Gills Bay (around one hour), John O’Groats (foot passengers only from May to September), or Aberdeen (a 6+ hour journey). You can also fly into Kirkwall from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness.

For more insight into how you will get around on a Discreet Scotland tour, be it to the islands or anywhere else, head to Our Private Vehicles page.

The Scottish Islands are packed with natural and historical wonders, all of which sit alongside a lively and welcoming culture. Here are just a few highlights, which we have grouped together by island:

• Blackhouse of Arnol – A traditional stone dwelling with a thatched roof that once housed a family and their animals. Even today, the internal fire warming the home isn’t allowed to go out.
• Butt of Lewis – The most northerly point of the Outer Hebrides, this windswept headland has a historic lighthouse and dramatic cliffs. No other landmass stands between it and North America.
• Norse Mill and Kiln – Located near Shawbost and beside Loch Roinavat, these two thatched buildings were once used to process barley grain into meal. They provide a rare glimpse into Lewis’ Scandinavian past and traditional island agriculture.
• Dun Carloway Broch – Brochs are ancient structures only found in Scotland, and Dun Carloway Broch is a well-preserved example. This tower dates back to around 200 BC and still stands at a height of around 9 metres.
• Gearrannan Village – A restored crofting village complete with the iconic blackhouses. Situated in a secluded bay, Gearrannan offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in authentic island settlement life.
• Callanish Stone Circle – This 5000-year-old wonder is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt. Awe-inspiring and a joy to explore, this Neolithic monument is a must-see on any Scottish Islands itinerary.
• Great Bernera – A picturesque island connected to the main isle by bridge, with lovely beaches (especially at Bosta) and local art. This is the largest of the many islands lying in the waters of Loch Roag on the west side of Lewis.
• The Golden Road – A winding coastal route through Harris with jaw-dropping views. Before this road was built at great cost (hence its name), the many small villages scattered around were only accessible by boat.

• Churchill Barriers – These WWII-era anti-submarine barriers were designed to block off the eastern approaches to naval vessels anchored at Scapa Flow. Today, they are vital causeways connecting Orkney’s islands.
• Scapa Flow – A natural harbour with historic shipwrecks and naval importance. The geographical features which offer habitable shores and sheltered anchorage also support a distinctive range of wildlife.
• Italian Chapel – Built by Italian POWs captured in Africa and transported to Orkney, this beautiful chapel is a symbol of hope and artistry.
• St Magnus Cathedral – Known as the “Light in the North”, this red sandstone masterpiece in Kirkwall was dedicated to St Magnus upon its founding in 1137, when Orkney was part of the Kingdom of Norway.
• Broch of Gurness – Iron Age settlement dating back to around 550BC. Around 15 miles northwest of Kirkwall, the Broch of Gurness once housed a large community.
• Skara Brae – A perfectly preserved Neolithic village. The site wasn’t discovered until the 1850s as it lay buried in the sand. A storm duly uncovered the best-preserved group of prehistoric houses in Western Europe dating back more than 5,000 years.
• Ring of Brodgar – A huge Neolithic stone circle and henge dating from around 2500 BC. Today, it’s still one of the most important active archaeological digs in Europe.
• Standing Stones of Stenness – Dating back a remarkable 5,400 years, this may be the earliest Henge monument in Britain. Today, four upright stones stand up to 6m in height, but the original monument held 12 stones.
• Maeshowe Chambered Cairn – A monumental chambered tomb and one of the finest Neolithic buildings to survive in northwest Europe. Dating back around 5,000 years, the structure is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction.

Many of Orkney’s must-see sites make up the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney. The monuments in this area are protected due to their “outstanding universal value”.

Fresh seafood is a highlight of any island visit. Fishermen often land their catch directly at local restaurants, so you might eat lobster or scallops just hours after they’re caught.

The islands also have a strong tradition of crofting and preserving food, from smokehouses to hand-made cheese and oatcakes. On Skye and Orkney, don’t miss the opportunity to dine in award-winning restaurants that showcase modern Scottish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

Looking for some standout options? On Skye, The Three Chimneys is Michelin-starred as is Loch Bay Restaurant. And this is just the beginning. If you want delectable food at the heart of your island experience, we can tailor our bespoke tours of Scotland to your tastes using our local knowledge and expertise.

The Scottish islands are a haven for wildlife, be it on land, in the air, or the water. You may need more patience to spot certain creatures compared with others, but typical sightings include:

• Sea eagles and golden eagles nest on cliffs and mountain slopes.
• Red deer roam freely in the hills.
• Otters are often seen near lochs and coastal waters.
• Seals, dolphins, and whales patrol the seas.
• Atlantic salmon run in clear island rivers.
• Seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, crowd coastal cliffs.

Whether you’re a photographer, a birdwatcher, or just a nature lover, you’re bound to encounter memorable wildlife moments on your Scottish Islands experience.