beach on hebrides island of coll in autumn

Book an unforgettable staycation in the Scottish Isles! Hostels on the Isles make great bases to explore the vast and beautiful landscapes and seascapes of Scotland.

Scottish Islands


    The Famous Scottish Islands

    Scotland has no shortage of islands, with 94 currently inhabited. The island chains that make up the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland are some of the most beautiful and wild places in the country. Every island has its own unique traits and quirks that make them special, you can on one or try island hopping to get a feel for as many as possible. The Scottish Islands are well worth a visit.

    Orkney

    The Orkney islands are made up of 70 islands, 20 of which are inhabited. The largest is known as the Mainland. 10 miles north of Caithness, getting to Orkney feels like a real adventure. The islands are a haven for sea birds, on North Ronaldsay, you can stay at Observatory Hostel which sees a huge variety of birdlife. Especially in spring and autumn when the migratory birds pass through on their way to pastures new.

    Birds aren’t the only animals that make their home here or pass through. It is estimated that 15% of the world’s grey seal population lives on Orkney. Recently an ever-increasing number of Orca A.K.A Killer Whales have been spotted off the coast of Orkney.

    4 Orca with fins poking out of the dark water
    Orca have recently been spotted off the coast of Orkney

    Shetland

    The Shetland Isles are the furthest north of the Scottish islands. They lie about 50 miles northeast of Orkney and 110 miles from mainland Scotland. They’re only 140 miles from Norway. A visit to Shetland is a visit to the most remote corner of the UK and it can be a really magical experience. The islands are stunning, with sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and grassy moorland combine to make the islands a great place for walking and adventure.

    sandy beach next to blue water with green fields and cows grazing behind
    Shetlands has a variety of landscapes that blend into one

    The Hebrides

    The Hebrides is an Archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. Consisting of the inner and outer Hebrides, adventure awaits those who take a trip to the islands. Walkers are often taken by the majesty of the Hebridean Way, a route that takes you from the south to the north of the outer Hebrides. The islands have a unique, friendly culture that feels different from the mainland, it’s something you have to experience for yourself.

    Building in front of blue water green land around the cove
    The Hebrides are a remarkable place