SOUTHERN HEBRIDES
From the brightly coloured houses that frame Tobermory harbour on Mull, to tiny Iona, known as the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, this group of islands are amongst the most beautiful and interesting to visit.
The largest islands of the Southern Hebrides are Islay, Mull and Jura but they also include the less visited outposts of Coll, Tiree, and Colonsay, which have some of the best beaches in Scotland - perfect for autumn walks. The Isle of Coll is a Dark Sky Community, making it perfect for stargazing. The best time to visit is from August to March and you might be lucky enough to see the Aurora and are almost guaranteed to view the Milky Way if the skies are clear. Each of these islands is easy to access with CalMac and each offers a unique and memorable experience. Love birdwatching? Head for Mull. A dram by the fireside? Islay is a place of pilgrimage for whisky lovers with nine distilleries. And admire wildlife such as dolphins, porpoise and minke whales from the water with Jura Boat Tours, where you can also arrange a visit to the spectacular Corryvreckan whirlpool, the 3rd largest in the world.
EVER dream of escaping to an island where you can leave behind everyday stresses and marvel at breathtakingly beautiful landscapes steeped in history?
That’s so simple with Scotland’s islands: they’re much closer than you think and easy to reach with Caledonian MacBrayne – ‘CalMac’ – which provides affordable ferry transport to over 50 ports and harbours across 200 miles of Scotland’s west coast. You have an extraordinary selection of islands to discover – from the Hebrides to the isles of the Clyde. “There are few parts of the world which possess such magic and mystery as the seas around Scotland,” explains Hamish Haswell-Smith, whose gazetteer, The Scottish Islands, is considered the definitive guide to our isles. “Each is an individual with differences so remarkable that the mere crossing of a short stretch of water can be like visiting another continent.” This is Scotland’s Year of Stories, a celebration of tales inspired by the country, and Celtic communities across our islands have a rich heritage of storytelling. And no wonder – there’s plenty to write about. The excitement of exploring the Scottish islands is unforgettable – and easy to experience with CalMac. So why not plan an island adventure this autumn and create your own amazing stories to remember…