The tiny island of Canna is the westernmost of the Small Isles, and was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1981 by its former owner John Lorne Campbell. Canna was the site of an early Christian settlement, associated with St Columba, and supports wildlife including porpoises, puffins and eagles.

Armadale sits near the southern tip of the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, linked by ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. Next to the ruins of Armadale Castle is a visitor’s centre dedicated to the history of Clan Donald, one of the largest clans in Scotland, and the castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The isle of Raasay lies off the east coast of Skye, just 10 miles long and rising to a 443-metre peak at Dun Caan. Raasay has an interesting history, visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson during the 18th century, and was the birthplace of the Scottish poet Sorley McLean.

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks, misty moors and glassy lochs. The island’s biggest town is Portree, a pleasant little place with a colourful harbour.

The pretty seaside village of Plockton enjoys a lovely location overlooking Loch Carron, close to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye. Originally a crofting hamlet, and later a fishing port, it’s now a popular tourist destination with some great pubs and seafood restaurants. A boat trip out to see the local seal population is a popular excursion.

Kyle of Lochalsh is a pleasant little town that sits at the mouth of Loch Alsh, close to the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Nearby attractions include the 13th century Eilean Donan castle, one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Scotland.

Pull up a seat and enjoy a pint at the most remote pub in mainland Britain, the Old Forge in Inverie. This sleepy little village is situated on the wild Knoydart Peninsula, and can only be reached by boat or by hiking 17 miles over some pretty challenging terrain.

The Isle of Eigg is part of the Inner Hebridean archipelago known as the Small Isles, and is easily recognisable thanks to An Sgurr, the dramatic pitchstone lava ridge that dominates the island. Climb the rock if you’re feeling fit, and enjoy fantastic views of Skye and Ardnamurchan from the summit.

This long, narrow sea loch separates the Ardnamurchan and Morvern peninsulas, and is guarded by the 13th-century Mingary Castle. Loch Sunart’s calm and sheltered waters are ideal for kayaking, and you may spot wildlife including seals, dolphins, porpoises and otters.

The little Isle of Kerrera sits just off Scotland’s west coast guarding the entrance to Oban, and is home to around 50 people. The fertile, hilly terrain and almost total lack of cars makes it a great destination for walkers, and it’s also known for the 16th century ruins of Gylen Castle.