Are you a regular island hopper? Or is this the year you are going to fulfil that long-held dream of visiting Shetland? With the days brightening up and spring in full bloom, it’s easy now to imagine yourself heading off on a Scottish island adventure this summer! There’s so much to do and see when you get there - incredible coastline, breathtaking scenery, fantastic wildlife-spotting opportunities, culture, history and the biggest skies - all providing that much-needed break from daily life and change of perspective.
What are our island members looking forward to this summer?
Steve Sankey, Owner & Guide - Orcadian Wildlife
‘WHIT LIKE IN ORKNEY THIS SUMMER?!
The Spring before the main season in Orkney is always full of anticipation, and I usually check out my favourite haunts before I get going for real in late April or early May. For example, I was at the RSPB’s Loons Hide in West Mainland recently, trying to see a long-staying Bittern, but without any luck. I did, however, see a Water Rail, and several species of raptor, so it was well worth the reccy! It won’t be long before the Hen Harriers are sky-dancing in our hills, a sight that my guests always love to see. In addition, the seabirds are already back on the cliffs, albeit in low numbers at present, and it’s to be hoped that some of them have a better breeding season this year than last, as they’re still recovering from bird flu here. Then there’s the usual question of ‘what will the Orca be up to this year?’ with no-one having any idea of whether they’ll be early, late, somewhere in the middle, or here all season?! It’s impossible to predict their habits, although I usually end each season with around a 50:50 strike-rate each week for these magnificent creatures. I’m usually on the islands of Hoy and Westray each week through the season, in addition to my own island of South Ronaldsay, and the Orkney Mainland of course. For those of you that visit Orkney, we’re trying to buy the iconic site of the Tomb of the Eagles for the community and reopen this weel-kent site. Whether we manage it this season or not is as yet unknown, but we’ll give it our best shot!’
Tomb of the Eagles - a Community crowdfunding project in Orkney by South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust
Hannah, Wildlife Specialist & Head of Marketing - Islay Sea Adventures
‘The Islay Sea Adventures team are looking forward to a busy 2025 season. We are always happy to welcome new faces and returning customers onto our boats, as well as new seasonal staff. From our family-friendly wildlife and fishing tours to our island-hopping Staffa & Iona day trips or adventure filled Corryvreckan Whirlpool tours, there is something for everyone. We are excited to focus more on our sustainability as a business, creating our own carbon footprint and action plan. After gaining awards in 2024, such as the ‘Best Food & Drink Tourism Experience’ at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, we aim to further develop and expand our business for our staff, customers and wider island community in 2025.’
Our Island Members
Bella Jane Boat Trips - Skye
Islay Encounters - Islay
Islay Glamping Pods - Islay
Islay Sea Adventures - Islay
Isle of Carna - Carna
Misty Isle Boat Trips - Skye
Orcadian Wildlife - Orkney
Seabirds-and-Seals - Shetland
Uist Sea Tours - South Uist
Find a place to stay on the islands
Ferry information
Flight information
Loganair - flights to Barra, Benbecula, Islay, Lewis, Orkney, Shetland and Tiree
More information to help you plan your trip
https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/islands
https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/
