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Located off the coast of Skye, Raasay is a small island that embodies everything that makes this part of the world so special.
History & heritage
Outdoor adventure
Wildlife watching
Whisky
A small, wild island off the coast of Skye, Raasay if famed for its remarkable views over the Sound of Raasay to Skye’s mountain ranges. The distinctive flat-topped peak of Dun Caan greets you from the ferry. The highest point on the island, it's a fine viewpoint to take in the surrounding landscape; not just rugged mountains, but rolling hills, native forests and secluded beaches.
Adventure can be found at Raasay House, which organises activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and archery. If all that sounds too exhausting, the beautiful house also provides rooms and a restaurant with spectacular views over to Skye. Overall Raasay has character in spades, a true original of an island, just waiting to be explored.
Raasay Distillery is the new kid on the block of Scottish whisky, this is of course relatively speaking in an industry that stretches back centuries. Opening its doors for the first time in 2017, the distillery is custom built for the visitor experience – featuring tours, tastings, and even luxury rooms to stay in for those who’ve always dreamed of staying the night in a whisky paradise. Alongside the whisky, the distillery also produces a craft botanical gin combining ten carefully chosen local ingredients, including fresh Raasay juniper.
One of the more curious attractions of the island is in fact a simple road. In the 1960s the two-mile stretch between Brochel Castle and Arnish was non-existent, cutting off residents in the north of the island. With help from the local council not forthcoming; local crofter, postman, lighthouse keeper, historian, and Gaelic author (yes all of those!) Calum Macleod stepped in to take on the task. Using nothing more than a pickaxe, shovel and wheelbarrow, over 10 years Calum dug the road by hand - a remarkable feat of tenacity for the common good. In 1982 the council adopted the track as a public highway, but today it is a tourist attraction in its own right – the road built by perseverance - Calum's road.
It’s only a 15–20-minute walk from the ferry terminal to the main village of Inverarish where you’ll find the excellent island shop as well as art at the Raasay Gallery and art and crafts at Taigh nan Cearcan.
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy
VisitScotland | Responsible Tourism
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.
RNLI | Safety tips
