Tour Scottish Islands
Positioned off the West Coast and North of Scotland are a number of islands offering the visitor a wide range of experiences including great scenery and photographs. Catswhiskerstours has first hand experience of touring many islands which are summarised below.
Isle of Lewis
Travel by air or ship but be aware that the ferry crossing can be rough!
A strong Gaelic culture combined with a traditional crofting (small farming) industry. Lewis is rich in archaeology, history and culture including:
- The famous Callanish Standing Stones, nearly 5000 years old.
- A re-created Iron Age village at Bosta.
- A restored Blackhouse Village at Gearrsnnan
- Wildlife including birds, seals and basking sharks.
- Lews Castle
Isle of Harris
Accessible by road from Lewis or by ferry.
- Stunning sandy beaches and pure, clear water.
- Best known for the famous Harris Tweed knitwear which reflects the variable colours of Harris. It is possible to buy ready made clothing or a roll of cloth from a traditional handloom weaver.
St. Kilda
This is one of the remotest parts of the British Isles and features very high sea cliffs and dramatic scenery. No longer inhabited with a permanent population, it is a World Heritage Site and boasts the largest colony of guillemots in the world. Accessible by boat from various ports.
The Uists
- North Uist : A landscape of fresh and salt water lochs (lakes) bordered on the west by miles of sandy beaches and small farms (crofts). Great for active people: walkers, bird watchers and cyclists.
- South Uist : A population of about 300 and a strong Gaelic culture. Scenery includes crystal clear waters, white powder beaches and heather uplands.
Isle of Skye
Accessible by both road ( Skye Bridge) and by ferry. This is a large island and the visitor would need to spend at least one full day (by car) to get a basic appreciation of this island with features including:
- Fascinating geology with some of the oldest rocks in Europe dating back 2.8bn years. Famous Red Cuillin Mountains in the east and Black Cuillins to the West. Very popular with climbers and hikers.
- A rich archaeology including Brochs (conical stone built towers), Duns, Hut Circles and standing stones.
- The Clan Donald Centre and Museum of the Isles at Armadale. Of interest to MacDonalds the world over and students of Skye history.
- Dunvegan Castle. Located in the North of the island and stronghold of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod.
- Talisker Distillery. Skye’s only producer of Scotch Whisky. Tours and tastings are available.
- Geological contortions comprising the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls and the Quaraing.
- Flora MacDonald’s grave at Kilmuir; a link with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
- The road to Elgol, a single track road through stunning scenery.
- Art and artists: Skye has attracted a large number of artists.
- Dining: Three Chimneys, Claire MacDonald and Creelers are just some of the fine eateries on the island.
Arran
This large island is accessible by ferry and relatively close to Glasgow. It is often described as ‘ Scotland in Miniature’. Like Skye, a minimum of one full day is required to tour the island and take in some of the key sites which include:
- A classic geological location which inspired Dr. James Hutton, an 18 th century pioneer of modern geology.
- Brodick Castle: The fortified site dates back to 1240AD but all the history is masked by the current stately home designed in 1844 which sits high on a wooded shelf. Contains lots of island history.
- Prehistoric rock carvings in woods close to the capital, Brodick.
- Lochranza Whisky Distillery. This is Scotland’s youngest and dates from 1995. Tours and tastings are available.
- Machrie Moor Standing Stones. Arguably, the best group of architecturally varied stone circles in Western Europe dating back up to 5000 years.
Mull
This is an intriguing island and can be used as a base for visiting both Iona and Staffa.
Mull has much to offer including:
- Ledaig Distillery
- The colourful capital, Tobermory aka Balamory
- Varied wildlife including otters, seals, eagles and deer.
- Duart Castle, connected with Clan Maclean
- Torosay Castle
- Geology and prehistory (standing stones).
Roads on Mull can very narrow so the visitor should allow plenty of time for touring around the island. At least one overnight stay is recommended.
Iona
This historic religious site is normally accessed from Mull via a short ferry crossing (pedestrians only).
Well worth spending a day here on this car free island and benefiting from the aura of peace and serenity which pervades this historic cradle of Christianity in Scotland. Places to visit include the Abbey, the ruined Benedictine Nunnery and the Riellig Oran (burial place of 48 Scottish Kings). There are places to eat and shop.
Staffa
Accessible by boat (from Mull or Iona) which can be a stunning trip on a sunny/calm day.
Staffa is derived from the Norse “pillar island” which is an accurate description of the unique geological phenomenon (basalt columns) which represents the island and forms one of the wonders of the natural world. Geologically linked to Northern Ireland’s Giants Causeway. Highlight of the tour is the visit to Fingal’s Cave which inspired Mendelssohn’s Overture. Stout footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended.
Islay (pronounced Eye-la)
This island is accessible by air or ferry. Its key claims to fame are:
- Whisky: There are seven distilleries concentrated on this island of just 4000 inhabitants. As a consequence of an abundance of peat the spirit is renowned for its distinctive, peaty malt. Here is a list of the (famous) distilleries some of which provide tours for the public:
- Bunnahabhain-used as a key filling for Famous Grouse.
- Caol Ila-a constituent of Bells 8 year old and Johnnie Walker Red Label.
- Ardbeg-once described as ‘heaven’s own nectar’.
- Lagavulin-a unique dram leaving a long, dry, slightly bitter finish.
- Laphroaig-a fulsome and uncompromising dram.
- Bowmore-still malts the barley on site in the traditional way.
- Bruichladdich-apart from namesake also produces Port Charlotte
brand.
- Eighth century Kildalton Cross.
- Finlaggan: Headquarters of the Lords of the Isles (ancestors of Clan Donald) who ruled a vast area from Islay over a period covering 350 years.
- The ruined Dunyvaig Castle.
Allow a minimum two days to get the best from Islay.
Jura
Accessible via a short ferry trip from Islay. This is a wild and remote spot with just one road, one hotel, a distillery and 5000 red deer. This is where George Orwell retreated to write his famous book 1984 (in 1948). Other claims to fame include:
- Isle of Jura Distillery-which produces very popular 10 year old malt.
- The Paps of Jura-three breast shaped peaks which dominate the skyline.
Recommend a visit to Jura in conjunction with neighbouring Islay. One day should be sufficient for an initial ‘taster’. Stay longer if you wish to truly escape from the rat race.
Bute
This interesting island is quite close to Glasgow. A visit within the day (by ferry) is possible but at least overnight stay on the island is recommended to get a full appreciation for all the interesting sites which include:
- Mount Stuart: A masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture set in 300 acres.
- Rothesay Castle: A former Stuart stronghold with unique circular design.
- Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden: A fernery with 80 sub-tropical species.
Other activities include golf, walking, fishing, cycling, horse riding and water sports.
Orkney Islands
There is a strong, underlying Scandinavian influence dating from the time of Vikings. In terms of tangible links with history the islands are best for such archaeological treasures as:
- Stones of Stennes
- Maes Howe
- Broch of Gurness
- 5000 year old Neolithic village of Skara Brae
Other interesting sites for the visitor include:
- the Viking Cathedral of St. Magnus
- The Italian Chapel which dates from the Second World War.
- Highland Park Scotch Whisky Distillery. Tours are available.
Day trips from John O’Groats on the Scottish Mainland are available but at least one overnight is recommended for a full appreciation of what Orkney has to offer.
Shetland Islands
Like Orkney, there is a strong Scandinavian influence underpinned by proximity to Norway. The local economy is underpinned by oil from the North Sea. A feature of the Shetlands is the almost complete absence of trees rendering a somewhat stark landscape. Places to visit include:
- Fort Charlotte which dates from 1655 but rebuilt 1780.
- Up Helly-Aa Exhibition-provides a taste of the famous Viking fire festival.
- Clickimin Broch- a fortified site occupied from 700BC to 500/600AD.
- Bod of Gremista-a restored 18 th-century fishing booth which was the birthplace of Arthur Anderson co-founder of P&O Shipping.
How can Catswhiskerstours help?
- We have experience of visiting most of the key sites and can help design a suitable itinerary.
- We can design and arrange tours for a wide range of groups and special interests (e.g. whisky tours and prehistory) including accommodation.
- We can arrange self-drive tours providing vehicle, itinerary and lodgings to suit your budget.
- We can arrange Whisky Tours ( e.g. Islay).
For more information ‘phone 44 (0) 141 638 5500 or contact
Nigel by e-mail at:
ncole67@googlemail.com
info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk
We We look forward to hearing from you!
For more information and help contact Nigel-
T 44 (0) 141 638 5500
E ncole67@googlemail.com
Or info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk
