The islands On Scotland's West Coast

The country's Western Isles are a whole other world.

A frequent service of ferries plying to and from this patchwork of islands - mainly under the flag of Caledonian MacBrayne (known as Calmac by the locals) make island hopping to the Western Isles of Scotland really practical and easy. They offer a variety of mountain and coastal landscapes, and are rich in wildlife, from birds of prey to deer and dolphins.

This is the ultimate choice in tours for those interested in ornithology and the natural history of these beautiful unspoiled islands. It provides a chance to view seals and occasionally dolphins, porpoises and whales in their natural marine habitat. Ashore, puffins, guillemots and razor-bills are the most prominent among the many species of seabirds nesting on these uninhabited islands .

Mull and Iona

A short ferry trip from Oban lies one of Scotland's largest islands, the Isle of Mull. Stepping off the ferry at Craignure, those with a fascination for history can enjoy ancient Duart Castle - once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean and boasting spectacular views from its battlements - or Torosay Castle, final destination of Scotland's first island passenger railway.

West along the coast sits Mull's picturesque capital Tobermory with its gaily-painted buildings crowding around a peaceful bay.

From Tobermory travel west to Dervaig, where the wildlife enthusiast can embark upon sightseeing cruises to the seabird havens of Fingal's Cave on Staffa, and the Treshnish Isles as well as the island of Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity.