5The Scotsman Saturday 2 February 2008THERE8217S a magical mystery
surrounding Scotland8217s
islands. Rugged and weather-
beaten, they are a million miles
away from city life 8211 and therein lies their
charm.Ancient traditionsliveon,
wildlife abounds and the raw, unspoiled
landscapes are simply breathtaking.
Arran is just a 50-minute ferry ride
from the Ayrshire mainland, but it8217s like
entering another world. Explore the
groundsofBrodick Castle,withmore
than ten miles of waymarked trails from
the shoreto themountain tops.Go
shopping for natural beauty products at
Arran Aromatics, stockup on delicious
cheesefrom thenearby ArranCheese
Shop andsample the best ofwhat Arran
Brewery has to offer.
Legends come to life at the site of six
groupsof standingstones, themost
impressivebeingat MachrieMoor.Hire
a holiday home (www.arrancast-
aways.com) and take in views of the
mighty Sleeping Warrior mountain
range from your front room in Brodick.
Bute is just astone8217s throw from the
west coastmainland, separatedby the
narrow Kylesof Bute.A havenfor
yachties, it8217s the place to find traditional
seaside fishand chips,hidden beaches
and its very own jazz festival. A must-see
is Mount Stuart, the stately home that
was invadedby A-listcelebs whenit
hosted fashion designer Stella
McCartney8217s wedding a few years ago.
With a bridge now linking Skye to the
mainland, the days of sailing to this
magical island might be gone but it
hasn8217t lostany of its appeal.In this
corner of the north-west Highlands,
time standsstill andtales ofBonnie
Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald and
warring clansare asmuch apart ofthe
richcultural heritageas themighty
Cuillin hills and the music of home-
grownchart talentMylo.First-time
visitors must follow the trail of tourist
haunts,from thepretty,colourful
harbour at Portreeto the breathtaking
scenery of the Trotternish peninsula.
The perfect spot to while away a few
days is Hotel Eilean Iarmain
(www.eilean-iarmain.co.uk), whichsits
inashelteredbay tothesouthofSkye,
with views over the Sound of Sleat to the
hills of Knoydart. There are log fires in
thereceptionrooms andawood-
panelled dining room for candlelit
dinnersoverlooking thebay andthe
island of Ornsay.
Finally, blow-karting8211 thinkgo-kart
meets yacht8211 isn8217t the typeof activity
you8217d expect to find on a small
Hebridean islandwhere thepeople are
outnumbered by sheep and cows, but it
is one of many adrenaline sports on
offer that has put Tiree on the map.IslandsSo near, yet so far from the grindAngela Dewar
discovers a feast of sights
and experiences for the discerning visitor
to Scotland8217s not-so-distant islandsPEAK TIME
Arran
offers beaches, glens
and mountains,
historic homes,
designed landscapes
and culinary richesPicture: Donald MacLeod8216An cient
traditions live
on, wildlife
abounds and
the raw,
unsp oiled
lands capes
are simply
b re at h t a k i n g 8217For more travel seeSpectrumMAGAZINETRAVELTRAVELGet yourself
noticed...to advertise in theSpectrumMAGAZINETravel pages call:0131 620 8892email:travel@scotsman.comHotel Eilean Iarmain3 nights for 16399 B&B Relax in real luxury with hospitality
and service at its finest.
Offer valid until end MarchOffer subject to availability.Hotel Eilean Iarmain
Sleat, Isle of Skye
Tel: 01471 833332
E: hotel@eileaniarmain.co.ukW: www.eileaniarmain.co.ukISLE OF COLONSAYattractive cottages and studio flat for 2 set
within the unspoilt natural beauty of this,the
smallest inhabited Hebridean Isle.Surrounded
by crystal clear water and luscious white
sandy beaches this tranquil island also
hosts a glorious array of birds for the
budding ornithologist.Tel:01951 200315
www.colonsay.org.ukWest Coast holidays
by the seasideCentral Rothesay4 flats, each sleeps 4-5. 5 minutes from Pier
and amenities. Great base for site seeing
and local activities. Historic Mountstuart
House, fabulous beaches.Phone 01700 504237 www.isleofbuteholidayflats.co.ukThe Heart of the CuillinSligachan Hotel, Email:reservations@sligachan.co.uk Web:www.sligachan.co.uk Tel: 01478 650204The Inn place- 3* accommodation
Ideal touring/walking/climbing location
Open fires, taste of Skye cuisine Cuillin
Brewery 250 malt whiskies Lodge,
Cottage, Bunkhouse, Campsite.Sligachan Hotel, Email:reservations@sligachan.co.uk Web:www.sligachan.co.uk Tel: 01478 650204Self Catering on ArranCosy cottages to country houses
Expert Local Staff
Online and on the phone 7 days
Short breaks availableCall us on01770 302303or Email: arran-hideaways.co.ukwww.arran-hideaways.co.ukThe Hideaway, Brodick, Isle of Arran
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