Summer Isles, Scotland Cruises

Summer Isles, Scotland Cruise Port

Located in the mouth of Loch Broom, the Summer Isles are an archipelago in the Highland region of Scotland. It’s comprised of a few dozen islands, many of which are uninhabited where the protected flora and fauna within are free to live and evolve naturally. Tanera Mor is the largest island and has up to five seasonal occupants. It was once home to an Atlantic salmon farm, a few rental holiday homes, a café and a post office. The population has since become nomadic and the buildings and farm are no longer in use. Boats still make the trek to Tanera Mor from Achiltibuie and Ullapool, allowing tourists to explore the calming, remote isle. Due to the small population and lack of farming, grazing has been on pause for a quarter of a century allowing many unique flowers to flourish, including the rare butterfly orchid. Otters, porpoises, and various birds also frequent the islands.

• Tanera Mor is also accessible by car, via a two-hour drive from Inverness or 45 minutes from Ullapool. Route A385 offers a peaceful, scenic route that’s almost a straight shot.
   
• Birdwatchers can find quite the variety of species on a few different islands, finding the likes of eiders, herons, grouses, and buzzards.
   
• A spectacular view of the Summer Isles is available atop Stac Pollaidh Mountain in Ullapool. Also visible are lochs and mountains preceding the isles that also tower above and surround the greater area.
   
• Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is also in nearby Ullapool. This ages old formation of rock formed sideways and is protected by the nation at large.