Raasay Island

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.

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.

• 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.