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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.
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
‘I visited the UK's undisputed best seaside town - it's massively overrated'
With plodding, clockwork-like predictability, Bamburgh has once again been crowned the UK's favourite seaside town. The Northumberland village claimed the number one spot in Which?'s annual battle of the beaches — the fifth year in a row it has made it to the top of the slippery seaside pole. It earned five-star ratings for its beach, seafront, scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Situated about an hour's drive from Newcastle, Bamburgh attracts thousands of people every year. And this is part of the problem — and why I found myself left cold by its alleged charms. When I visited earlier this month, the sheer number of people crowded along its narrow pavements really took the calm edge off the village's peaceful reputation. Cars are also a big issue. On a hot June day, the stream of traffic on the arterial road that runs through Bamburgh's centre is relentless. The closest train station is seven miles away in Chathill, and the buses are sporadic, so any hopes of embarking on a relaxing, car-free day trip will prove difficult. Gripes about logistics aside, the real issue with Bamburgh is its vibe. Central to the charm of Britain's great seaside towns is a slightly edgy, salty quality in some way connected to large quantities of sailors. Bamburgh, with its Farrow and Ball doors and memorial benches, has none of this. The stars of the show in Bamburgh are the beach and the castle. It is undeniable that the combination of the two — how the 1,400-year-old fort hangs above the broad, sandy shore — is magnificent. You won't find me criticising Bamburgh Castle. The beach, however, is arguably a little one-note. Once you've waded out half a mile to get to a patch of water deep enough to paddle in, you'll be frozen by a North Sea that rarely swells itself into anything remotely as interesting as what you'd find on the UK's Atlantic coast. If you're in search of a very long beach, Camber Sands near Rye in East Sussex not only enjoys a lot more sunshine — as one of the sunniest places in the country — it also has superior sand dunes, particularly so if you're a teenager interested in launching yourself off their summits. If you're looking for pure picturesqueness, there are plenty of more peaceful seaside towns that give you space to contemplate the waves and commune with nature. Glenelg, on the west coast of Scotland, is one. It's home to not only the best pub garden in the UK — courtesy of the Glenelg Inn — but also the staggeringly pretty beach of Sandaig. The peaceful spot was immortalised as Camusfearna in Ring of Bright Water, a book written by Gavin Maxwell about his life living alongside pet otters. With its winding paths, craggy islands, and coves, it delivers a lot more than the flat track on offer at Bamburgh. Of course, the Northumberland coastline is a stunner. But if you're in that neck of the woods, then why not travel a few miles further north from Bamburgh to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where you'll find a unique species of orchid, the remains of St Cuthbert's hermit hole, a castle and — when I went — a choir of mournfully singing seals? At the end of a yomp around the achingly beautiful island, there's the thrill of driving across the causeway that connects the tidal island to the mainland. As warning signs in the car park gleefully note, many an overconfident Range Rover driver has found themselves bobbing around in the salty drink in a belated effort to make it across. Clearly, I am in the minority when it comes to my indifference to this chart-topping coastal spot. One Bamburgh visitor told Which? what they love about it: 'It's a gem. The beaches are sandy, clean, and stretch for miles. There are walks galore, the food on offer is top notch, the feel is of a time gone by, and there's enough history to delve into to last several holidays.' An average night's stay in Bamburgh costs £130, which is reasonable. If you're looking to splash out, then the castle's current owners, Francis and Claire Watson-Armstrong, will have you to stay. Francis is a fifth-generation custodian of the Grade I listed building — originally the location of a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie, dating back around 3,000 years. 'The castle's history goes back 3,000 years. It has been in his family since 1894, which is relatively recent in the grand scheme of things. The first Lord Armstrong, who bought the castle, was an incredible inventor who was called 'the Magician of the North',' Claire told The Mirror. For Claire, the fact that Bamburgh won the Which? survey yet again shows how remarkable a place it is — especially given that it is not gifted with the sun and warmth of seaside counterparts in the south of the country. 'There is nowhere like Bamburgh. You can see dolphins, the sunsets, the sunrises. You just stand there and breathe in — the smell of the sea. It is unique. As it has been over the centuries, there is something about the soul of the place,' she said.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Daily Record
The Scottish bridge that was the world's most expensive crossing before toll was scrapped
Scotland has more than 500 bridges but few have caused quite as much uproar as this one. Scotland is home to hundreds of bridges, with crossings throughout the country linking islands and spanning rivers and lochs. But few of them sparked as much national attention, and outrage, as the Skye Bridge. With 577 bridges across the country, Scotland plays a key part in the UK's total of 3,680 structures that connect towns, cities, and regions. Among the most iconic are the trio of bridges across the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh and Glasgow's Kingston Bridge on the M8. But it was the Skye Bridge, which links the Misty Isle of to the mainland, that once held the title of the most expensive bridge in the world to cross, The Mirror reports. Opened on October 16, 1995, the Skye Bridge was built by Scottish firm Miller and designed by German engineering company DYWIDAG Systems International, in partnership with Arup. Its main structure is a sweeping concrete arch supported by two piers, stretching from the mainland to the smaller island of Eilean Bàn, and then to Skye itself. Eilean Bàn, meaning 'White Island', plays a central role in the structure, as it is the land upon which the main arch of the bridge rests. The island is home to a 21-metre-high lighthouse that sits just beneath the arch. Before automation in the 1960s, lighthouse keepers lived in the cottages on the island. These were later purchased by the renowned naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell, best known for his work with otters and his celebrated book Ring of Bright Water. Today, Eilean Bàn is a protected wildlife reserve, managed by the Bright Water Trust. One of the cottages now houses the Maxwell museum, a faithful reconstruction of Maxwell's 40-foot living room containing original artefacts. The museum was recreated with the help of Virginia McKenna from the Born Free Foundation. The entire bridge stretches 1.5 miles, and the central arch rises to a height of 35 metres, offering 30 metres of clearance at high tide for passing boats. Before the bridge's construction, which cost around £28million, Skye residents had to rely on the ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin, often queuing for hours during peak seasons. Though the bridge improved access to Skye, its tolls triggered a storm of controversy. Charges rose from just 40p to an eye-watering £11.40 within a decade, making it the most expensive crossing in Europe, and at one point, the world. Local humour reflected public anger, with the crossing getting an unwanted tag from islanders: 'The Skye Bridge – the only place in the world where you get mugged AND get a receipt!' The backlash led to the formation of a protest group, Skye Bridge Against Tolls (SKAT), who argued the tolls were extortionate. Campaigners claimed the operating company collected over £33million in tolls, despite the bridge's running costs being just £3.5million. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. After years of protest, the tolls were finally scrapped on December 21, 2004. The Skye Bridge now stands as a vital connection between island and mainland. After the Skye Bridge toll was scrapped, few remained across Scotland - and they followed suit in the years afterwards. One of the country's most-used crossings, the Erskine Bridge, remained as a toll road until March 31, 2006, at which point traversing the River Clyde there became free. The Forth Road Bridge and the Tay Road Bridge both had their tolls scrapped on February 11, 2008. Scotland no longer has any toll roads or bridges.
