Advice sought on planning a family holiday to the Scottish Isles..

[ja9r]

Very open minded to which island(s)...

Children aged 2,9,11.

We like walking and cycling...

We don't camp

Travelling from Central Scotland

Would love advice on which island(s) to visit, where to stay and what to do.

Ideally accommodation right on the beach or v v v close.

Hope someone can share experiences and expertise. TIA

Eriskay and Barra in the western isles, small, beautiful with interesting histories.
lots of self catering houses.
Eriskay is tiny with a community centre, shop and pub, lots going on over the summer for kids if you pick the right week.
Uist is north but that's flat, windy and boring in comparison!

Arran is lovely .

I think Tiree would be fab for families, lots of different beaches to explore, a superb watersports centre, some really nice walks. We stayed in a lovely cottage called lower kenovay, all mod cons. Tiree is allegedly the sunniest place in the UK. Three and a bit hour sail from Oban.
Be prepared before you go, it is remote 2 hotels, couple of shops, few cafes. You arrive off the ferry and you instantly relax, waving at everyone who goes past. We've island hopped all over and I think Tiree would be my advice with children. The cottage I've stayed in has a massive big living/ kitchen/ dining room and a separate other sitting room, it's just 50m from a beach too.
Just typing this has made me long for another trip there

Thank you for your replies- really appreciate them. Great to hear from others with experience. Will have a close look at Tiree just now...

Arran is beautiful and also has plenty to do. Lots of great walks and cycling. We hired bikes and took them on the small ferry from Lochranza to the Kintyre peninsula then it was an easy cycle ride from there to Skipness Castle.

Pony trekking was another fun activity.

And there are some lovely beaches. Kildonan has dozens and dozens of seals basking on the rocks.

Easy to get to as it is only about an hour on the ferry from Ardrossan.

Definitely Arran for first timers to the Scottish Islands. Loads to do and lovely.

Great rock pooling on West coast. You might find a sea life safari or similar boat trip, depending where you go.

Mull is good for wildlife and actually has a town. You could also go to Iona and boat trip to Staffa (Fingal's Cave).

Don't forget the midge repellant!

Shetland is fantastic for families, but it is expensive to get to. Have a look on the Promote Shetland website.

Mull.

Does it have to be an island ?

Arran and Millport are lovely and easily accessible from the mainland. I'd go for a mainland base and visits to the islands