Scotland has over 790 islands scattered around its rugged coast – although just 93 of those are inhabited.
Those who have explored these microcosms of Scottish life will tell you that each has its own unique character, landscape and history.
In short, you’ve not properly seen Scotland if you’ve yet to hop on a ferry and visited at least a few of these fascinating places – whether it’s a trip to tiny Iona or trekking into the mighty Cuillin mountains of Skye.
To whet your appetite, here are the 10 most populous islands in Scotland.
In short, you’ve not properly seen Scotland if you’ve yet to hop on a ferry and visited at least a few of these fascinating places – whether it’s a trip to tiny Iona or trekking into the mighty Cuillin mountains of Skye.
5. Bute
Lying in the Firth of Clyde, 6,498 call the Isle of Bute home. The vast majority live in the island's only town Rothesay - which is served by a regular ferry to the mainland. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Arran
Known as 'Scotland in miniature' due to it's wide range of landscapes, Arran has a fulltime population of 4,629 which increases dramatically during the summer holidays. The island is divided into highland and lowland areas by the Highland Boundary Fault. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Islay
Famous for whisky production, Islay is known as 'The Queen of the Hebrides' and lies just km from the coast of Northern Ireland. It has a total population of 3,228 - down massively from the 15,772 people who lived there in the middle of the 19th century. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Mull
Home to the pretty and colourful coastal town of Tobermory, the Isle of Mull has a population of 2,800. Popular with wildlife lovers, it's one of the best places in Scotland to see the likes otters, red and fallow deer, mountain hares, white tailed sea eagles and golden eagles. Photo: Canva/Getty Images