Scottish Islands

Scotland has more than 900 islands scattered across the Atlantic, North Sea, firths and sea lochs. These islands include some of the most dramatic and culturally rich landscapes in Europe — from the white-sand beaches of the Outer Hebrides to the volcanic ridges of Skye, the sea cliffs of Orkney and the wildlife-rich shores of Shetland.

This page links to every major Scottish island group, with individual island guides covering walking routes, SUP and kayaking spots, wild swimming, wildlife, history, access, ferries, tides and local culture. It is your gateway to exploring the Scottish islands by foot, paddle or swim.

Explore Scotland’s Island Regions

These regions form the core island hierarchy used across the British Isles.

Outer Hebrides

Lewis, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay, Berneray and more — known for machair, beaches, Gaelic culture and rich wildlife.
➡︎ Explore the Outer Hebrides

Inner Hebrides

Includes Skye, Mull, Iona, Islay, Jura, Tiree, Coll, Colonsay, Gigha, Kerrera, Lismore and Easdale. Mountains, beaches, whisky, history and adventure.
➡︎ Explore the Inner Hebrides

Small Isles

Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna — short ferry crossings, big landscapes and perfect micro-adventures.
➡︎ Explore the Small Isles

Slate Islands

Luing, Seil, Easdale and Belnahua — sheltered waters, heritage and gentle island hopping.
➡︎ Explore the Slate Islands

Firth of Clyde Islands

Arran, Bute, Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae and Holy Isle — accessible, family-friendly islands with calm waters.
➡︎ Explore the Firth of Clyde Islands

Orkney Islands

Mainland, Hoy, Rousay, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray, Shapinsay and more — world-class archaeology, seabirds and big skies.
➡︎ Explore Orkney

Shetland Islands

Mainland, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Bressay, Noss and Fair Isle — Norse heritage, wildlife, cliffs and remote adventure.
➡︎ Explore Shetland

Firth of Forth Islands

Bass Rock, Fidra, Inchcolm, Inchkeith, Craigleith and more — accessible seabird and heritage islands near Edinburgh.
➡︎ Explore the Firth of Forth Islands

Summer Isles

Tanera Mòr, Tanera Beag and remote low-lying islands in sheltered northwest waters — outstanding for paddling and wildlife.
➡︎ Explore the Summer Isles

North Coast Islands

Handa, the Rabbit Islands and the Oldany Islands — remote, seabird-rich islands off Scotland’s far north coast, defined by cliffs, exposure and Atlantic-facing landscapes.

→ Explore the North Coast Islands

Pentland Firth Islands

Stroma, the Pentland Skerries, Sule Skerry and Sule Stack — dramatic, tidal islands between Caithness and Orkney.
➡︎ Explore the Pentland Firth Islands