Must-see attractions in The Highlands & Islands

  • Oban War & Peace Museum

    Oban

    Military buffs will enjoy the little Oban War and Peace Museum, which chronicles Oban’s role in WWII as a base for Catalina seaplanes and as a marshalling…

  • Old Haa Museum

    Shetland

    This museum has a medley of curious objects (pipes, piano, a doll in cradle, tiny bibles, ships in bottles and a sperm-whale jaw), as well as an archive…

  • St Boniface Kirk

    Orkney

    This pretty church stands near the shore surrounded by a picturesque graveyard. Papa Westray was the cradle of Christianity in Orkney, and this was…

  • Hermaness Visitor Centre

    Shetland

    For tips on wildlife-watching, duck into the Hermaness Visitor Centre, near the entrance to the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. You can also learn the…

  • St Blane's Chapel

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    At the southern end of Bute island, the picturesque ruins of this 12th-century chapel can be found a 10-minute uphill walk from the road. A holy place…

  • Trumland House

    Orkney

    This is one of Orkney's largest private houses, undergoing some much-needed repair at the time of research. The grounds, with their thicket of native…

  • Maid of the Loch

    Loch Lomond

    The vintage paddle steamer Maid of the Loch, built in 1953, is moored at Loch Lomond Shores while awaiting full restoration – you can nip aboard for a…

  • Shetland Distillery Company

    Shetland

    This small producer distils the Shetland Reel gin that you see around the place. Its version infused with local seaweed is well worth a try. Their plan is…

  • Skidbladner Longship

    Shetland

    Unst has the highest concentration of Viking longhouse sites in the country. The Viking Unst project manages three excavation sites, and has as its…

  • An Talla Solais

    Ullapool

    This community-run gallery stages changing exhibitions of works by Highland artists, from paintings and photography to ceramics and textiles. Opening…

  • Doune Broch Centre

    Outer Hebrides

    The tiny, turf-roofed Doune Broch Centre has interpretative displays and exhibitions about the history of the Dun Carloway broch and the life of the…

  • Loch Lomond Shores

    Loch Lomond

    Loch Lomond Shores, a major tourism development situated a half-mile north of Balloch, sports various visitor attractions, outdoor activities and boat…

  • Tangwick Haa Museum

    Shetland

    A mile east of Eshaness, a side road leads south to the Tangwick Haa Museum, housed in a restored 17th-century house. The wonderful collection of old B&W…

  • Waulkmill Bay

    Orkney

    If it’s sunny and you’re thinking about a picnic, head to Waulkmill Bay, between Kirkwall and Orphir. The huge sandy beach is perfect for strolling and…

  • Whalsay Heritage Centre

    Shetland

    Set in outbuildings of the local laird's house, now a school, this centre has an exhibition on the island's history, covering its fishing industry and…

  • Bressay Heritage Centre

    Shetland

    The Bressay Heritage Centre is by the ferry dock and has an exhibition on Bressay life and history, as well as information about the mysterious Bronze Age…

  • Burroughston Broch

    Orkney

    About 4 miles from the Shapinsay pier, at the far northeastern corner of the island, is Iron Age Burroughston Broch, one of the best-preserved brochs …

  • Dunagoil Fort

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    This ruined Iron Age hill fort near Kilchattan has a spectacular position on a volcanic outcrop backed by the hills of Arran. The ramparts were vitrified…

  • Bute Brew Co

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    Phone ahead to book a visit at this craft brewer, which has been doing a good job in recent years, or drop in at weekends for beer and pizza. Try their…

  • Campbeltown Heritage Centre

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    Situated in a former church, this heritage centre explores local social history through photographs, documents and artefacts covering whisky, mining and…

  • New Kirk

    Orkney

    In the centre of North Ronaldsay island, the New Kirk holds an interesting exhibition of B&W photos that document various aspects of North Ronaldsay life.

  • Barra Heritage Centre

    Outer Hebrides

    This centre has Gaelic-themed displays about the island's history and culture, genealogical records, local art exhibitions and a tearoom.

  • Colonsay Brewery

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    The Colonsay Brewery gives you the chance to have a look at how it produces its hand-crafted ales – the Colonsay IPA is a grand pint.

  • Orkney Wireless Museum

    Kirkwall

    This curious little museum is jam-packed with old radios and war memorabilia. Mostly local in character, it's an impressive collection.

  • Shetland Gallery

    Shetland

    Not far from the ferry to Unst and Fetlar, this gallery has rotating exhibitions of Shetland artists and craftspeople.

  • Pulpit Hill

    Oban

    An excellent viewpoint to the south of Oban Bay; the footpath to the summit starts by Maridon B&B on Dunuaran Rd.

  • Ben Nevis Distillery

    Fort William

    A tour of this distillery makes for a warming rainy day alternative to exploring the hills.

  • Blackhouse Museum

    Outer Hebrides

    A traditional 1955 blackhouse with displays on the village’s history.

  • Tarbert Castle

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    The picturesque harbour is overlooked by the crumbling, ivy-covered ruins of Tarbert Castle, rebuilt by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. You can hike…

  • Jura Church

    Southern Highlands & Islands

    It's worth stopping at this humble but attractive white church for its interesting collection of historical photographs upstairs.

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