There’s always something special about visiting a Scottish island. Perhaps it’s the feeling of leaving the mainland and crossing the sea to somewhere new that adds to the sense of adventure and escapism. And in Scotland, we're fortunate to have no shortage of beautiful islands waiting to be explored.
In total Scotland is home to an impressive 790 islands, of which 94 are permanently inhabited. Collectively the islands of Scotland offer some of the country’s best landscapes, history, and culture.
Many of the islands also have a strong farming or crofting heritage, and if you’re seeking the perfect Go Rural escape, it’s hard to look past them. Read on to discover some of the best rural experiences and stays on Scottish islands.
Isle Of Mull
Mull is a large island located off the west coast not far from Lochaber. Great for visitors of all interests, the island truly has it all. One of its most famous spots is Tobermory, the largest village, known for its beautiful, brightly coloured houses which adorn the harbour front. You'll also find towering mountains, white-sand beaches, and fascinating historical sites.
Accommodation in Mull is varied, but one of the best options is to rent a traditional cottage. There are two Go Rural options depending on which part of the island you want to explore. Treshnish & Haun Cottages are a great choice if you want to be based near Tobermory in the north. Treshnish offers eight beautifully presented high-quality cottages, which are all located near the coast and enjoy stunning seaside views. Alternatively, in the south of the island, Lochbuie Cottages are a great choice. The two cottages here offer heaps of character and are located at the head of lovely Loch Buie.
While you're on Mull make sure to visit Isle of Mull Cheese & Spirits. Based on an organic dairy farm, they produce award-winning cheeses and spirits, including their much loved Hebridean Blue and Whey Gin. Book a farm tour to learn about the production process, then stop by the lovely Glass Barn Café and farm shop to sample some cheese and spirits for yourself. If you’re looking to learn more about traditional island life, a great option is The Fauld. The Fauld offers countryside courses and farm hikes throughout the year, teaching visitors about traditional skills such as drystone walling. Private wild camping by appointment is also available at The Fauld - great for people who want a true sense of adventure!
The Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides is an island chain off the north-west coast of Scotland. Consisting of over 70 islands, the Hebrides is one of Scotland’s most celebrated regions, home to white-sand beaches, ceilidhs, Gaelic culture, peat, moors, machair, and mountains. It’s an incredible region that everyone should have on their must-visit list.
Crofting is an important part of the heritage of the Outer Hebrides, and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without learning more about this aspect of island life. If you’re on Lewis & Harris, joining an experience at Experience Lewis is a great introduction to the local culture. There are several tour options available, from sheep shearing and peat cutting to something a little fancier, such as Harris Tweed making. Long Island Retreats is another fantastic company that offers authentic island experiences. Based on the lovely island of South Uist, Long Island Retreats offers tours of their crofting land and the machair (Gaelic for low-lying land, one of the rarest habitats in Europe). Here, you will learn about crofting life and meet the local Highland Coos and Shetland Ponies. They also sell their own excellent Hebridean beef!
If you’re traveling in a caravan or motorhome, or have packed the tent, an excellent option is pitching up at Balranald Hebridean Holidays. Located in a stunning spot within Balranald Nature Reserve on the Isle of North Uist, and just a stone’s throw from a gorgeous sandy beach, it really is a fantastic spot for camping or caravanning. There's also a lovely cottage available for rent if you're after a bit more comfort!
Orkney
Orkney is a fabled island archipelago renowned for its incredible ancient history. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney,’ a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of three ancient monuments, which includes Skara Brae. Beyond history, there are plenty of lovely beaches, wildlife, and far-flung islands to explore.
Orkney’s low-lying and fertile land provides excellent farming opportunities. As such the island has many great home-produced products. One of the best around is The Orkney Dairy, which is based on a dairy farm in the west of the Mainland. As the name suggests, The Orkney Dairy produces a variety of dairy items, including yogurts, fudge, fresh milk, milkshakes, and delicious home bakes. All can be purchased at the onsite shop located on the farm. Everything tastes so good, you won’t be able to resist filling a bag with treats to take home!
While in Orkney, be sure to also visit Skaill House. Known as Orkney’s finest mansion and built in the 17th century, Skaill House overlooks Skara Brae and is open for visitors to wander round and learn more about the history and life of those who lived here. Note that tickets are included as part of Skara Brae entry. Part of the house is closed to visitors and this can be booked as holiday accommodation. Comprising two spacious apartments, it certainly provides a unique base to your holiday!
Isle of Arran
Arran is one of the most beautiful and accessible islands in all of Scotland, with the ferry being less than an hours drive from Glasgow. Some of Scotland’s most impressive mountain scenery can be found here, as well as lovely beaches, villages and its very own ‘Holy Isle’.
A great option for something to do and somewhere to stay on Arran is Bellevue Farm. The farm is located on the western side of Arran and is home to two lovely self-catering properties. Each cottage offers modern, comfortable accommodation for four people with patio doors onto a barbecue area and a large, child-friendly garden. They are just a five-minute walk to the beach or ten minutes to Blackwaterfoot, where you’ll find shops, restaurants and leisure activities.
Bellevue also offer farm tours and experiences. The experiences are self-guided and allow you to explore at your own pace, meeting friendly animals as you go. The tours are guided and give you a behind the scenes look at the running of a real working farm
Isle of Islay
Islay is a particularly special island if you’re a fan of whisky. The island comprises one of Scotland’s whisky regions and is home to an impressive nine distilleries. But if whisky isn’t your preference, not to worry - there’s plenty more to explore here, including lovely coastal walks and wildlife.
Some of the best accommodation on Islay can be found at Islay Estates, a large rural estate located almost exactly in the centre of the island. The estate offers five high-quality cottages for rent, ranging in size from 5-bedroom to 2-bedroom, and a lovely country hotel, The Bridgend Hotel, which is also great for lunch and dinner. There's also plenty of activities to do on the estate, including fly fishing in the numerous lochs, deer stalking, or game bird shooting.
Shetland
The Shetland Isles are the northernmost part of Scotland – closer to Oslo than to London! With strong historical ties to Scandinavia and the Vikings, Shetland boasts a culture quite unlike anywhere else in the country. At times you may even feel as though you've left Scotland entirely!
As well as Vikings and Norsemen, Shetland has a strong crofting heritage that remains strong to this day. A great way to learn more about this part of the island’s heritage is by booking an experience at Shetland Rural Experience. Based in the very north of the Mainland, Shetland Rural Experience are a fantastic company offering various seasonal activities, such as sheep dog demonstrations, sheep shearing, Fair Isle knitting, and life on a Shetland Croft experiences. Activities are tailor-made, so please contact Shetland Rural Experience directly for enquiries