The Life & Nature of Scotland’s Scenic Isles

Capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastlines. Close by are the soaring cliffs of Sumburgh Head, which are perfect for spotting various examples of marine life, such as minke whales, orcas and dolphins; and as an RSPB nature reserve – guillemots, shags and fulmars. In the town, the An Tuireann Arts Centre celebrates the Gaelic heritage of this fascinating seaport.

Located at the southern tip of the Shetland Isles main island, Sumburgh Head is a towering, 100-metre-high rock spur capped by the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse – one of Scotland’s oldest, best-known and most photographed lighthouses. The head, and its unspoilt, rugged surroundings, are a designated RSPB Nature Reserve, providing the perfect natural habitat for various seabird species including Puffins, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes. White-sided dolphins, Harbour Porpoises and Whales may also be seen here too.

The Orkneys archipelago, around 70 islands in the far north of Scotland, were once the centre of innovation in the British Isles, where farmers in the Stones Ages brought various cattle, pigs and sheep, thus establishing farmsteads on the islands. Today, Skara Brae is a preserved settlement, along with excavated burial and ceremonial sites. Kirkwall stands as the capital of the islands, and is the perfect starting point for exploring Orkney’s fascinating historical sites.

Pentland Firth is a striking strait separating the Orkney Islands from mainland Scotland, and is renowned for the strength of its tides, which are amongst the fastest found anywhere in the world. The strait is popular with seals and porpoises; they can be seen here all year round. Dolphins, orcas and minke whales are also occasionally spotted here too. There is also the opportunity to spot the uninhabited islands of Stroma and Swona.

The port of Ullapool sits on the shores of Loch Broom, and is the gateway to the Northern Highlands of Scotland. The picturesque town was founded by the British Fisheries Society in 1788, and its row of whitewashed harbour cottages line the seafront. There is a thriving ecosystem around Ullapool, where a simple walk along the shores of the unspoilt Loch Broom shows off its wildlife, with red and black-throated divers and red deer commonly seen.

Loch Broom, which translates as ‘Loch of rain showers’, is located on the west coast of Scotland, and is where the charming town of Ullapool is also situated on the eastern shore. The loch is also lined by lush-green landscapes, the 2,438ft-high Ben Mor Coigach mountain and the 2,083ft-high Beinn Ghobhlach Marilyn. The latter is located at the head of the peninsula, overlooking the entrance to the loch; offering views across to Gruinard Bay.

Part of the Inner Hebrides, lying just south of the Isle of Skye, are the Small Isles. Comprised of four beautiful islands; Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck, they are all famed for their dramatic scenery, variety of wildlife and natural wonders. Mighty volcanic peaks surround Kinlock Castle on the largest island, Rum. The basalt cliffs of Canna, charming villages of Eigg, and Muck’s fertile lowlands and beautiful beaches make this archipelago the perfect scenic cruising destination.

Located opposite the island of Skye, and branching inward from the Sound of Sleat, the narrow, fjord-like Loch Hourn is flanked by some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenic landscapes. Lined with steep, imposing mountains which slide down into the shore line, and dotted with bays and beaches which break the waters edge, Loch Hourn is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a creature who, according to local legend, lives in the loch, and is known as the Loch Hourn Monster.

Bac Mòr is one of the most striking and iconic Scottish Treshnish Isles near Mull and is located a few miles west of Staffa and Iona. Affectionately referred to as The Dutchman’s Cap due to its unusual shape, Bac Mòr has a height of 283 feet, and its flat surroundings resemble glassy lava fields. The Treshnish Isles were formed 60 million years ago when volcanic eruptions on the nearby island of Mull caused lava to flow into the sea.

Created around 60 million years ago, and said to be the corresponding piece of road built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal’s Cave is a basalt sea-cave with distinctive columns and a remarkable symmetry. Looming 69 metres out of the ocean, it appears to look like a piece of contemporary art, but is completely shaped by nature. Often, the cliffs and ledges are covered with native seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.

The island of Iona, located in the Inner Hebrides may be physically small, at just 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, but as the ‘The Cradle of Christianity in Scotland’ it has a big place in British history, religion and spirituality. The highlight is Iona Abbey, one of Europe’s oldest Christian centres and said to be the final resting place of 48 medieval kings, including the eleventh-century king Macbeth of Shakespearean fame.

Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is a thriving town with a busy port, best seen from the top of ‘Gallow’s Hill’ – reached by the impressive grounds of Lews Castle. Originally built in 1847, the castle has had some well-known owners, including Lord Leverhume, who founded the company now known as Unilever. He gave the castle to the people of Stornoway, where it served as a naval hospital and college, but is now a noteworthy museum.

With its dramatic cliffs, topped by lush green landscapes that stretch inland as far as the eye can see, Troup Head is part of Moray Firth’s unspoilt, wild and rugged coastline. The cliffs, rock faces and marshes of Troup Head – a designated RSPB Scotland Nature Reserve – are a haven for tens of thousands of seabirds, such as for kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Troup Head is also the habitat of Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony.