Scottish Islands holidays

Around 100 islands comprise Shetland, with 16 of them inhabited and others accessible by boat. On Mainland the capital, Lerwick is home to the Shetland Museum and Archives while nearby, Scalloway’s excellent museum tells of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Further south on Mainland are the seabird colonies of Sumburgh Head; Old Scatness, a recently excavated Iron Age village; and the archaeological treasures of Jarlshof. See also, the Zenith of Iron Age Shetland, Fair Isle, Unst, Foula, Fetlar and Whalsay.

Orkney has sites and cultural attractions across 70 islands, of which just 16 are inhabited. On Mainland, in the capital Kirkwall, see St Magnus Cathedral, the Orkney Museum and Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces. In Stromness find the Pier Arts Centre, while in West...