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The Herald Scotland
09-08-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's 20 coolest and quirky island gems
If you are planning a late summer or early autumn getaway, we have compiled a fun guide to the coolest and quirkiest places to check out, covering everywhere from Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides to the Clyde Riviera and Firth of Forth. Some you might be familiar with, others offer a fresh alternative to the usual suspects – or are worth revisiting, having added a few more feathers to their cap. Gigha The ferry crossing from Tayinloan on the Kintyre peninsula to Gigha is only a 20-minute hop, yet it feels like being transported to another world entirely. Measuring seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide, this diminutive island packs in the charm with shipwrecks and skerries among its myriad lures. Other attractions include the Twin Beaches, a pair of sandy coves connected by a slender tombolo, and the magnificent Achamore Gardens, where colourful plant and tree species thrive in Gigha's warm microclimate. According to the Gigha website: 'Since the community buyout in 2002, the island has gone from strength to strength with a growing population and a sustainable local economy.' The Slate Islands While linked through a shared industrial past, each of the Slate Islands has its own distinct personality. Part of the Inner Hebrides, they are perfect for island-hopping day trips. Seil, a short drive south of Oban, is the most seamlessly reached – linked to the mainland by the humpbacked Clachan Bridge, aka the 'Bridge over the Atlantic', which dates from 1792. The island is home to some 580 people. The largest village Ellenabeich comprises a cluster of picture-postcard cottages, framed against a backdrop of dark, towering cliffs. It has enjoyed its share of TV and film cameos, including in Para Handy and Ring of Bright Water. Row of white-harled workers cottages in former slate-mining village Ellenabeich on the isle of Seil, Argyll and Bute (Image: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) You can find out more about the area's history at the Slate Islands Heritage Centre. Be sure to visit the gardens of An Cala, where gorgeous azaleas and Japanese cherry trees grow. Easdale is the smallest permanently occupied island in the Inner Hebrides, with around 60 residents. It lies off neighbouring Seil, reached via passenger ferry from Ellenabeich. The journey to car-free Easdale takes mere minutes. The once-prosperous slate mining here went into decline following a ferocious winter storm in 1881 that caused widespread flood damage. The sea-filled, former quarries make for an enchanting sight. On sunny days, the pools are a vivid cyan, resembling a tropical lagoon. Easdale hosts the annual World Stone Skimming Championships each September, with the flat slate dotted around its shores ideal for scudding across the surface of the water. Luing is reached by ferry from North Cuan on Seil. Home to 180 people, its main villages are Cullipool and Toberonochy, with smaller settlements such as South Cuan, Ardinamir and Blackmill Bay. The island is renowned for its Luing cattle – a mix of Beef Shorthorn and Highland breeds. Deer and feral goats can often be seen grazing alongside the farm animals. Read More: Wildlife fans should keep their eyes on the waves too: dolphins, whales and porpoises are often spotted in the early morning or around sunset in the Sound of Cuan. The other Slate Islands include Shuna, listed for sale earlier this summer with a £5.5 million price tag, and Torsa, which made headlines last year after claims – swiftly refuted – that it was being purchased for £1.5m by a controversial Islamic preacher. Rounding out the sextet is uninhabited Belnahua. It still bears remnants of its slate mining era, with abandoned quarries and decaying structures. There is no ferry service, although it does feature on itineraries for Seafari Adventures boat tours around the Slate Islands. Arran Geopark This year saw Arran named as a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognising the international importance of the geological heritage of its landscapes. Scotland has two other Global Geoparks – the North West Highlands and Shetland – with 10 in total across the UK. Arran, which straddles the Highland Boundary Fault, has been described by the Geological Society as 'one of the best locations for fieldwork in Europe', with the island's rocks said to 'record an epic journey from south of the equator over 600 million years'. Small Isles Snorkel Trail Billed as 'a gateway to exploring the wonders beneath Scotland's seas', the Small Isles Snorkel Trail is a self-guided adventure that links Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum. Canna (Image: Getty Images) A joint initiative between the Small Isles Community Council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust which launched last year, it seeks to showcase marine life in this corner of the Hebrides, while fostering a strong ethos of responsible eco-tourism. Underwater species to look out for include pollack, mackerel, lobsters, hermit crabs, dog whelks, sea slugs, starfish, urchins, jellyfish, kelp and seagrass. Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Scalpay Scotland has no dearth of lighthouses, some 208 at the last count. Eilean Glas, which dates from 1789, was among the first quartet of lighthouses built in Scotland by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights (the other three being Kinnaird Head, Mull of Kintyre and North Ronaldsay). Sitting atop a rocky perch on the east coast of Scalpay, it looks like a lighthouse straight from central casting, resplendent with its red and white candy-striped-meets-barber pole paint job. Eilean Glas, which dates from 1789, was among the first quartet of lighthouses built in Scotland (Image: Getty Images) Construction of a new tower was overseen by Robert Stevenson in 1824. Beaming its light over the treacherous waters of the Minch towards Skye, Eilean Glas has been automated since 1978. Scalpay can be reached via a bridge from Harris. Lochbuie Stone Circle, Mull There are bigger and more high-profile stone circles in Scotland but this one, in the foreground of Ben Buie at the southern end of Mull, holds a special magic. Believed to be late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, there were originally nine granite stones – one of which has been replaced in modern times with a low boulder – forming a ring 40ft (12m) in diameter. A trio of single stones are set around the field at varying distances from the circle, with the tallest an imposing monolith that stands 10ft (3m) in height. It is a beautiful spot: secluded and tranquil. The only noise tends to be the whistling wind or occasional bleating of sheep. On days when the mist comes down, it makes for a spine-tingling and atmospheric setting. You can almost feel the centuries slip away. Spar Cave, near Elgol, Skye If there was a contest for Scotland's coolest cave this is certainly a contender. With its flowstone staircase, limestone columns and glittering pools, there is a cathedral-like grandeur to Spar Cave on Skye's Strathaird peninsula. Sir Walter Scott visited in 1814 and later referred to it in his poem, The Lord of the Isles, as a 'mermaid's alabaster grot.' More recently, Hollywood star Ben Stiller and adventurer Bear Grylls spent the night here for a TV survival show. The cave is only accessible at low tide and does involve some scrambling to reach. Check tide times, take a head torch, spare batteries and a decent set of waterproofs. You can book a local walking guide or explore via a kayak tour. Olav's Wood, South Ronaldsay, Orkney There are famously very few trees growing across Orkney yet this delightful South Ronaldsay nook is a rare exception to that rule. Olav's Wood has been slowly developed on the banks of Oback Burn since the 1970s. A formerly sparse area has been transformed, thanks to the vision and planning of the late Olav Dennison, as well as Helen and Stephen Manson. Sycamore, elder, rowan, monkey puzzle, larch, Korean fir and several varieties of alder, pine, spruce and cypress grow on the 4.5-acre site. There are waterfalls and freshwater pools, sections of boardwalk and a small maze to test your wits. The Serpentine, Rothesay, Bute Cyclists adore a hairpin bend and this zigzagging road in Rothesay on Bute packs a punch with 14 tight corners from base to summit. Although less than half a mile long, The Serpentine is ranked among Scotland's most technical, pedal-powered challenges. Ascending the steep and winding incline of Canada Hill, will test your mettle. The reward at the top? Splendid views over Rothesay to the Firth of Clyde and the Cowal Peninsula. Bobby's Bus Shelter, Unst, Shetland This Shetland landmark turns 30 this year. Back in 1995, the bus shelter just off the A968 near Baltasound on Unst – the UK's northernmost inhabited island – was saved from being permanently removed thanks to a campaign led by schoolboy Bobby Macaulay. Nicknamed 'Bobby's Bus Shelter', afterwards it began to take on a life of its own. Items mysteriously started appearing overnight. First came a wicker sofa and table, then a microwave, carpet, telephone, curtains and a TV. It blossomed into a welcoming waiting room-meets-exhibition space. For the past two decades, Bobby's mother Jane Macaulay and a team of friends have decorated each year, drawing from topical subject matter and local traditions. Displays have highlighted breast cancer awareness, paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, marked the leap year with a cornucopia of frogs and paid homage to the soon-to-launch Unst spaceport. Despite the stop being damaged by a car last autumn – it has since been replaced by Bobby's Bus Shelter 2.0 – the tradition looks set to continue. This year's theme is bees, chosen to shine a spotlight on the plight of pollinators. International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Rum Rum was designated as Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary last year, making it a huge draw for stargazing aficionados. On clear nights, Rum offers cracking views of the constellations and planets and, if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Rum (Image: unknown) It is a wonderful location to spend time during astronomical events, such as the current Perseids meteor shower, which is due to peak on August 12, as well as the upcoming Orionids (October 22) and Leonids (November 17). There will be a total lunar eclipse on September 7 and three supermoons this autumn: the Hunter's Moon (October 7), the Beaver Moon (November 5) and the Cold Moon (December 4). Eriskay Think Eriskay and it is typically whisky that springs to mind. The SS Politician ran aground off the island in 1941, its cargo of more than 250,000 bottles of whisky salvaged by locals. Author Compton Mackenzie used the story as the basis for his novel Whisky Galore in 1947. In more recent times, Eriskay has gained another impressive claim to fame: a lumpy field that achieved cult status after it was recognised by FIFA as one of the 'eight most remarkable places to play football in the world'. The uneven pitch is not for the faint-hearted or non-sure-footed. It is tricky and testing, often described as having five corners instead of four. The island's free-roaming sheep, cows and ponies frequently use the grassy surface as a de facto toilet. Yet, its beauty lies in these bold imperfections. The pitch is woven into the majestic tapestry of a landscape dominated by rough grassy slopes, breathtaking coastline and crashing waves – a panorama nothing short of spellbinding. Stroma Gaze out upon Stroma and you will find yourself marvelling at the island's shape-shifting abilities. It possesses a curious quality where it can appear both simultaneously ethereal and utterly wild. Located two miles off the Caithness coast near John O'Groats, a clutch of deserted dwellings can be seen dotted across its rugged topography: crumbling cottages, a church and even a red telephone box. Stroma is uninhabited, save for grazing sheep and circling seabirds. A former fishing and crofting community, its population peaked at 375 in 1901. Numbers dwindled as many folk left in search of other opportunities. By 1961, only 12 residents remained. A year later, they too had departed. Stroma was bought by one of its former inhabitants Jimmy Simpson. He used it as a pasture for livestock, a practice that his family continues. A brilliant film, Stroma – Island of Storms and Tides, was released earlier this year, available to watch on YouTube. The 'Inch' islands of Loch Lomond Let's not allow the coastal locations to hog all the fun. Scotland has many incredible freshwater islands, such as the 23 sprinkled around Loch Lomond. Several of these begin with 'inch', an anglicised version of 'innis', the Gaelic word for 'island.' There is Inchconnachan, with its colony of wallabies, and Inchcailloch, beloved for its serene, woodland paths and shoreline. Inchmurrin is owned and managed by the Scott family. It has a restaurant, bar, self-catering accommodation and a small sheep farm. The Scottish Outdoor Club, a naturist organisation, has used the island as a base since the 1940s. Inchlonaig is where Robert the Bruce reputedly grew yew trees in the 14th century, said to be used to make longbows for his archers, while Inchgalbraith is believed to be an artificial island built in the Iron Age as a safe haven. Staffin Dinosaur Museum, Ellishadder, Skye Opened by Dugald Ross when he was still a teenager back in 1976, this tiny museum on the Trotternish peninsula has built an internationally acclaimed collection of fossils and dinosaur artefacts, including casts of footprints, bones and ammonites. A short drive along the A855, you can see a trackway of 15 to 20 megalosaurus prints in situ at An Corran beach near Staffin, first uncovered in 2002. Staffin Dinosaur Museum (Image: Simon Hird) A bit further up the coast, a rocky tidal platform juts out beneath the ruins of Duntulm Castle. Its potholed cracks and crevices follow a pattern. They zigzag over one another; some have toe imprints, made by the feet of giant creatures. Dubbed the 'dinosaur disco', it was here, in 2015, that Edinburgh University scientists found a trackway of prints belonging to sauropods. There have been other significant fossil and footprint finds at nearby Score Bay and Brothers' Point. Calum's Road, Raasay The story of Calum's Road – which turned 50 last year – serves as testament to the single-minded determination and gargantuan effort of a man who became a Hebridean legend. The single-track road between Brochel and Arnish in north Raasay was cleaved from rock and boggy land by crofter Calum MacLeod, who built the 1.75-mile stretch from scratch, armed with his trusty wheelbarrow, a pick, a shovel and a dog-eared construction manual. The plan took root when his daughter, Julie, was due to head to secondary school at Portree in the early 1960s. With no proper road for vehicle access, she faced staying in a hostel on Skye during the week. Calum, also a part-time postman and lighthouse keeper, set to work on a spring morning in 1964. At one stage, he procured dynamite to assist in his endeavours. A decade of hard graft later, he was within touching distance of his croft. Calum passed away in 1988 at the age of 76, but his road and legacy lives on, inspiring songs by Runrig and Capercaillie, as well as a National Theatre For Scotland play. Roger Hutchinson's fantastic book Calum's Road, published in 2006, is well-worth a read. Cramond Island Reached on foot via a tidal causeway, Cramond Island in the Firth of Forth is packed with historic treasures. A stone coffin-like box, or cist, was discovered here in 1941, suggesting human habitation between the 5th and 16th centuries. The island was used by the British Wool Society for sheep grazing, circa the 18th and 19th centuries. It formed part of coastal defences during both world wars, with the ruins of gun emplacements, anti-submarine barriers and searchlight buildings still visible. A word to the wise: double check the tides before setting off, leaving plenty of time to make the return trip. The RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Station website lists low tides/safe crossings. The beaches of Harris Cut out this section and pin it to your fridge: these are the island beaches you need to see with your own eyes to truly appreciate them. South Harris is spectacular, with the glorious stretch along the A859 boasting Luskentyre, Horgabost and Seilebost, as well as near neighbours Nisabost, Traigh Mhor and Scarista. The pristine white sands and turquoise waters arguably outclass those of the Caribbean. North Harris, meanwhile, has off-the-beaten-track gems, such as Huisinis, where the milky-hued sands and azure seas are accessed along a twisting 12-mile (19km) road. Loch Druidibeg, South Uist The Uists are sheer joy for nature lovers. Loch Druidibeg, where the patchwork landscape – from bog and moorland to smatterings of woodland sandwiched between the peat – offers a rich habitat for birdlife. Loch Druidibeg, South Uist White-tailed eagles are among the mighty feathered residents, with other inhabitants including hen harriers, who lay their eggs in the heather, and fast, agile merlins – Scotland's smallest bird of prey – who zip through the air, showcasing intrepid hunting prowess. Later in the year, wintering whooper swans will announce their arrival with an unmistakable, ghostly call as they glide onto the freshwater loch. Best of the rest: a beach bucket list Tiree is known as the 'Hawaii of the north' thanks to its superb collection of beaches, with Gott Bay, Crossapol, Soroby, Balevullin, Balephuil and The Green among their number. Skye has no shortage of awe-inspiring options either and one not to be missed is the dazzling white beach and sparkling blue waters at Claigan, near Dunvegan. The bright 'sand', or 'coral', is made from sun-bleached, calcified maerl seaweed. Others that rightly deserve a name check include St Ninian's Isle tombolo in Shetland; the beaches of Sanday in Orkney; Knockvologan and Langamull, both Mull; the Singing Sands on Eigg; and Berneray West Beach. The list goes on. Let us know your island favourites.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MSI Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
ORANGE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- M S International, Inc. (MSI), the leading supplier of flooring, countertops, wall tile, and hardscaping products in North America, is honored to announce that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the company. 50 years ago, in the basement of their home in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Manu and Rika Shah founded MSI, a business sprouted from the dream of creating jobs, building partnerships, and investing in people. While the natural stone industry was still in its infancy, the Shahs found an opportunity in supplying blocks of granite, which was the success they needed to jumpstart the company to where it is today. In 1984, Manu and Rika moved the company to Southern California to grow MSI full time. Born from a single location, the company grew into a national powerhouse, opening its 50th branch in its 50th year with a large company-owned truck fleet, servicing most of North America in 48 business hours or less. Finding their start in natural stone, MSI quickly expanded their portfolio to include flooring, quartz, wall tile, hardscaping, turf, and more. Technology has been a major pillar of MSI's success, from the early adoption of PCs and fax machines to today's use of AI, augmented reality, drones, and its industry leading website Today, the company continues to consistently introduce new and exciting products for their customers, embracing the shift from selling natural stone commodities to proprietary on-trend designs. MSI grew from producing non-branded products to developing in-house brands across almost all categories, such as W™ Luxury Genuine Hardwood, Q™ Premium Quartz, Rockmount™ Stacked Stone Panels, Arterra® Porcelain Pavers, Evergrass® Artificial Turf, Everlife® Waterproof Flooring, and more. In the process of following their passion and fulfilling their promise of making dream surfaces attainable, the Shahs built a company with over 3,000 US employees. MSI remains family-owned to this day, and family continues to be one of the most important pillars of the company. "This milestone is a testament to the resilience, hard work, and shared vision of every individual who has been part of this incredible journey," said Manu Shah, CEO-Emeritus. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at MSI for their contributions and commitment to our dream." What started as a small dream has grown into a remarkable journey, and MSI is far from stopping their momentum. In 2025, MSI is launching the largest number of new products and product lines and has the highest inventory levels in our 50-year history. To this day, MSI is poised to be the ultimate partner to our customers. After 50 years of success and growth, the original dream of Manu and Rika Shah endures. About M S International, Inc. (MSI) Founded in 1975, MSI is a leading supplier of flooring, countertop, wall tile, and hardscaping products in North America. Headquartered in Orange, California, MSI maintains 50 state-of-the-art showrooms and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada, with domestically sourced products for Q™ Premium Natural Quartz in Latta, South Carolina, and Premium LVT in Cartersville, Georgia. MSI's product assortment includes an extensive offering of quartz, LVT, tile, turf, natural stone, and porcelain products imported from over 37 countries on six continents. To explore MSI's complete range of products, visit Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Media Contact:Kristina DurkinPR Coordinator(404) 680-0220Kristina.d@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE M S International, Inc Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Can Trump just order new names for Denali and the Gulf of Mexico? A geographer explains.
Known as Mount McKinley until 2015, Denali's current name reflects what Native Alaskans call the mountain. (Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) President Donald Trump's executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska's Denali, the tallest peak in the country, has resulted in lots of discussion. While for some, such renaming might seem less important than the big problems the country faces, there is a formal process in the United States for renaming places, and that process is taken seriously. Usually, so people don't get confused, official, agreed-upon names are used by the government. In the U.S., place names are standardized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, the agency in charge of making maps. In his executive order, Trump asks the Board on Geographic Names 'to honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans' and change its policies and procedures to reflect that. Usually, renaming a place starts locally. The people in the state or county propose a name change and gather support. The process in each state is different. Minnesota recently changed the name of a large lake in Minneapolis to Bde Maka Ska, which the Minneapolis Park Board described as 'a Dakota name for the lake that has been passed down in oral history for many years.' The board voted to change the name and took its request to the county commissioners. When the county agreed, the request was then sent to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which made it official for Minnesota. Then, the state of Minnesota sent the request to the Board on Geographic Names, which made it official for the entire U.S. It's a lot of paperwork for something so seemingly minor, but people get passionate about place names. It took 40 years to rename Denali from the name established in the late 19th century, Mount McKinley. The state of Alaska requested the name change in 1975, but the Board on Geographic Names didn't take action. Members of the Ohio congressional delegation – President William McKinley was from Ohio – objected over many years to requests to rename the mountain, and the board did not act on those requests. The president appoints the secretary of the Interior Department. The secretary works with the heads of related agencies to appoint the Board on Geographic Names. Current committee policy states, 'Input from State geographic names authorities, land management agencies, local governments, and Tribal Governments are actively pursued.' In 2015, President Barack Obama named a new leader for the Department of the Interior, Sally Jewell. Just as Obama made a trip to Alaska in late August 2015, Jewell declared the name change official under a law that allows the secretary of the Interior to change a name if the board doesn't act on the proposal in a 'reasonable' amount of time. 'This name change recognizes the sacred status of Denali to many Alaska Natives,' Jewell said. 'The name Denali has been official for use by the State of Alaska since 1975, but even more importantly, the mountain has been known as Denali for generations. With our own sense of reverence for this place, we are officially renaming the mountain Denali in recognition of the traditions of Alaska Natives and the strong support of the people of Alaska.' If someone objects to a name change, they could ask the courts to rule on whether the name change was made legally. Going back to Bde Maka Ska, some people objected to changing the name from Lake Calhoun, so they took the state natural resources agency to court. Eventually, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the name change was done correctly. Alaska's two U.S. senators and prominent state figures have strongly objected to Trump's renaming attempt. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico is a different kind of case, however, from renaming a geographic place within U.S. borders. The gulf is not within the territorial U.S. On the coast, the first 12 miles from shore are considered part of that country, but outside of that is international waters. The Board on Geographic Names could change the name to Gulf of America on official U.S. maps, but there is no international board in charge of place names. Each country decides what to call places. And there is no official way for the U.S. to make other countries change the name. It's possible that the U.S. could formally ask other countries to change the name, or even impose sanctions against countries that don't comply. If the names were officially changed in the U.S., the government would use the new names in official documents, signage and maps. As for all the people and companies in the world that make maps, they usually use the official names. But there is nothing that would force them to, if they believed that a certain name is more widely recognized. On Jan. 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a statement on the name changes: 'In accordance with President Donald J. Trump's recent executive order, the Department of the Interior is proud to announce the implementation of name restorations that honor the legacy of American greatness, with efforts already underway. 'As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley….The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under the purview of the Department of the Interior, is working expeditiously to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes, effective immediately for federal use.' This story has been updated to reflect the Department of Interior's statement on Jan. 25, 2025. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Innisfree McKinnon is an associate professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
