Remote Isles of Scotland

Capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastlines. Close by are the soaring cliffs of Sumburgh Head, which are perfect for spotting various examples of marine life, such as minke whales, orcas and dolphins; and as an RSPB nature reserve — guillemots, shags and fulmars. In the town, the Arts Centre celebrates the Gaelic heritage of this fascinating seaport.

Perched at the very tip of the United Kingdom, off the coast of the island of Unst, Out Stack is the northernmost point of Shetland, Scotland, and of Britain as a whole. Out Stack forms part of the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, along with the cliffs and seabird colonies on nearby Muckle and is one of the wildest and most isolated spots in the British Isles. From the comfort of your ship, you will be able to see how the stack was formed after millions of years of coastal erosion from the powerful force of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Sailing down the west coast of Shetland, you will witness a rugged landscape where the Atlantic meets sheer cliffs, shaped into dramatic arches and sea stacks like the Drongs. Around Eshaness, the dark volcanic headlands give the coastline a stark, striking character, broken only by long, fjord-like inlets that lead inland past scattered crofts. In spring and summer, the air is alive with seabirds like puffins, guillemots and fulmars, while seals bask on offshore rocks and dolphins or even whales may appear nearby. The coast feels remote, with few signs of settlement, just green fields clinging to the edge of a windswept shore.

Foula is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the United Kingdom, lying about 20 miles west of the Shetland Mainland in Scotland. Its name, from the Old Norse Fugley , “bird island”, reflects its importance as a haven for seabirds. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, Foula’s soaring cliffs rank among the highest in the United Kingdom, which you will be able to witness from the comfort of your Fred. Olsen ship. Life on the island is untouched by the modern world and is home to only a few dozen residents who maintain age-old Norse traditions of folklore and crofting.

Known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban is a charming harbour town situated on Scotland’s rugged west coast. With its bustling harbour full of colourful boats, sweeping bay views and dramatic backdrop of heather-clad hills, this delightful town offers a true taste of the Highlands. Renowned for its fresh seafood, traditional distilleries and rich Gaelic heritage, the town is the perfect spot to savour a dram of whisky, enjoy a gentle stroll along the esplanade or venture up to McCaig’s Tower for panoramic views across the town and the islands beyond.

As you sail along the Firth of Clyde, step out on deck and keep an eye on the horizon and you may spot one of Scotland’s most mesmerising natural landmarks. The rugged peaks of Arran’s northern hills form the outline of a warrior lying at rest, complete with head, chest and folded arms, known as the Sleeping Warrior. Goatfell, the island’s highest summit, creates part of the figure’s form, while the Witch’s Step shapes his head and Cir Mhor defines his face, each peak a striking reminder of Arran’s wild beauty.

As you sail past the tiny, uninhabited island of Ailsa Craig, you will be afforded incredible vistas of this unusually shaped volcanic plug from a long extinct volcano. Designated as an RSPB Reserve, it is home to a large gannet colony, as well as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and puffins, and is also renowned for producing blue-hone granite that’s been used for curling stones over the last century, most notably for the Olympics and Paralympics. Ailsa Craig is steeped in Scottish legend and is said to be a pebble that fell from the apron of the female giant, Cailleach, or ‘fairy rock’ when translating from its Gaelic spelling. It is also often referred to as 'Paddy's Milestone', as it served as a navigational landmark for ships sailing between Scotland and Ireland.

Largest town on the Isle of Skye, Portree is set within a natural harbour surrounded with brightly-coloured houses and rocky cliffs. Serving as gateway to the rock formations at Trotternish Ridge, the Tusdale ruins and Dunvegan Castle – seat of the Clan MacLeod since the 13th century. Close by is Loch Coruisk, home to puffins, golden eagles, oystercatchers and occasional sea eagles.

Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is a thriving town with a busy port, best seen from the top of ‘Gallow’s Hill’ – reached by the impressive grounds of Lews Castle. Originally built in 1847, the castle has had some well-known owners, including Lord Leverhume, who founded the company now known as Unilever. He gave the castle to the people of Stornoway, where it served as a naval hospital and college, but is now a noteworthy museum.