Raasay

Raasay lies in the strait between Skye and the mainland, a long, narrow island that offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to its famous neighbour. Just a 25-minute ferry ride from Sconser on Skye, Raasay feels wonderfully remote—a place of ancient woodland, abandoned townships, dramatic geology, and views that stretch from the Cuillin to the mountains of Torridon.

The island's most distinctive landmark is Dun Caan, a flat-topped volcanic hill that rises to 443 metres. The walk to its summit is one of Scotland's great half-day hikes, rewarding climbers with a 360-degree panorama encompassing Skye, the Outer Hebrides, and the Torridon peaks. It was here that James Boswell famously danced a Highland jig during his tour of the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson in 1773.

Raasay's history is deeply marked by the Highland Clearances, and the abandoned village of Hallaig, immortalised in Sorley MacLean's haunting Gaelic poem, stands as a poignant memorial to those who were forced from their homes. Today, the island is experiencing a gentle revival: the award-winning Isle of Raasay Distillery produces sought-after whisky, Raasay House offers outdoor activities and accommodation, and the sense of peace draws visitors seeking something beyond the well-trodden path.