Scotland has almost 800 offshore isles and islets, and as days grow longer and the warmer sunshine of spring prevails we're reminded that remarkable landscapes are not exclusively a mainland preserve. Here's a list of ten notable Scottish islands for springtime consideration…
Bass Rock: A brilliant white landmark just over a mile off the North Berwick coast, the steep slopes of The Bass, though today uninhabited by humans, receive pungent attention from 150,000 resident gannets - the world's largest single rock colony. The Scottish Seabird Centre offers boat trips and guided tours of the nest sites.
Great Cumbrae: In the lower Firth of Clyde Cumbrae's mostly flat terrain is a haven for cyclists tired of contesting roadspace with cars and HGVs. Over 1,000 bikes are available for hire from the main town of Millport, and a leisurely nine mile loop takes in breathtaking coastal scenery, together with the woodlands and formal gardens of Britain's smallest cathedral, The Cathedral of the Isles.
Isle of Arran: Off the Ayrshire coast, Goat Fell at 874m is the island's highest point, overlooking the castle and main village of Brodick. From the ferry jetty at Lochranza golden eagles are sometimes seen wheeling amongst lofty crags, whilst a more reliably dizzying encounter is on offer nearby courtesy of Arran's only distillery.
Isle of Bute: A palm lined sea front is a clue that spring comes early to Bute. Head to the surprising red brick Neo-Gothic pile of Mount Stuart, seat of the Stuarts of Bute, which re-opens at the end of March. Tours of the house are limited but a variety of gardens and bluebell-rich woodland grounds are yours to wander freely.
Isle of Eigg: Despite a relaxed 'Eigg time' ethos, after an historic community buy-out in 1997 the energy of Eigg's inhabitants appears boundless. The world's first wind, water and solar power grid has been instigated; the population has grown, and unlike most other islands the proportion of younger residents has increased. Hike the slopes of An Sgurr, bike the quiet roads and tracks, or take to the water to kayak or sail.
Isle of Jura: One road, one hotel and one heck of an Inner Hebrides wilderness. If the focus of your spring endeavour is to get away from it all, the wild mountains of the Paps of Jura are worthy of consideration. George Orwell visited Jura periodically in 1946 and it's even possible to rent remote Barnhill farmhouse where he stayed when writing his vision of a modern dystopia, 1984.
Isle of May: Site of Scotland's oldest bird observatory and notable for almost 250,000 seabirds nesting each year, including 120,000 puffins, resident grey seals are a further highlight of any visit to May. Off limits till 1st April, guided boat trips with landings run from Anstruther on the Fife coast.
Isle of Mull: Stretch your legs by climbing Ben More's 965m after which, amongst the colourful harbour frontages of Tobermory, hearty dining indulgence is allowed. Coastal hikes include the white sand of Calgary Beach amongst atmospheric abandoned settlements and iron age forts. For birders the Mull Eagle Watch opens again late March, focusing on white-tailed eagles, Scotland's largest birds of prey,
Isle of Skye: Spring sees the re-awakening of a lively cultural scene, music and theatre permeating out from Portree to many villages. However, the jagged peaks of the Cuillins need no fanfare. Home to 12 Munros, 11 summits are accessible to walkers, Sgurr Dearg being reserved for technical rock climbers. Elsewhere, those intrigued by Scotland's reliably bloody history will be enraptured by the Museum of the Isles at Armadale Castle.
Orkney: The 22nd March sees the spring equinox marked amongst the ancient standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Rituals are performed in accordance with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids but those of all faiths and none are invited to lend music and prose recitals. The ceremony concludes with the sharing of mead and honey cake, participants later regrouping at a local hostelry…
This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com
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