Raasay

Overview

With a population of approximately 200 and at just 14 miles long by 5 miles wide, Raasay is an idyllic, yet largely undiscovered, Hebridean island.

Sitting just off the Isle of Skye's eastern coast, Raasay is reached by a 15-minute ferry journey from Sconser on Skye. With breathtaking scenery and a character of its own, it's a paradise for walkers, nature lovers or those who just want to escape and experience the peace and tranquillity of island life.

The interior of Raasay is a barren, rugged and rocky terrain. The most obvious feature here is the 1456 ft Dun Caan, whose summit offers clear views over to the Cuillin on Skye and the Outer Hebrides beyond. Archeological sites of interest include a souterrain, an Iron Age broch, Pictish stones, Brochel Castle and the abandoned settlements of Screapadal and Hallaig (made famous by Raasay poet, Sorley Maclean), alongside the 19th-century battery and First Word War iron mine buildings, all of which are easily accessible.

Walking on Raasay is suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness, offering woodland trails, dismantled railway lines, open moorland and coastal paths. In addition to enjoying the island's abundant flora, visitors can also catch glimpses of its rare wildlife including golden eagles, sea eagles and the unique Raasay vole. Offshore in the Sound, otters and seals play and hunt, dolphins are regular visitors and the occasional basking shark or minke whale pass close by.