Scottish Islands

[CatsRule]

We're thinking on holidaying on one of the Scottish Islands next year but unsure which. Distance isn't an issue, we'd be driving and would plan stop overs if necessary.

Holiday is for DH and I, our 6 year old and my 79 year old Mum who is fit and active. We don't need masses of entertainment for ds, we find him more content with a park, his bike or a bucket and spade. My Mum would be happy anywhere and would suit herself whether she wanted to rest or take part.

I've seen some accommodation on the Isle of Bute and the surrounding area looks lovely. We've been all over Scotland but never the Islands.

I wondered if anyone had any recommendations or where would suit all of our needs and/or any accommodation recommendations too.

Arran is my favourite lowland island - bigger than Bute and more scenic (IMHO). Check out Auchrannie hotel and lodges. If you don’t mind a longer drive, Skye is spectacular.

Mull. Best place ever.

I've been to Skye although she hasn't. Not been on Arran, is Auchrannie very busy/commercialised?

We really want as quiet as possible. We went on a cruise this year and while it was good, it was stressful and ds was totally overwhelmed plus there wasn't much for him. He is so happy doing things like collecting stones or shells or being outdoors getting mucky.

What/where would you recommend on Mull?

Mull is lovely and you have Oban just across the water if you fancy something a bit busier one day.

I went to Bute for the day last year (albeit only managed Rothesay ) it was ok but not particularly quiet.

Def Isle of Mull cottages for accommodation. Plenty of places to choose and amazing views. We saw Highland cattle, deer and an otter from our cottage window one evening!!
They do proper tours to see wildlife or you can venture out on your own like we did.

Isle of Mull, definitely. ( I am biased though as we have family that live there).
Catching the ferry over is part of the adventure for the kids. You can go whale watching, take a trip to Staffa or to Iona.
Tobermory (aka Balamory) has quaint coloured houses, plenty of places to eat and several shops.
The best beach is Calgary beach. It's literally just a beach on the west side of the island. I've seen people wild camping there .

Sorry, my brain is mush researching! I said Isle of Bute but I actually meant Isle of Barra! Big difference!

Would definitely recommend Mull. Lots of beaches and safe places to explore by bike. Iona is lovely for a day trip and lots to do in Oban, shops etc if you want a bit of ‘town’.

Calgary beach is the most amazing place! Watched my dh do the Mull rally from there a few years ago - all the dc holding a banner they had made!!

Orkney? Shetland? Fabulous. Bit more expensive though, either fly or ferry from Aberdeen.

You could try one of the small isles - ferry from Mallaig. Eigg, muck, Rhum and Canna.

In fact camusdarach on the road to the isles is worth a stop.

Another vote for Mull. We are also very partial to Islay and Jura, but I think that Mull is a better choice for a multi-generational family group.

I had a look at Orkney and Shetland but didn't really know where to start. Any places in particular. It wouldn't take long to drive to Aberdeen and happy to do ferry.

Harris and Lewis are wonderful and the Standing Stones of Callanais are just a site everyone should see.

I don't know if Caledonian macbrayne still do island hopscotch tickets but you can tour several islands if you want to move about (cross Ullapool to Lewis then down the Uists and over to skye to go home)

Another place to consider is Orkney or Shetland. Orkney has some wonderful history (prehistoric and WWII) and a stunning cathedral. Shetland is completely stunning. Both Orkney and Shetland have good roads and are easy to get about if that matters to you. Harris and Lewis and the Uists have a lot of single track road with passing places

Lerwick is fabulous, have a look online. Ferry best option as you need a car if you want to really explore / island hop.
Orkney, so many great places. Really relaxed, friendly. Great for walking and stunning scenery.

Mull is lovely.
Islay is amazing- my favourite island.
Shetland is good and lots to see - particularly the seals on the side of the road as you walk to Tescos.

Curve ball would be the tiny isle of lismore which is an island is the middle of a sea loch bearish Oban. V easy to get on and off from. (You could swim it).

Given your criteria I would say Islay.

Small isles are wonderful too but don't book out all the accommodation when I want to go there! You can't take your car to the small isles as vehicle slots are only for locals

In Orkney I would stay in Kirkwall and Shetland stay in Lerwick. If you go to Orkney don't miss going over the ferry to Hoy.

Where do you like on mainland Scotland? Do you like eating out, historic sites? Castles? Mountains?

Thank.you everyone, I'll look into all of your suggestions.

Would Lismore be suitable to stay on for between 1-2 weeks?

I like the idea of an island hop actually, will see if CalMac still do that.

I've been to lots of places up and down the west and east coast of Scotland (and England). I prefer smaller villages that aren't touristy and commercialised.

I think a week would be enough on lismore personally.
My friend lives on Lewis and loves it but we've never been. She moved there after costing Shetland and getting the island bug.

I agree staying on Lerwick in Shetland.

Calmac do indeed still do island hopping tickets. It is very addictive! Ullapool - Lewis-Harris - Berneray - North Uist - Skye. Broke up trip to Skye by stopping at goose-bumping Glencoe and Glen Etive. Best adventure with 6 year old and 8 year old. This year island hopped from Arran (too busy) - Argyll secret coast - Islay.