Scenic Summertime Scottish Isles

Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, is one of the UK’s finest cities, combining beautiful architecture, fascinating cultures and extensive heritage. Some of Scotland’s most famous sites are here, such as the historic Old Town quarter, home to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, located at the top of the Royal Mile on Castle Rock; the famous Holyrood Royal residence, the parliament building and St Giles’ Cathedral; all framed by Arthur’s Seat and the Pentland Hills.

The friendly capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a bustling seaport with a wonderful natural harbour, which is ideal for exploring on foot. There will be opportunities to visit nearby Sumburgh Head, where colonies of various birdlife, including guillemots, shags, and fulmars, congregate on its steep cliffsides; and during the summer months you are ideally placed to see orcas hunting seals close to the shore or a school of white-sided dolphins. Alternatively, you can spend time with local fishermen to discover the importance of Shetland’s fishing industry or wander along the foreshore to explore the Lodberries, trading booths built in the 19 th century, and learn about their maritime history.

A thriving town with a busy fishing port, Stornoway is a delight to explore and offers opportunities for discovering Lews Castle, home to a museum and cultural centre telling the story of the Hebrides, or simply wandering through its garden pathways, hills, and carriage trails. In August, a stroll through the town’s centre offers chances to try freshly caught seafood like lobster, scallops, and salmon, accompanied by locally distilled Scottish whisky, and listen to foot-tapping music from nearby pubs. Meanwhile, there will be opportunities to venture further afield to witness the striking Callanish Standing Stones.

Portree in August makes for a delightful exploration of its natural harbour, lined with brightly coloured houses and surrounded by rocky cliffs. Close by, the iconic basalt rock formation of The Old Man of Storr is one of Skye’s most famous landmarks, offering spectacular views from the trail that leads to it, while the crystal-clear Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle are a wonderful photography spot. During your explorations, sample one of Scotland’s most renowned single malt Scotch whiskies at the Talisker distillery and savour the rich notes of sea-salt and peat smoke as you listen to tales of its deep connection to the rugged Skye landscape. There will also be opportunities to explore Dunvegan Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, belonging to Clan MacLeod.

A vibrant city with a rich history and blend of traditional and modern culture, Belfast offers you the chance to not only explore its strong maritime links with the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built, before she set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton on 10 th April 1912, but also as gateway to the impressive rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway, discovering its links to the mythological giant, Finn McCool. You can stroll through the city’s streets, alive with music and traditional Irish pubs, admire the urban street art, or visit the Titanic Distillery and learn of its whiskey tradition and why it disappeared, before sampling a few Irish spirits at Belfast’s first working distillery in 90 years.