What are the islands around Scotland called?
Scotland has over 900 offshore islands, most of which are to be found in four main groups: Shetland, Orkney, and the Hebrides, sub-divided into the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides.
What are the main Scottish islands?
A lot of people are shocked when they discover that Scotland has over 900 offshore islands. Each of the islands are found in four main groups: Shetland, Orkney, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. Each island boasts a unique character, yet they are all equally as breathtaking.
How many isles are there in Scotland?
790 islands
Scotland has over 790 islands, most of which are to be found in several distinct main groups. Each of these groups consist of many smaller and larger islands from which the largest inhabited islands, and St Kilda, are featured below.
Where are the Orkney Islands in Scotland?
Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and islets—only about 20 of which are inhabited—in Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney.
What islands can I visit from Skye?
Small islands near Skye: Raasay is a wonderful island, which can be easily visited from Skye. Also Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, all fine small islands close to Skye (Rum is not so small, but rugged and remote feeling). They can be visited by day trip from Mallaig or Arisaig.
What island is north of Scotland?
Lying roughly 100 miles off the north east coast of Scotland, the Shetland Islands are the northern-most tip of Scotland. The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean, on the west, from the North Sea on the east.
Which Scottish island should I visit?
The main island groups which are best suited for touring include the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides in the west of Scotland, and Orkney and Shetland in the north.
Are there midges on Isle of Skye?
There’s no such place as a midge-free location on Skye! Between May and September, midges come and go with the time of day and the weather. They are most prevalent in the early morning and the evening. They are also around when there is cloud cover and no wind.
Why is Orkney famous?
Kirkwall’s cathedral, dedicated to St. Magnus, was mainly built by Norsemen during the 12th century. Orkney and Shetland passed into Scottish rule in 1472 in compensation for the nonpayment of the dowry of Margaret of Denmark, queen of James III.