The Chaotic Scots Traveller Kay Gillespie delivers her Top 10 places She's dreaming about in Scotland
1 Isle of Coll – from the peaceful village of Arinagour and the stunning white sand beaches, to the exceptional food and hospitality at Coll Hotel, this island really stole my heart. Coll is also a designated Dark Sky area so by night you’ll have stars in your eyes.
2 Dunkeld – this pretty Perthshire town is best visited in autumn, where you can admire the vibrant trees on walk along the River Tay or through the forest at The Hermitage. For a wee treat, I go straight to the Scottish Deli or ARAN Bakery.
3 Isle of Barra – the famous beach landing is one of my favourite travel experiences ever, and you won’t find better fish curry and scallop pakora than at Café Kisimul. When I first saw the beaches on Vatersay, I couldn’t believe I was still in Scotland!
4 Cullen – this picturesque seaside town is as charming as they come, from the cute harbour and fisherman’s cottages to the iconic arches of the old viaduct. I love walking along the coast to pretty Findochty or to the ruins of Findlater Castle.
5 Isle of Eigg – you won’t find friendlier locals than on this community-owned gem of an island. My best memories are climbing An Sgurr and walking up in Cleadale Bothy to views of the Singing Sands and the Jurassic-like Isle of Rum.
6 Ardnamurchan – truly wild and untouched, this remote peninsula is the perfect place to just get away from it all. Sanna Bay is a sight to behold, and you can go inside Ardnamurchan Lighthouse at the most westerly point on the British mainland.
7 Isle of Iona – possibly the most beautiful and peaceful place on Earth. I love visiting the ancient abbey, climbing Dun I for views across the island, or taking a trip to Staffa to see the puffins. Oh, and dinner at Argyll Hotel is something special!
8 Glen Coe – I challenge you to find a more dramatic and atmospheric place in Scotland. Glen Coe looks good in all weathers, at any time of year. Glencoe Lochan is a favourite spot on mine, then it’s off to the historic Clachaig Inn for a hearty meal and a few drams.
9 Shetland – these rugged islands are the most northerly in Scotland; closer to Scandinavia than the Scottish mainland. For a lesson in the history and culture, explore the well-preserved ruins at Jarlshof or join the crazy Viking celebrations at Up Helly Aa.
10 Easdale Island – push a button in a wee shed to summon the motor boat ‘ferry’ over to this tiny island. There are no cars, so wheelbarrows are used to transport supplies, and the flooded slate quarries are local swimming pools. Such a special wee place!
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