Sailing Scotland, the words themselves are almost mythical! Do people go on sailing holidays in Scotland?

The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.

It would involve an (excellent) book to describe every sailing trip on offer in Scotland, or to cover all the ‘must-see’ places. The simple answer is that there is so much on offer that wherever in Scotland you decide to explore by sail, you will not be disappointed in Sailing Scotland.

So settle down, clear your mind and let your mind wander into the dream that is Sailing Scotland.

The Best Sailing Holiday in the World

Having sailed worldwide, this author can safely say that cruising Scotland offers not only some of the finest sailing waters in the world but a wide variety of sailing trips and sailing holidays to suit everyone.

Where else can you enjoy sailing holidays that offer marina comforts, local delicacies, magical wildlife and secluded anchorages all within the same accessible sailing area?

Making Memories

On the Isle of Coll, I have sat on the golden sandy beach at 10pm watching the sun sink into the horizon behind our anchored yacht, while just outside the secluded bay, a minke whale swims serenely by. On Canna, I have hiked to the highest peak to be treated by sunset views that I can still vividly picture, while the island also offers some historic monuments to explore. On Gigha, I sat outside a waterside restaurant with a cold drink in hand, enjoying the afternoon sun, watching an otter playing in the shallows.

There are too many magical memories to recount, but one thing I am sure of is that if you haven’t sailed Scotland before, you are missing out. Sailing Scotland really does offer so much more than your average sailing destination.

Sheltered Waters

Scotland sits poking out into the North Atlantic, unopposed, open to the full force of North Atlantic weather systems. However, it is also littered with hundreds of islands that create a natural barrier and protection from the effects of the ocean swells.

The west coast islands combine both the Inner and Outer Hebrides, along with the Small Isles, and other smaller collections of islands and skerries.

Both the Hebridean island chains and the long winding lochs carved out by glaciers offer calm, flat water sailing surrounded by stunning scenery that can only be described as perfection. Of course, the wind decides any sailing trip itinerary, but the shelter that Scotland’s coastline offers will always allow you to enjoy time under sail, even on the windier days.

Outer Hebrides

The most prominent of these is the Outer Hebrides, sometimes referred to as the Western Isles. This chain of remote islands is said to sit on the edge of the world, providing the first line of defence from the ocean swell, giving them the name of the ‘western isles’.

Remote does not do this island chain justice. Sitting between 30nm and 40nm from the mainland and covered in golden sandy beaches, you will feel like you have escaped to a tropical paradise when you sail amongst these wonderful wild islands.

From Barra Head to the Butt of Lewis, the outer Hebrides will have you mesmerised by the rugged terrain punctuated by idyllic beaches, remote anchorages and calm harbours. Over the years, an influx of new pontoon facilities has made this place easier than ever to access for the sailing world without impacting the remote and sheltered bays that are still on offer for the more adventurous sailor.

These remote Western Isles are not just for experienced sailors; however, the whole sailing Scotland community can explore and enjoy this magical island chain during the calmer summer weather. Whether you want to dip in the clear Atlantic waters for some wild swimming, sample the local cultures, or just soak up the magnificent Scottish waters, there will always be an adventure awaiting you.

Inner Hebrides

Between the mainland and the Outer Hebrides, you have the Inner Hebrides. A further collection of islands that stretches from Skye in the north to Gigha in the south. These islands each offer their own unique quality and experiences to Scottish sailors.

Skye is now connected to the mainland by a bridge, but that should not detract from its magnificent setting, jutting out into the Minch. The rest of the Inner Hebrides include the Small Isles, Mull, Islay, Jura and many more.

Small Isles

The small isles are perhaps even more cut off from civilisation than the outer Hebrides, each offering up the reminder of how simple life can be; solar-heated showers, honesty shops, and community-owned islands await.

The waters surrounding these islands are teeming with wildlife, and a cruise here on your yacht will not disappoint.

Loch Scavaig

Loch is the Scottish name for a fjord, and while it is the far less special-sounding word, they are no less spectacular. These lochs are found all over the west coast of Scotland, both on the mainland and on the islands.

Perhaps one of the most spectacular is Loch Scavaig, found on the south of Skye, nestled neatly underneath the towering Cuillen ridge that dominates the skyline. A narrow channel provides entry to the head of the loch, and a secluded anchorage is yours for the evening.

Fresh mussels can be picked off the rocks, seal pups swim in the waters around you, while the cascading waterfalls provide you with a calming natural soundtrack.

Home of Christianity

Then there is Iona, the home of Christianity in Scotland. Even if you are not religious, this pilgrimage is well worth undertaking as you follow in the footsteps of St Columba.

Sitting a stone’s throw from the southwestern tip of Mull even by road, it is two ferries from the mainland and a severe undertaking, by sail you can anchor up in the sound of Iona, row ashore and wander the island in your own time, soaking up the culture, the fresh sea air and of course the blue skies if you are lucky!

Distilleries

And let us not forget Islay, the whisky capital of the west coast of Scotland. There are currently no fewer than ten distilleries on the island, some even with their own private moorings. What can be better than mooring up for the night, taking a tour of a distillery and sampling a ‘dram’.

It should not be forgotten that Islay is not the only island to have a distillery. Jura, Mull, Barra, Harris, Skye, Rum and Raasay all have a distillery of some form or another, many offering bespoke tours and tasting.

If your favourite tipple is not Scotland’s famous water, you are still in luck, many of these produce rum and gin also, offering a taste to suit many palettes, much like Scotland itself.

The Clyde

In the early 1900s, it was estimated that 10% of the world’s vessels were built on the Clyde, which is quite frankly, a staggering statistic.

Up there, as one of the best sailing areas to learn to sail, the Clyde has a bit of everything, but also serves up in a manageable environment. The Kintyre peninsula, stretching south and almost reaching Northern Ireland, separated only by the North Channel, offers a natural breakwater from the wild Atlantic swell.

Sea Lochs and Civilisation

Punctuated by long sea lochs and the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute, the Clyde gives a memorable sailing experience. A few hours’ sail can take you from the mainland to the island, making the passage short and easy. These short distances, coupled with a lack of commercial marine activity and deep water with very few dangers, make sailing a joy and not a stressful day out.

While the Clyde brings you closer to civilisation, it also offers up the chance to complement your excellent sailing conditions with restaurants offering up good food, including locally and sustainably caught fresh seafood.

Kyles of Bute

Sailing the Clyde is never complete without passing through the ‘Kyles of Bute’. This is a collection of narrow channels that separates Bute from the mainland, and while it gives testing wind conditions, it also draws open jaws from those seeing it for the first time as they marvel at how close they are to the breathtaking scenery ashore.

If you’re lucky, you may even get to see the last sea-going commercial paddle steamer, the Waverly, as it plies its trade between the last of the Clyde piers.

The North and the East

Quite rightly, the west coast of Scotland gets the majority of the plaudits. However, the north and east should not be forgotten.

The island archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland, while more challenging to get to, offer not only a fascinating area to explore some historic monuments and remains, both on land and afloat, but numerous islands and if the weather allows, Fair Isle, an isolated rock alone in the ocean and very much still populated.

The east coast of Scotland does not have the depths and islands that make the west coast so inviting, but it does sit in the lee of the prevailing wind,s meaning you can still experience calm water sailing.

Its coastline is punctuated by a mix of small fishing villages and large oil rig support ports. However, the east is often considered to be drier and offers good cruising for most vessels in an even quieter environment.

“Will it not be wet?”

It is no secret that it rains a lot in Scotland. However, a bit of planning can minimise the chances of this. Additionally, what a sailing holiday in Scotland lacks in favourable weather, it more than makes up for with spectacular scenery, easy cruising, calm waters and quiet anchorages.

‘Scotland is wet’ is perhaps an overused phrase. While it might lack Caribbean or Mediterranean style temperatures, it certainly doesn’t lack sunshine, with the Isle of Tiree on the west coast being the sunniest place in the UK.

When to visit Scotland

The common belief is backed up by meteorological records that the early summer months of May and June are best for sunshine and indeed settled wind patterns. July and August, while warmer, are often characterised by periods of heavy rain interspersed with periods of little wind.

It is continuously variable, and one of my best weeks afloat in Scottish waters was the start of April. I have even sailed and taught sailing in January, using a sheltered sea loch for shelter, enjoying perfect F3 conditions for learning.

The key to sailing in Scotland is to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Even if you are unlucky enough to get a bad weather day, there are enough opportunities ashore for exploring as you await the long, warm, sunny days to return.

Wildlife

Scotland is also home to a large variety of marine wildlife and offers some of the best sighting opportunities anywhere in the world.

Every single part of the Scottish coastline has regular sightings of marine mammals, with many areas having resident populations of dolphins, seals and porpoises.

The many uninhabited islands also provide a sanctuary for birdlife, with some of the world’s most important breeding grounds found on isolated rocks around the coast.

Whales and Dolphins

The much sought-after killer (orca) whale is often spotted up and down the west coast, and with a resident population in Shetland, your chances of sighting these amazing animals are even greater.

Bottlenose dolphins are resident both on the west coast and on the east coast, their playful nature and size of up to 4m making them a firm favourite for all.

Common dolphins were once not that common in Scotland, but now large pods of over 100 dolphins are often spotted. The waters west of Mull and around Skye are most notable for this species, they can be seen from anywhere.

Seals, Porpoises, and Basking Sharks

Elsewhere, you are likely to see harbour porpoise, seals and basking sharks. Occasionally, transient species pass through too, with sightings of humpback whales, fin whales, leatherback turtles and sunfish becoming ever more popular.

There are not many harbours in Scotland that don’t have a local seal named “Sammy”, following the trawlers in and trying to get an easy feed from the many fishing boats. Local wildlife watching boats often offer a no-sighting, no-fee policy, which guarantees the ability to see a seal close to these harbours.

Birdlife

Scotland’s nutrient-rich waters offer opportunities for birdlife too. Puffins, gannets, guillemots and many other species of birds can be spotted while you sail around Scotland.

Bass Rock on the east coast, near Edinburgh, has the largest colony of gannets in the northern hemisphere. Both here and west of Mull in the Treshnish and also the Shiant Isles offer a perfect breeding ground for the super cute Puffins, who actually live in burrows during breeding season.

Getting up close

These islands are still open to the public, and so with some care and appreciation, you can get very close to this wonderful wildlife.

St Kilda out west is another major hotspot of birdlife, with as many as 1 million seabirds nesting or living around this rocky outcrop at any given time.

You don’t need to go on a sailing holiday

While the whole point of this article is to promote sailing holidays and sailing in Scotland in general. It should be noted that there are many places on the coastline where you can still spot wildlife.

With its own ‘whale trail’, a collection of high-profile headlands in which to spot wildlife on the water, Scotland really does offer something for everyone.

High Latitude

Scotland is actually found at a relatively high latitude, meaning that the summer months will often bring long, warm, sunny days, with temperatures staying high well into the evenings, meaning you have even more time to enjoy this beautiful area.

On the west coast of Scotland, you will be situated perfectly to enjoy flawless sunsets as you gaze west from the Inner Hebrides and the small isles towards the Outer Hebrides and beyond.

In the Shetlands, at 60N, the sun barely sets, and you can enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight around the summer solstice.

Local Produce

It is not just the whisky that will give you that local taste. Many islands and remote west coast communities thrive on providing a unique and local taste for visitors.

Tobermory is full of local seafood options, including a hidden fish market at the top of the town. Canna, one of the small isles, has a small and friendly restaurant that sits no more than 8 people, serving locally grown and foraged produce.

Unique and Sustainable

Each island or harbour will offer you a unique taste of Scotland, and you will often find honesty boxes and shops to purchase this fine local produce. Not only will you be experiencing a unique and local taste, but you are helping the planet by purchasing sustainably produced food, local food with a very low carbon impact, thanks to its lack of travel and helping to support the local economy.

How to enjoy Scottish Sailing

Scottish sailing can be enjoyed in various ways. With so many islands, sheltered bays, and wild swimming to be enjoyed, you will never be short of activities.

Many tourist trips are on offer, ranging from day sails to multi-day adventure sailing and marine mammal research. You can even employ your own skipper to tailor your dream Scottish sailing holiday to suit you.

Or perhaps you are already a group of experienced sailors and you wish to charter your own sailing yacht. A private sailing vessel can be chartered from Largs, Oban and Ardfern as well as many other marinas, offering the chance to get close to and explore your preferred area.

Tourist Trip

With tourist trips ranging from fast boat rides to gentle sailing cruises, you will not be left searching for what is right for you.

Whether you are after a history tour, great sailing conditions, or indeed seeking our remote places, there will be a cruise or voyage that suits your needs.

Where to Start

You may want to base yourself on Skye or perhaps it is the Summer Isles in the far north west that you crave to explore. Or perhaps, you seek out the remote St Kilda and the historic remains of its unique island community.

If you want to learn to sail, perhaps with the idea of skippering a yacht by yourself one day, then I would suggest looking at the Clyde. Alternatively, if your desire is for remote islands and to enjoy peaceful tranquillity and beautiful sunsets, then Coll, Tiree or the small isles are for you.

For the whisky connoisseurs, then Islay and Jura are for you, while those with wild adventurous streaks may feel the Outer Hebrides is the destination for them.

Whatever your choice, you will not be disappointed. Scenery, culture and a true taste of Scotland await you.

Go On Your Own

The first steps to skippering your own vessel should be to get your RYA Day Skipper ticket, and the best place to start with that is here, with us at Ardent Training on your RYA Day Skipper Theory course.