Explore Scotland’s Islands
This Outer Hebridean isle is the perfect spot for natural beauty
ASTUNNING island of almost exotic beauty, Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides. Measuring only 4.8km (three miles) from north to south and 5.6km (3.5 miles) from west to east, Vatersay might be small but it certainly packs in a lot.
The isle’s most striking features are its pristine white sandy beaches and piercing blue waters. West Bay and the eastern Vatersay Bay wouldn’t look out of place in a far-flung holiday destination – proof that you don’t have to travel too far for that exotic beach break.
You can also take the coastal trails to spot flocks of puffins, guillemots and gannets that frequent the island.
More sombre, but equally fascinating things to see on the isle include two monuments. These commemorate the 1853 Annie Jane maritime disaster, where 450 emigrants were lost off the coast of Vatersay on their way to Canada, and the RAF Catalina plane crash in 1944.
Interesting architecture on the island includes an Iron Age broch and a Bronze Age cemetery.
Vatersay is also connected by causeway to the nearby island of Barra, making it perfect for a spot of Outer Hebridean island hopping.
Vatersay’s wildlife and spectacular beaches that rival the Seychelles make it an unmissable destination.
“Pristine white sandy beaches and piercing waters” blue
Next month, explore the island of Iona