Uniqueness can be found in Scotland’s special islands. With over 900 offshore islands, most of which are found in, Shetland, Orkney and Hebrides and sub divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Lewis and Harris are the largest of the islands with Staffa and Flannan Isles being amongst the smallest but still well known.
At Spirit Journeys Worldwide we have choreographed Island’s Tours that will inspire travellers, whether it is beautiful landscapes, local culture, history, heritage, food or drink you crave.
Shetland
Shetlanders are very friendly and welcoming with a community spirit, hosting events for anyone that wants to join in, one of the most famous festivals is the Up Helly Aa where Jarl squads build a galley to be set on fire at the end of torch lit Viking procession.
Shetland is well known for Shetland Ponies and Puffins, but we shouldn’t overlook the white sands and turquoise water beaches or the beautiful tombolo at St Ninians which disappear at high tide.
The most northerly point of Britain is often immediately thought of as being John O’Groats but the less famous but more spectacular ‘most northerly point in Britain’ is Hermaness Headland on Unst where The Muckle Flugga lighthouse sits on a little mater buffeted stack.
Shetland also gets its share of the Mirrie Dancers, or better known as the Northern Lights, mainly during the winter months, but more frequently the sightings of Orca Whales, Seals, Otters and lets not forget the Puffins!
At the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head Puffins, the faintly comical birds are sometimes happy for you to get close to photograph them, some of the more elusive visitors to the island, the Siberian thick billed warbler and the North American Surf Scooters mingle with the large colonies of Gannets.
Binocular and cameras are a must here!
After a long day of sight-seeing and spectacular landscapes Shetland keeps on giving with its amazing produce, plump mussels, sweet and tender lamb, lobster, beef and crab. Sheltand also produces its own gin, beer, sea salt and fudge so you could eat entirely local on your visit to one of the most spectacular islands of Scotland.
Orkney
If you love history and heritage then Orkney Islands will certainly peak your interest, with four monuments and five thousand years of history.
Orkneys most famous archaeological sites Skarra Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe form the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Sites.
Probably one of the most famous sites is Skara Brae, once a thriving Neolithic village 5000 years ago and one of the best preserved in Western Europe. Nine Neolithic houses survive today at Skara Brae, which can be viewed from the path.
Orkney produces quality produce for export, including the famous Highland Park and Scapa malt whisky and Skull Splitter Beer. Cheese, seafood, bakery and confectionery are arguably amongst some of finest produce in the world.
The largest landowner on Orkney is the RSPB with 113 reserves, making Orkney a bird watchers paradise and also ensuring that the natural environment is preserved and protected so you can be sure of miles of unspoilt landscapes.
Famed for its incredible wildlife, Orkney’s fertile land is also home to an array of wildflowers. The tiny Primula scotica or Scottish primrose is a little purple gem that only grows in Orkney, Sutherland and Caithness.
If you want to find out more about our Scottish Island Tours contact our team.
