Scotland comprises over 900 offshore islands, which are divided into four categories, or part of four archipelagos: Shetland, Orkney, and the Hebrides, sub-divided into the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides.
Shetland Islands
Situated between Norway and the main Scotland island, Shetland Island archipelago comprises over 100 islands. These islands are starkly beautiful with mesmerizing natural landscape.
Foula, Shetland Islands
The most remote of all the Great Britain inhabited islands, Foula island is only inhabited by around thirty people.
A sanctuary to several bird species like puffins, razorbills, etc., this island is quickly gaining popularity with birdwatchers. Seals and dolphins are also commonly spotted swimming in the water.
Ponies and sheep are commonly found grazing here on the island.
Noup Cliffs and Gaada Stock are two popular spots on the island, known for their stunning scenic beauty. There are several spots on the island that are a photographer's dream.
Fair Isle, Shetland
Fair Isle is the remotest of all Shetland inhabited islands in the northern part of Scotland. It is known for its majestic cliffs, historic cliffs, and sightings of the rarest bird species in the world.
Bird Observatory and Bird Sightings
Founded in 1948, this bird observatory is a magnet to birders. Fair Isle is touted to be home to some of the rarest bird species in the world and also holds the record of sighting the most bird species as compared to any other piece of land.
Fair Isle Knit Wear Technique
Fair Isle has its own signature knitting pattern that uses multi-colored threads. Fair Isle jumpers are popularly sold in the UK and forms an important source of income to the 70 inhabitants of the island.
Unst, Shetland Islands
UK's northern-most inhabited island, Unst is home to over 700 people. This remote island happens to be the third largest of the Shetland islands. Ponies and sheep are common grazers on the green meadows.
Hidden Beach
Usnt also boasts of a exotic hidden beach offering the most stunning view, vast coastline and unspoiled, golden sand. Skaw Beach and Norwick Beach are two breathtaking beaches.
Island's Wildlife
Puffins, gannets, skuas, and a variety of other moorland birds are seen here. Besides birds, otters, seals and even dolphins and whales can be spotted. Photography tours are conducted for tourists.
Lace Knitting and Spinning Course
Although the main source of income is farming, locals also provide lace knitting courses, wherein, visitors can learn the technique of fine lace knitting. The heritage center on the island is home to some of the finest and oldest (over 100-year-old) lace garments.
Orkney Islands
This group of over 70 islands occupying the north-eastern portion of the 900 Scotland islands forms the Orkney islands. However, only 17 of these islands are inhabited.
Papa Westray, Orkney Islands
One of the smallest islands of the archipelago, this island is inhabited by about 80-90 people. Over 150 species of birds have been identified on the island. The island is also home to over 60 prized archaeological sites.
World's Shortest Flight
Hop into a plane and take the world's shortest scheduled flight, from Papa Westray to neighboring Westray. Covering a distance of only 1.7 miles, this flight has a duration of an unbelievable 2 minutes.
Knap of Howar
An icon of Papa Westray, Knap of Howar is the oldest stone house or domestic structure still standing in Northern Europe. Today, it's a piece of history that is treasured by the islanders.
Inner and Outer Hebrides
Situated on the western part of the main Scotland island, the word Hebrides means 'isles at the edge of the sea'.
St. Kilda, Outer Hebrides
St Kilda is an archipelago in the Outer Hebrides. It's a World Heritage Site and is also the remotest island in the British Isle. It's also known to have the highest cliffs in Europe.
Largest Seabird Colony
St Kilda islands are home to over a million birds, making it the largest seabird colony in the world. Over 215 bird species have been recorded here. A true bird paradise for birders and wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Soay and Boreray Sheep
This domestic sheep variety is smaller than the usual sheep and have horns of different shapes. This sheep variety is unique to St. Kilda and are found grazing all over the islands.
Kilda Cruises
The quickest and most efficient way to view the stunning scenery and come close to the seabirds and wildlife is by taking one of these Kilda cruises. On these cruises visitors are also taken to behold the beauty of the sea stacks and majestic cliffs.
Isle of Rum, Inner Hebrides
This remote Scotish island is tiny, covering only eight miles, with a population of only 40 people. It is nicknamed the 'jewel of the Inner Hebrides' and happens to hold the status of a National Nature Reserve.
Kinloch Castle
The Isle of Rum is home to a red sandstone castle built in 1897. A lot of effort and money has been invested to preserve this iconic piece of history. It's the pride of the island and a fascinating historical structure to explore and photograph.
Red Deer
Home to about 900 red deer, this island is the base for red deer research projects. Besides deer, you can also see hardy Rum ponies and goats grazing around.