"From the lone shieling of the misty island, mountains divide us, and the waste of seas-
Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland, and we in our dreams behold the Hebrides."

Above - Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Far to the north of Scotland lie the Shetland Islands. Closer to Norway than to Scotland, their history is intertwined with that of the Norsemen. Although Scottish for administration purposes, never tell a Shetlander he's a Scotsman!

Visible to the north of Scotland across the wild Pentland Firth, the sheer cliffs of Hoy shelter a gentler landscape beyond where the islands prehistoric and historic monuments tell of a long and proud history.

An island of dramatic mountains and seascapes, Mull is surprisingly gentle on the visitor. Iona has been called a "thin place" where the very fabric of this world and the spiritual one is separated by a mere tissue - not to be missed.

The islands of the Clyde - Arran has been described as Scotland in Miniature, whilst Bute and Cumbrae still retain an island charm in spite of two centuries of being holiday resorts for millions of Glaswegians.

The heartland of the Gaelic language, nan Eilean Siar ranges from dramatic Barra Head to the Butt of Lewis. The islands are alive with the traditions of the Gaels, all the way from Vatersay to Barra, Eriskay, the Uists, Benbecula, to Lewis and Harris

Skye is a thriving community where Gaeldom meets the contemporary world in a fantastic clash of cultures. Its Cuillin mountains are famous and its history ranges from Dunvegan Castle with its Fairy Flag, to Robbie the Pict.

The most southerly islands of the Hebrides, fertile and historic Islay represents a contrast to the barren moors of Jura, whilst Gigha, God's Own Island, is a haven of peace and tranquility.

The music you hear is "The Dark Isle"

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© 2006