Raasay Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The primary gateway to Raasay is via a short 25-minute ferry crossing from Sconser on the Isle of Skye, operated by CalMac Ferries with regular daily sailings. To reach the ferry connection point, travelers can drive to Skye via the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, approximately 2.5 hours from Inverness by car. Train services run from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Kyle of Lochalsh, where bus connections to Sconser are available. The ferry terminal offers limited parking facilities, so arriving early during peak summer months is advisable. Local taxis are available on both Skye and Raasay for travelers without vehicles.

Nestled between the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland, Raasay offers an authentic Scottish island experience away from the tourist crowds. This slender, rugged isle stretches just 14 miles long yet packs dramatic landscapes from craggy peaks to pristine beaches along its shores. As a ferry destination, Raasay provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, allowing visitors to experience the raw beauty and rich heritage of the Hebrides in an intimate setting.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most reliable weather for exploring Raasay, with long daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging from 12-18°C. July and August bring the warmest conditions but also the most visitors, while May and September offer similar beauty with fewer crowds. Winter visits (November to March) showcase a different side of island life with moody skies and peaceful solitude, though some accommodations may close seasonally. Ferry services operate year-round but can occasionally face disruptions during winter storms. The annual Raasay Whisky, Fire and Song Festival in September combines local spirits, music, and culture for an authentic island experience.

Raasay serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the wider Hebridean archipelago. The Isle of Skye is just a short 25-minute ferry journey away, offering famous attractions like the Fairy Pools and the dramatic Quiraing landscape. Continue your island-hopping adventure to the Outer Hebrides with connections via Skye to North Uist, Harris and Lewis, where pristine beaches and ancient standing stones await (approximately 3-4 hours by combined ferry journeys). The small isle of Rona lies just north of Raasay and can be reached by special boat trips during summer months, offering incredible wildlife spotting opportunities. For those seeking more remote experiences, chartered boat services from Raasay can arrange visits to smaller, uninhabited islands with remarkable scenery and abundant wildlife.

Hiking enthusiasts shouldn't miss the trail to Dun Caan, the flat-topped volcanic peak offering panoramic views across to Skye, the Applecross peninsula, and on clear days, the Outer Hebrides. History buffs will appreciate Raasay House, once visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson, now serving as a hotel and activity center offering kayaking, coasteering and archery. The award-winning Isle of Raasay Distillery provides tours and tastings of their distinctive Hebridean single malt whisky, crafted using local spring water. For culinary experiences, sample fresh seafood at Raasay House Restaurant, featuring locally caught langoustines and scallops. The abandoned village of Hallaig, immortalized in Sorley MacLean's famous poem, offers a poignant glimpse into the island's past and the Highland Clearances that shaped its history.

Despite its small size, Raasay boasts over 20 distinct geological formations, making it a place of special scientific interest studied by geologists worldwide. The island was once home to Calum MacLeod, who single-handedly built a 1.75-mile road over 10 years using just hand tools after the authorities refused to connect his community – now known as 'Calum's Road' and one of Scotland's most remarkable feats of determination. Raasay's unique environment supports rare wildlife, including the Raasay vole, a distinct subspecies found nowhere else on earth. The island's name comes from Norse origins meaning 'Isle of the Roe Deer,' which still roam freely across its varied landscapes.