Crumbling off the west coast of Scotland, the Inner Hebrides are a loosely defined archipelago comprised of over 20 inhabited islands. The vast majority of visitors come in July and August, missing the glorious months of spring. Between April and June, wild flowers sprinkle the sandy machair, free-range lambs prance along the verges of single track roads, and the cliffs are teaming with colonies of nesting seabirds. On average, these are the sunniest months with the lowest rainfall – and even the dreaded midge doesn’t emerge until late May. Practically speaking, Spring is also a quieter time to explore the islands, with accommodation less likely to be full, and endless empty beaches, many of which you can enjoy in total solitude.
Like all islands, there are major concerns about how climate change might affect the Inner Hebrides, and many inhabitants are trying to take action themselves. Within the last few decades, the islands of Eigg and Gigha have been bought by their communities, giving them the freedom to develop in a positive way for both their populations and the environment. Both islands now produce their own electricity from wind turbines, and similar projects are popping up across the archipelago. For visitors, sustainable exploration is easier than you might think. Rather than a whirlwind tour of highlights, the islands are best discovered slowly: searching the sky for sea eagles, peering into tidal pools, or chatting to regulars over a dram in the village pub.
