We’ve been working with communities from across Scotland’s six island areas to build a library of over 1,100 reasons to visit our islands – from mid-winter fire festivals to flower-strewn summer Machir and much, much more besides. And, to help you choose which islands to explore, we have created an app and series of travelogues to help you navigate your way.
Our app
Our app allows you to choose areas that interest you from categories such as history and heritage; food and drink; outdoor activities; nature; and arts and music, and then uses these to recommend islands to visits and activities you might enjoy there.
Once you have chosen your next island destination it provides you with practical advice and links to local information, as well as letting you collect passport ‘stamps’ – designed by local artists’ for each island you visit.
In line with our Island-Centred Ethos our app also highlights ways you can contribute to the islands you love.
Download the app now from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
Our travelogues
We have also used our amazing library to develop a series of travelogues based on specific themes to provide you inspiration for future island visits. Designed to be used over several trips, each travelogue is designed so you can follow a thread through our island landscapes to uncover the rich tapestry of island life.
Just like our app, the travelogues allow you to collect passport stamps – designed by local artists – as you go, using brass rubbings in each island community you visit. With space to make notes on your adventures and experiences, we hope your travelogue will be a keepsake to remind you of your travels and allow you to escape to the islands no matter where you are.
We now have 4 travelogues which cover all of the 72 islands represented in the Scottish Islands Passport project. Meet the Makers – focusses on island artists and makers and the second – Shaping Our Islands – launched November 2023 and explores 20 more islands’ history and heritage.
In 2024, we have launched two more travelogues: Eat, Drink, Explore uncovers some of our amazing island food and drink producers and establishments. Tour through 20 featured islands using taste as the starting point. Wandering Our Islands was inspired by our island travel stamps and encourages you to slow down and truly experience our island communities thoughtfully and sustainably by wheel and foot.
All are available from island stockists and now online at Scottish Island Gifts.
Our island stockists
We are working towards creating a network of stockists across the islands. You can continue our ethos of supporting island businesses by buying a travelogue during your trip from the below stockists.
- Bùth Barraigh Ltd, Barra
- Talla Na Mara, Harris
- Deer Island Distillers Ltd, Jura
- Lisa’s Leatherworks, Fetlar
- Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre, Lismore
- Stromness Museum, Mainland Orkney
- Uig Community Shop, Lewis
- The Green Shed, Muck
- Isle of Eigg Craftshop, Eigg
- Isle of Canna Community Shop, Canna
- Isle of Gigha Camp & Motorhome Site, Gigha
- Coralbox Gift Shop, Berneray
If you are an island business and are interested in becoming a retailer, have a look at our information for retailers page and fill out the form.