Scotland's 'most beautiful places' crowned as island with stunning beach tops list
It is also known as the Scottish 'Cradle of Christianity'.
Scotland's "most beautiful places" have been named by The Times. Topping the list is a tiny island with a fascinating history.
On Wednesday, June 11, The Times published an article titled "16 of the most beautiful places in Scotland". The roundup spotlights scenic destinations around the country, from the Scottish Borders to the Outer Hebrides.
Coming in at number is Iona in Argyll and Bute. Iona is approximately one and a half miles wide and three miles long, and is home to a population of around 170 people.
Despite the island's small size, The Times noted its long and storied history. Known as the 'Cradle of Christianity' in Scotland, St Columba and 12 companions arrived on Iona from Ireland in AD 563 to establish a monastery from which missionaries were sent to northern Britain to convert people to Christianity.
Iona Abbey is the island's most notable landmark. It is open to visitors, who can admire its centuries-old architecture and take in sights such as St Oran's Chapel and Reilig Odhráin.
The island was also praised for its beaches, namely the White Strand of the Monks. Iona was singled out for its "white sand" and "turquoise water".
For those looking to spend the night, Iona is home to the St Columba Hotel. Standing next to Iona Abbey, the hotel features a range of clean and comfortable rooms and a restaurant and bar.
The Times wrote: "There is a deeply spiritual aura to this little green chip of land that lies off the southwestern corner of the island of Mull. Iona has been a place of pilgrimage ever since St Columba arrived in AD563 and today pilgrims step off the ferry and weave their way to Iona Abbey.
"At Iona's northern tip is the White Strand of the Monks, springy machair—wildflower-rich grassland—lined with white sand. The turquoise water is the perfect backdrop for contemplation while watching the gannets dive into the Sound.
"The island is at its best when the day-trippers have gone, so stay over at the St Columba Hotel and enjoy produce from its organic garden."
Elsewhere, following behind in second place on The Times' list is Scotland's northwest coast. The newspaper singled out the stretch up to Cape Wrath—the most northwestern point in Great Britain—as well as Balnakeil Beach.
Placing third on the newspaper's roundup is Big Tree Country, spanning Perth and Kinross and the Highlands. Home to countless Douglas firs, maple, redwoods, and more, The Times noted The Queen's View as an especially stunning beauty spot.
Rounding out the top five on The Times' list are The Great Glen and Knoydart, both situated in the Scottish Highlands. The Great Glen runs from Fort William to Inverness and was singled out for its various scenic lochs, while Knoydart is a peninsula located between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn that earned praise for its wildlife spotting opportunities and the remote Old Forge pub.
Other places featured on the newspaper's list include The Argyll and Bute coast, the Heart of Scotland, and the Isle of Skye, placing sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively. The Scottish Borders and Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides complete the top 10.
More information and the full list of the "most beautiful places in Scotland" can be found on The Times website.
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