The Small Isles

The Small Isles are a small archipelago in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland made up principally of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. The group is known for remote landscapes, wildlife and small island communities.

Visitors come for wildlife watching, hillwalking and a quiet island experience; each island has a distinct character - Rum for its mountain and nature reserve, Eigg for its community ownership and renewable-energy initiatives, Muck for pastoral simplicity, and Canna for birdlife and National Trust management.

The islands have a long human history of crofting and seasonal use, and several have recent developments in community ownership and conservation. Eigg underwent a high-profile community buyout in the late 20th century and Canna is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

The Small Isles lie off the west coast of mainland Scotland in the Inner Hebrides, south of Skye and reachable by ferry services from ports such as Mallaig.

• Main islands: The island group comprises four main inhabited islands - Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna - with several smaller islets and skerries nearby.
• Access: Regular ferry services and occasional small-boat operators provide access, most commonly from the west-coast port of Mallaig on the Scottish mainland.

What to See #

• Rum: Rum - the largest of the Small Isles and designated a National Nature Reserve with notable mountain and wildlife habitats.
• Eigg: Eigg - community-owned island known for renewable-energy systems, a small resident population and distinctive coastal geology including basalt features.
• Muck: Muck - the smallest inhabited island of the group, largely pastoral with a very small permanent population and simple visitor facilities.
• Canna: Canna - owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, important for seabird colonies and crofting landscapes.