The island
“No words can be put on beauty, no picture, words or poem made for it”.
"Cha chuirear briathran air boidhche, Cha deanar dealbh no ceol no dan dhi."
Extract from the poem 'Screapadal' by Sorley MacLean, who was born on Raasay
Raasay is one of the most beautiful islands in the Inner Hebrides. Tucked between the Isle of Skye to the West and the Scottish mainland to the East, it is just 14 miles long and 4 miles wide. The Norse name “Raasay” means Isle of the Roe, or Red, Deer.
The 60 square miles of land that make up the island are now home to a population of around 200 people. Most of them live in the South of the island close to the village of Inverarish. There are few roads on the island, one shop and a primary school. Raasay House is very much at the heart of the island.
Raasay is the perfect destination for a day trip or a longer visit. While many visitors choose to scale Dun Caan, the distinctive flat topped mountain visible from miles around, there are inland and coastal walks to suit all tastes; forests and beautiful beaches to explore, historic sites to discover and a richness of geology, landscape, flora and fauna rarely found in the British Isles. It’s unspoilt, peaceful, and inspirational.
Coming to Raasay and meeting the people who live here also gives you a real insight into a small island community and a simpler, more authentic way of living, far from the fast-moving, electronic-fuelled 21st century.
