Just 25 minutes ferry ride from Skye, leaving from Sconsor, is the delightful island of Raasay., Eilean Ratharsair in Gaelic meaning island of the Roe Deer.
The island of Raasay is located to the east of the Isle of Skye,accessed by a ferry from Sconser. After years of depopulation and clearances, the island is now state owned and there is an active Development Trust that can be credited with new facilities for the residents including new housing. The Raasay Distrillery is an additional reason to visit.
Covering an area of 6405 ha (15,827 acres), the highest point on the island is Dun Caan, situated in the centre of the island and rising to a height of 443m (1453 feet).
The island is populated with Red Deer, water shrew, a unique native bank vole, alpine hares and is the only Scottish island on which pine marten live, as well as varied birdlife, including golden eagles.
The main settlement on the island is Inverarish, which is located on the southwest coast of the island, a mile (1.5 km) from the ferry terminal at Clachan. Places of interest include The Battery, site of a 19th Century cannon emplacement, Raasay House,, the Distillery, the famous Calum’s Road. and the Pictish-Ogam stone of Temptation Hill.
WalkHighlands has great information on walks on the island.
