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.

[weemidden]

Oops, should read broke up trip to Ullapool by going to Glencoe.

[CatsRule]

That sounds good weemidden. I feel Arran would be too busy for us too.

[Weepingwillows12]

I would love to do the outer he rides on an island hop. I liked mull when we went. Iona and staffa are nice day trips and there is loads of nature. Somewhere near there on the mainland we also did a boat trip to the whirlpool corryvreckan which was amazing. We saw eagles!

[B00dyM4ry]

Look into the Caalmac hopscotch tickets. We took the ferry from ullapool to Stornoway and returned Barra to Oban with all ferries inbetween all on one ticket. Was a great road trip but may not suit if you want to be in one place.

Colonsay is a nice island but so very weather dependant as outdoors stuff only.

Would also recommend Mull - Iona only a short ferry ride - is beautiful too.

[CatsRule]

What did you think of Barra B00dyM4ry?

I fancy an island hop, couldn't do too much though with my Mum, think it would suit her better to at least stay a good few days at a time but that might be doable.

[buddhasbelly]

Hi OP

Have a look at the Isle of coll (where Katie morag was based upon)

//Www.visitcoll.co.uk

[Waitingonasmiley42]

Barra is busy during the tourist season and it’s a long ferry journey from Oban. If the weather is good the beaches are beautiful but very little to do in bad weather.

[B00dyM4ry]

Coll is lovely too. All the small islands like Coll/ Colonsay/ Barra to me are all quite similar but you need to sure you will be happy with a few beaches, a few pubs and very little else but walking to do.

I have never done a west coast island holiday since having dc as the possibility of a week in a cottage with preteens watching the rain pour down fills me with horror . They are past the potter in the beach regardless of if it is raining stage.

We have enjoyed a week in Skye with them - it is very busy in the summer now though.

[user546425732]

Staffa and Mingulay are both lovely. I spent a summer working on a small boat going round the Scottish islands and would give my left arm to do it again.

[DontDribbleOnTheCarpet]

Barra is one of my favourite places and we go there often. It's very friendly and there is plenty to do in the summer. Some of the roads are interesting though!
If you go to the Western Isles, bear in mind that as you go North, you go further into Wee Free country- this means that everything is closed on a Sunday and attitudes are much stricter towards the Sabbath (we spend a weekend in Stornoway a few years ago and even the swings were chained up on a Saturday evening!). From North Uist upwards it's definitely something you need to be aware of.

[nooddsocksforme]

If you like beaches then Harris is totally amazing . Lewis is lovely too - we stayed up near Uig and saw dolphins and whales on boat trips there . They are much less touristy than Skye but you can get the ferry either from Ullapool or from Skye , which gives you an overnight there. There is a ferry from Harris to the Uists - they are even more remote .

[B00dyM4ry]

That said, there had probably been no better place in the world than a white sand turquoise sea hebridean beach these last few months - the weather had been glorious - you just can't plan on it sadly.

[Everyoneiswingingit]

Another option is west coast of Ireland. We had a fabulous time on beautiful, uncrowded, white sandy beaches with mountainous backdrops. The roads are empty and no crowds to deal with.

[Everyoneiswingingit]

Re above, Mayo and Galway are fab.

[CatsRule]

Thanks everyone, you've given me lots to research.

[Tinycitrus]

I think the West Coast and Skye are increasingly crowded. Relatives who have been cycling north say The roads are far busier with caravans and large touring vehicles.

You could look at Fife abd St. Andrews as well...

[MrsAmaretto]

I live in Shetland and wouldn’t base yourself in Lerwick if it’s more of a quiet, rural setting you fancy. I’d look at holiday properties at the South end of the main island such as Cunningsburgh, Sandwick or Bigton. If your based there you can easily do day trips up north to Eshaness etc or there is lots to do locally - St Ninians Isle, Mousa broch etc. It depends on how long your going for a a few nights up north to the island of Unst would be a must too.

If you fancy somewhere more off the beaten track look on Facebook at the waddle self catering. It’s beautiful. Also on air B&B. We’ve stayed there for a long weekend

[2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney]

Lerwick in the Shetlands is quite busy though . I prefer Bressay across the water, also Esheness . Sandwick has a nice beach and is not far from St Ninians where a lot of locals go. . When are going OP ? Early summer is great for puffins at Sumburgh and Noss, seals everywhere all year. Orca , July (if you are lucky , we never have been)

Lots of other islands to hop around too.

[CatsRule]

Thanks everyone. We've been to Fife and St. Andrews a lot, they're both not that far a drive so would prefer further afield. Planning to go next summer, possibly the last two weeks of July so plenty time to research and book up...like to have it planned and look forward to it. Will have a look at the accommodation suggestion too, thank you.

[Rubyslippers7780]

Just to clarify 2bees it is Shetland or the Shetland Isles never ' the shetlands'

[OctopusLimbs]

In May we did 10 days on Mull followed by 3 days on Lismore. Lismore really is tiny so I think 3 days was plenty - the weather was a bit iffy to so I think we might have struggled with much longer as we had our toddler with us and there wasn't anything really to do to escape the elements! Having said that we loved the short trip we did have - so remote and peaceful! And even in three days we felt like we had a really good explore.

In Mull we booked through Isle of Mull cottages mentioned by a PP. We got a cottage in a very remote spot, but only half an hour from Tobermory when we did want a bit more civilization.

Both islands were a ferry trip from Oban so we also spent a day in Oban between islands. It was alright, but not the highlight of our trip!

It was a really lovely trip - our first experience of the Scottish islands and definitely hoping to do more so reading this thread with interest!

[2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney]

Sorry Rubyslippers I did know that already , so should have said it correctly!

[Jillcrewespony]

Cats, Tiree is amazing. Beautiful beaches, huge sense of space, very quiet. Sunny too, supposedly one of the sunniest places in Scotland.
Lismore doesn't have beaches, so not great for your ds fiddling about on beaches.
Mull would also be another good option.

[hereandnowtoday]

Island hopping will give you opportunities to see the best of the islands.

All the islands are VERY busy all season now there are cheaper ferry fares. You will need to book ferries and accommodation well in advance wherever you go.

[BiscuitMachine]

Just been to Mull and loved it, wildlife everywhere, great beaches, lots to see - day trip to Staffa/Iona etc. We also used Isle of Mull cottages. It is a biggish island though, and getting around takes a while as the roads are single track mostly.
My favourite holiday ever was Orkney. We stayed on Mainland and it was just great. But I’m a fan of quiet, and empty! Lots of history there too.