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25 November 2024
A festive getaway on the west coast
The festive season can be many things - warm, cheering, comforting - but another word also jumps to mind: stressful. Break out of your winter routine and try something new this year by taking a trip to one of Scotland's magical west coast islands to create your very own winter wonderland. Whether you're looking for boutique Christmas markets, cosy getaways, or family entertainment, there's an island experience with your name on it. Check out our top picks for fun, frolics and festivities.
Skye
A trip to the enchanting Isle of Skye is year-round treat, but experiencing the island's capital Portree decked out in full festive regalia is a must-see. Thankfully you can take it all in as part of one of the island's most unique events - the annual Santa Dash. Yes, you too can dress up as jolly old St. Nick and run the winding 1.75-mile route through the freshly decorated streets. This fun and inclusive event welcomes runners big and small, professional and decidedly not, inviting everyone to spread some festive cheer with a jaunt through the picturesque town. Dressing up is mandatory so look out your best Santa or Rudolph costume and experience this burst of pure joy in one of Scotland's top destinations.
Mull
Mull's relative accessibility from the mainland and host of top-tier facilities makes it a stand-out destination for a festive getaway. Many travellers choose the quiet and beauty of the island as an escape from the bombardment of city living. With its natural charms, Mull is an instantaneous mood re-setter. Those travelling with young ones will be interested in dropping into An Tobar's 'Children's Crafty Christmas' where DIY activities and stories will be shared and a special appearance by the man himself is guaranteed. For the adults, a trip down the hill to Tobermory's famous hostelries is in order to soak up the atmosphere and revel in the thrum of live music. Visit over Hogmanay to ring in the new year with the locals, awaiting the midnight strike of the iconic clock tower on the main street.
Lewis
On Lewis they take the festive period seriously. A whole host of holiday events fill the calendar as the locals get into the Christmas spirit. Choose to visit this remarkable island during the winter months and your trip may coincide with one of the two pantomimes that are visiting Stornoway's bustling arts centre, An Lanntair, giving you double the chance to shout 'He's Behind You' at an unsuspecting Panto Dame. Elsewhere there are lunches, fayres, community carol singers and most intriguingly a Doggy Christmas Party (!) ensuring your prized pooch can get involved in all the festivities.
Oban
Did you know Oban was voted as one of the ten most festive towns in the whole UK by Time Out magazine? That says it all regarding the port's dedication to all things Christmas. At its heart is Oban Winter Festival. Community run, the festival curates a programme of events that engages visitors and locals alike. Family favourites like the Reindeer Parade sit alongside ceilidhs and live comedy in the schedule. The Winter Woods event sees lights and music being combined to create a mystical walking tour through stunning woodlands, while the blockbuster closing concert featuring big names from the local music scene. The foodies amongst us may be more interested in the annual Golden Haggis award, a hotly contested prize to determine the best tasting pudding. The winner walks away with bragging rights as the Haggis head honcho.
Islay
If a wee dram appeals as a way to warm up this winter, then Islay is the destination for you. Home to numerous household-name distilleries, a trip to the island is the ultimate Christmas gift for the whisky lover. Many distilleries organise their own Christmas markets, bringing together local traders and craft makers to sell wares amongst limited edition bottles of Scotland's national drink. There's also a special community Christmas Fayre taking place at Islay High School with stalls selling all manner of festive treats. If you're sticking around for Hogmanay, then make sure to see in the bells with the locals on Bowmore Pier, raising a glass to the new year as fireworks light up the sky and church bells ring out over the waves.
Bute
Just a short hop from Wemyss bay, Bute is a gem of an island easily accessed from the central belt. The perfect location for a winter hideaway, it houses the whole spectrum of accommodation options - from rugged eco-cabins to ornate hotels. Festive events are just as varied, taking in formal Christmas balls, community markets and a trip to Santa's grotto. For a more contemporary flavour check out Bute Yard, a hip industrial-style local venue that showcases the best boutique brands from the island - they'll be hosting a special festive version of their monthly art and craft market. Whatever your plans, make time to take a winter walk around the iconic Mount Stuart House and experience the award-winning gardens with a delicate dusting of seasonal frost.
Arran
Arran is a magical destination year-round, but this perfectly formed paradise suits the winter months. With a calendar full to bursting with events, a trip to Arran over the holiday period is a great bet for getting that Christmas spirit flowing. Santa's Christmas Market brings together more than fifty vendors allowing you to stock up on one-of-a-kind gifts and set the standard for ethical present-giving when the wrapping paper comes off. Elsewhere there are Christmas parties, pantomimes, brass bands and a Christmas Wreath Workshop hosted by the Arran Gin Co. - truly an inspired combination. The showstopper however is the annual Christmas Tractor Run, with prizes awarded for the best dressed driver (and tractor)!
Cumbrae
Want that hit of festive cheer but tight on time? Consider a few days away on the small but perfectly formed Isle of Cumbrae during their legendary Yuletide weekend. A three day sweep of all things Christmassy, this is a magical weekend that is sure to charge the batteries with enough joy to last until the new year. The programme of events sees a pipe band leading Santa's sleigh along the main street, the big Christmas lights switch-on, late night shopping, a craft fayre and a performance of Cinderella. And the best bit? This weekend of festive joviality won't break the bank - every event in the calendar is free of charge and open to everyone. Truly a Christmas miracle.
Dunoon
In the splendid wee town of Dunoon Christmas is a big deal. A short journey across the firth of Clyde from equally regal Gourock, the Victorian splendour of Dunoon is easily reached from Glasgow on public transport. The sparkling attraction to a savour here is the festive lights. Maintained by the community who donate to their upkeep, the dancing lights illuminate the main streets and bring a much-needed slice of Christmas joy to all who see them. Take a walk amongst the bars, restaurants and hotels and see for yourself. Around for the new year? Get down to the Burgh Hall and let your hair down at the Hogmanay Ceilidh - what better way to enter 2025 than with a reel and a hoolie?
There's a misconception that the islands go quiet outside of the traditional tourist season, but not so: this smorgasbord of festive delight shows that these wonderful destinations are bursting with life all year-round. Experience the beauty of the west coast in a whole new light - snow covered landscapes, fresh frost-tinted walks, roaring fires in cosy local bars - it's all here and accessible with CalMac.
Rip up the script this festive season and try something new, your perfect trip to a winter wonderland is just a click away. Secure your tickets here.
