Although probably not in many people’s top five charter destinations list, Scotland is nonetheless a fabulous destination for those in search of things other than palm trees and tropical islands. When the sun shines, and the weather is kind, there are few places on earth more delightful than Scotland.
Like it or not, the weather in Scotland tends to be an important factor for those who visit there. Despite being firmly northern European, summer in Scotland can be a surprisingly warm and sunny affair, although there are no guarantees and the weather can change rapidly. And even when the weather is less than perfect, there is so much to see and do that it’s just a case of adapting your clothing to suit.
In terms of boating, the west coast and islands are where most people head for. Although better protected, and generally drier, the east coast is less scenic and less inviting, unless you’re a fishing boat captain. One of the downsides of cruising Scotland’s west coast is that facilities for large yachts are few and far between.
On the plus side, there are so many good and idyllic anchorages that a marina berth is often unnecessary‚ bunkering and provisioning are really the only reasons to put in to a major town.
From the Mull of Kintyre to the Kyle of Lochalsh, even the names in Scotland seem exotic and shrouded in mystery. Whether you are visiting the whiskey distilleries on Islay, exploring a ruined castle at the head of a loch, or simply island-hopping and admiring the stunning scenery, Scotland rarely disappoints.
Places such as Skye, Mull, Tobermory, Oban, and the Inner Hebrides are just a few of the magical places you can visit by boat. The Outer Hebrides are probably as far as you will want to go north, but it would be easy to spend a month meandering through the lochs and Islands of Scotland’s west coast.