An unexpected upshot from the uncertainty around international travel due to the pandemic has been the rise in people rediscovering how good they have it at home.
With stunning scenery, friendly welcomes galore, and plenty to see and do, Scotland has everything you need to make for a memorable holiday.
Though the weather might be the only letdown; as someone famous once said: "If Scotland was sunny all the time, the whole world would want to live here - and that might be a bit of a tight squeeze."
Thankfully, in the summertime, there's plenty of sunshine to go around and with nearly 800 islands dotted around the Scottish coast, there are loads of places for you to get out there and explore.
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Colonsay
Known for its golden beaches and turquoise blue seas, Colonsay lies tucked between the better-known islands of Islay, Mull, and neighbouring Jura.
Not only is the rugged scenery exhilarating to explore, but the tiny island has two gin distilleries and a Gin Lover’s Retreat with a secluded house that contains over 200 gins from around the globe.
Getting there: Ferries from Oban to Colonsay take just over two hours, with services also running from Islay.
Coll
The tiny island of Coll, which lies just off Mull's West coast, has been designated one of the world's top Dark-Sky communities and clear vistas of the night sky unspoiled by light pollution - when the weather permits of course.
A paradise for stargazers and amateur astronomers, it offers not only plenty to do during the day with unspoilt beaches, delicious seafood and abundant wildlife to spot but also the chance to glimpses of the Northern Lights as well as an unrivalled view of the Milky Way (which can be seen as early as mid-August) at night.
Getting there: With regular ferries and flights from the mainland at Oban, it can also be accessed by sea from neighbouring islands Mull and Tiree.
Barra
An explorer's dream, Barra is filled with rugged natural beauty. Known for its castle (Kisimul, the 'Castle in the Sea') and unique airport, it's the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides.
The airport is a draw in its own right, with flights landing on the beach at Cockle Strand in between tides.
Getting there: If you can get there by plane it's one of the most spectacular landings you'll find anywhere in the UK but the cheaper option may be the ferry which can be accessed at Oban.
Raasay
Located off the east coast of Skye, Raasay is a tiny island that's only fourteen miles in length.
As beautiful as its larger cousin, the island recently celebrated the launch of its first-ever whisky and gin after a derelict Gothic hotel was transformed into a modern whisky distillery, visitor centre, and accommodation.
It's also the perfect place for walkers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers due to its diverse range of scenery.
Getting there: Raasay is just a short ferry ride (just under half an hour) from Skye.
Iona
This beautiful and serene island has had a close connection to religion since St Columbas arrived there in AD563, bringing Christianity to Scotland.
The Abbey there still maintains these links and is considered a place of pilgrimage to this day.
The ideal escape from city living, it's a great place to reconnect with nature with walks along its many idyllic beaches.
Getting there: Ferries regularly leave from the nearby island of Mull.
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