30. March 2020

Islands from your armchair – Raasay

While life is consumed by an overwhelming uncertainty, I've found it helpful to think of some beautiful places that will still be there at the end of all this. The Hebrides might seem a World away right now, but one day we will be free to return, explore and breathe the fresh air.

These photos are from Raasay. One of the lesser known Inner Hebridean islands, it lies near the north of the archipelago, unassumingly breaking up the stretch of water between Skye and Applecross peninsula on the mainland.

I had the chance to explore last Spring while researching for my Bradt guide, which will hopefully be published on the other side of this madness... I've run out of words at the moment, but am very happy to share my photos if anyone is interested to see them.

A view over the small settlement Oskaig, and across the Sound of Raasay to Skye.

Raasay moorland — Heather moorland along the west coast.

Inver birch woods, Raasay — Inver birch woods

Inver beach, Raasay — Inver beach looking towards Skye

Brochel Castle, Raasay — Brochel Castle towards the northeast of the island.

single track road, north of Raasay — Travelling north

Fladda, Raasay — The tidal island Fladda (Eilean Fladday) off the northeast coast.

North Fearns Raasay — North Fearns in the southeast

Cows, Raasay — Cows around the south of the island.

Suisnish Old Pier, iron mining Raasay — Suisnish Old Pier and remains of the iron-mining industry built just before World War I.

iron mine Raasay — Part of the iron-mining works.

Pictish stone, Raasay — Pictish carved stone, which stands opposite North Bay (Camus Alba)

That's all for now, I'll try and bring another island to your armchair soon.

Raasay House, view — The incredible view of Skye from our bedroom at Raasay House, who kindly invited us to stay while I conducted my research.

Tags: Europe, uk, scotland, Inner Hebrides, Raasay