Scotland’s West Coast Islands

Ask many Scots how many islands lie off the nation’s indented west coast and many are not sure whether there are ten, twenty or even dozens. In fact there are hundreds of west coast west coast isles. Scotland’s west coast islands come in all shapes and sizes from a mystical place to commune with religion (Iona) and an epic abandoned wildscape (St. Kilda) to an isle overflowing with gorgeous whisky (Islay) and even an ambitious island that grandly claims to offer ‘Scotland in Miniature’ (Arran).

Hebrides

You will often hear the term ‘Hebrides’ banded around. To keep you right the Hebrides is a Gaelic word for any island beyond the Mull of Kintyre, with the islands then split between the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides across the tempestuous Minch.

Firth of Clyde

If that was not confusing enough there are also islands east of the Mull of Kintyre, mainly in the Firth of Clyde, traditionally a playground of holidaying Glaswegians. It is no exaggeration to say that there is an island for everyone, no matter your tastes, and with so many why not go island hopping on a Cal Mac ferry and tick off a swathe of islands? We love the islands and we reckon as soon as you discover the joys of one you will definitely crave more.