THE SIX best Scottish islands to visit have been revealed – and the top location has incredible beaches and stunning mountains.
There are several wonderful islands across the country that are famed for their beautiful scenery, lochs and lakes.
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So it’s no wonder that tourists across the world flock to visit them and have thrilling adventures.
Scotland has around 900 islands in total – only 90 of which are currently inhabited, and the furthest one away is 100 miles from the mainland.
And now a recent study has summed up the six ones that are the best to visit.
Experts at Sotheby’s International Realty have compiled a list of the six destinations that can’t be missed.
1. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye has ranked at the top of the list with the experts impressed with its stunning scenery and breathtaking beaches.
It has become a popular tourist spot in recent years with visitors flocking to see top attractions like the Fairy Pools, near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle, which are a series of beautiful waterfalls and rockpools with crystal clear mountain water.
And they’re perfect for any adventurous swimmers brave enough to enter the icy pools.
Another highlight is the mythical Dunvegan Castle. With impressive gardens and a fascinating history, it’s a must-see- and visitors can even catch a boat to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony.
Sotheby’s says: “Perhaps the most famous of Scotland’s beautiful islands, the Isle of Skye is known for its dramatic scenery and has major historical significance”.
It adds: “With such a rich history, Skye contains several important sites to visit such as Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse and the Talisker Distillery, one of Scotland’s most successful whiskey exporters.
“However, it is the island’s natural beauty which provides the greatest allure for travellers to this western isle.
“Blessed with incredible geological treasures such as the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools, avid explorers will enjoy many hours spent hiking across the island.”
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2. Harris and Lewis
The Isle of Harris is the biggest island in the Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles, Scotland, famed for its dramatic landscapes, stunning beaches and its own cloth, Harris Tweed.
Harris is part of the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area, on of 40 in Scotland defined to identify regions of exceptional scenery.
The isle divides into northern and southern parts, separated by West and East Loch Tarbet – the northern part of the island is called Lewis, though both are frequently referred to as is they were separate islands.
Despite being the third biggest island in the British Isles, Harris and Lewis has a population of just a little over 21,000.
Experts say: “Harris and Lewis, though part of the same landmass, offer two distinct experiences.
“Unevenly divided by the island’s mountain range, Harris makes up a third of the territory and is mostly mountainous, but well known for the wonderful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at Luskentyre and Scarista.
“Lewis, on the other hand, is much flatter, made up of rugged moorland but home to the deepest lake in the British Isles at Loch Suainebaht, at an impressive depth of 219 ft (66 metres).
“Lewis is also home to the Callanish Standing Stones, a neolithic monument dating back over 5,000 years, and comparable to England’s similar ancient site of Stonehenge.”
3. The Orkneys
The Orkney Islands are an archipelago off the northeastern coast which is famous for its stunning scenery with idyllic beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, incredible heritage and world-class food and drink.
Its capital Kirkwall has a population of 7,500, and was dubbed the friendliest place in the country in 2023, according to a new study.
As the largest town in the Orkney archipelago, it has something for everyone – it has an incredible Viking heritage, stunning natural beauty and local wildlife on one of the many nature or beach walks as well as fine seafood, whisky and entertainment.
The list states: “Fairly rugged, the isles’ landscapes consist mostly of imposing cliffsides with natural monuments such as The Old Man of Hoy and flat, fertile farmland, which have proved the perfect grounds to cultivate two of the islands’ signature products – scallops and cheese.
“The islands are also home to three whiskey distilleries, serving another of the Orkneys’ most significant exports.
“The capital of Kirkwall is a charming town with many beautiful stone houses and fascinating ruins, and home to the stunning St Magnus Cathedral, built from the islands’ signature red and yellow sandstone.”
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4. The Isle of Jura
This remote island is located off the mainland’s west coast and is known for its huge mountains, whisky, swirling whirlpools and wild roaming deer which outnumber the residents.
It is a long, narrow isle and it is famous for being the home of author George Orwell who finished his books Animal Farm and 1984 while visiting the island.
Sotheby’s says: “The Isle of Jura is one of the more remote Scottish islands, so much so that the 5,000 red deer on the island greatly outnumber the 200 or so human inhabitants.
“Dominated by the Paps of Jura mountains, it boasts a stunning array of wildlife, including predatory birds such as golden and white-tailed eagles, as well as grey seals and porpoises.
“The most noteworthy part of Jurra’s geography is the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home to one of the world’s largest whirlpools, and a thrilling spectacle to enjoy on the water from the safety of a guided boat.”
‘Breathtaking’ Scots beach named among best in UK
A BREATHTAKING Scottish beach with incredible dunes and gorgeous sunsets has been named among the best to visit across the UK during the winter.
A recent study has revealed that one has been ranked among the top eleven coastal locations across Britain during the colder months.
experts at Country Living compiled the list by considering locations with silky soft sand, stunning landscapes and crashing waves.
They also looked at where has the best places to stay nearby for a weekend break.
And coming in at number ten on the rankings is Machir Bay in Islay, near the small community at Kilchoman.
It is a stunning two-mile stretch of soft sand surrounded by dunes that is popular with tourists and locals alike for its gorgeous sunsets.
Describing the beach, Country Living says: “Head to Scotland’s whisky island for a winter-warming break with a difference.
“Islay boasts no less than nine distilleries to warm your cockles after a stroll on the breathtakingly beautiful beach at Machir Bay.
“Enjoy windswept walks on the dune-backed fine sand and clifftop nature reserves before thawing out with a wee dram in front of a roaring fire. Ferries run from Oban or Kennacraig.”
5. The Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is no stranger to praise and has previously been named as Scotland’s most scenic destination.
Visitors are able to explore the stunning landscapes, from a range of coastal areas to mountains, including its highest peak – Goat’s Fell.
North Arran plays host to a wide range of animals, from eagles to deer and even seals that can be spotted on its breathtaking beaches.
Experts say: “This is a dream destination for fans of geology, and often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ due to its differing landscapes as a result of the Highland Boundary Fault.
“Visitors to Arran can experience all the highs and lows of Scotland’s incredible landscapes on one island, from fells and mountains to sandy beaches and dense forests.
“Popular destinations for explorers include Goat Fell Mountain, the island’s highest peak, and the King’s Cave, its largest cavern.”
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6. The Shetland Isles
Shetland is Britain’s remotest permanently inhabited island and is an archipelago that lies between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway.
It sits around 100 miles off the north-east of Scotland and is famous for its delicious seafood. It also has around 900 miles of coastline with plenty of hills that are perfect for exploring.
For those who love some adventure, the stunning crystal clear waters are ideal for kayaking and diving – there are also 300 lochs on the island.
The experts say: “These rugged masses of jutting cliffs and vast open moors are known as The Shetland Isles and are some of the most beautiful of all the islands of Scotland.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
2The Sands Of Yell, with its secluded beaches and crystalline waters, is one of the islands’ most photographed locations, along with the colonies of sea birds that nest at Hermaness Nature Reserve.
“The Shetland Isles are a captivating place to adventure to the furthest reaches of the UK, where life has evolved to look in some places, very different to the rest of the country.”
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