4 minute read
Scotland: Idyllic Islands
Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some older than the Pyramids, traces of Viking legacies, Neolithic sites, haunting wartime remains, and beaches and seascapes to rival the very best in the world, this has to be one of the mustdo trips of a lifetime.
As part of a Dream Escape programme navigating to each of the islands is all part of the adventure, and helps make it an even more memorable experience.
The Orkneys hold some of the finest examples of Neolithic craftsmanship and earliest stone circles in Britain, dating back to at least 3100 BC. Known as the “Big Four”, these riveting displays of an ancient time are treasured at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site where our journey begins. Most impressive and striking is the settlement known as Skara Brae, Europe’s most complete Neolithic village, with its eight clustered houses dating back to a time before Stonehenge was built.
Dream Escape can arrange a very special, private twilight tour of the settlement as well as the rare chance to enter one of the delicate houses, not ordinarily open to the public. A truly enthralling experience, this is a special moment to reflect upon its inhabitants whilst listening to haunting stories from an expert guide.
From an ancient past to more recent history, you can visit Scapa Flow, a great natural harbour that was a vital naval base during both World Wars. From here, it’s on to the uninhabited island of Lamb Holm, with its remarkable Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. The chapel was lovingly restored in 1960 by the artist Domenico Chiocchetti, who was responsible for the original design, and it remains a touching token of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
Italian Chapel, a Catholic chapel built during World War II by Italian prisoners, located on Lamb Holm in the Orkney islands, Scotland
Orkney’s capital – Kirkwall – is another fascinating stop and home to Britain’s most northerly Cathedral, dating from the 12th century. It has a violent Viking past, and still houses some wonderful ancient buildings including the Bishop’s Palace, which was built around the same time as the Cathedral, and the Earl’s Palace, built around 1600 for Earl Robert Stewart, an illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland.
The Islands are also famous for their numerous distilleries, from the smallest in the world, Valhalla Brewery, to a string of brand-new haunts. For true whisky aficionados, Dream Escape arranges an exclusive behind the scenes visit to the most northerly of Scotland’s distilleries, visiting parts that are usually off-limits, and that have been opened for a tutored tasting of four spectacular vintages – 1968, 1970, 1971 and 1976 – and the chance to sample from an exclusive single cask bottling in front of a crackling fire. Or you might enjoy taking a private jet to reach these far-flung stills for private whisky tasting and long lunches in hidden bothies!
Island hopping in The Outer Hebrides captures the unique spirit of each island and offers an introduction into this unique way of life.
Lewis is the largest and northernmost island of the archipelago and is home to the awe-inspiring stones at Calanais, another famed prehistoric site dating from around 3000 BC. Blackhouse Museum is also a ‘must’ for those truly wanting to understand the crofting way of life once widespread on these isles.
Calanais stones in sunset light, Lewis, Scotland
IMAGE CREDIT: © GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO
Seilebost Beach on Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland
IMAGE CREDIT: © GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO
Overnight, enjoy a luxury stay in a rather more contemporary take on one of these traditional island houses - think Scandistyle interiors, complete with floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Famed for its white beaches, clear waters and coastline, there is nowhere better than the Isle of Harris for a bracing walk along the beach before stopping to pick up some worldfamous Harris Tweed.
Finally, head off to the most remote part of the British Isles, St Kilda. St Kilda’s islands, with their exceptional cliffs and sea stacks, form the most important seabird breeding station in northwest Europe. The earliest written records of island life here date from the late-Middle Ages and since then, the population has probably never exceeded 180.
Looking over the Sound of Taransay and the Atlantic Ocean
The main street of ruined and restored cottages on Hirta
The main island of the St Kilda archipelago
The remaining population, some 36 residents that were known as St Kildans, were evacuated on 29 August 1930 from Hirta, the only inhabited island, to the Scottish mainland – at their own request.
Today, the island is a World Heritage Site and is one of only 24 global locations to be awarded “mixed” World Heritage Status for its natural and cultural significance. Currently, the only year-round residents are military personnel; and a variety of conservation workers, volunteers and scientists spend time there in the summer months.
This fascinating journey through the Orkneys, the Inner and Outer Hebrides is packed with history, inspirational stories of old and new, and raw Scottish beauty all washed down with a little water of life. It is time to step back into the present and leave the past and this bygone era behind.
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Annika Busam, Creative Planner "Whenever anyone asks me where my favourite place in Scotland is, there is no hesitation before I answer: The islands. There is something very special about an island vacation. Perhaps it is the fresh sea air or the feeling of leaving everyday life at home. Whether you are feeling active, cultural, competitive or relaxed, our team are always best placed to create the perfect combination." annika@dreamescape.co.uk
