Raasay
Island Scottish island east of Skye with rugged landscapes
Off Skye, Raasay offers rugged ridges like Dùn Caan, crofting landscapes and a short ferry from Sconser; visitors hike, birdwatch, explore Raasay House events and sample whisky at the island distillery.
Raasay is an island off the east coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, separated from Skye by a narrow strait. The island is small and sparsely populated, with a landscape of hills, coastline and crofting farmland.
The island is visited for walking, wildlife and quiet coastal scenery, with several short coastal and hill trails and small settlements clustered around the ferry landing. Facilities are limited compared with larger Hebridean islands, and services are concentrated in a few villages.
Raasay has a long history of habitation with evidence of prehistoric activity and later crofting communities; its modern economy is focused on small-scale agriculture, tourism and local services. The island sits between Skye and the Scottish mainland and is reached by a regular vehicle ferry from Sconser on Skye.
- Ferry access: A short ferry crossing from the Isle of Skye at Sconser provides the main vehicle and passenger link.
- Character: Low-density settlement with crofting, hill walking and coastal scenery rather than built tourist infrastructure.
How to Get to Raasay #
Passenger ferries run from Sconser (Isle of Skye) to Raasay several times daily in summer; the crossing is 20-30 minutes. Sconser is reachable by car or bus from Portree (about 20 miles/32 km). On arrival the island is easily explored by bicycle or on foot.
Tips for Visiting Raasay #
- Take the midafternoon ferry from Sconser on Skye; the crossing offers views of the Cuillin and often a pod of seals.
- Rent a bicycle - the island's single A-road is quiet and reveals micro-landscapes between crofts.
- Visit the ruined Oaktree Glen and look for traces of the Clearances: field walls and abandoned cottages.
Best Time to Visit Raasay #
Best visited May-September for ferry crossings and milder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Raasay #
Raasay's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1846 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (201 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (230 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (212 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
