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The Isle of Raasay

Raasay, the Island

The Isle of Raasay lies off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides, separated from the Isle of Skye by a short 25 minute ferry journey.

This corner of the world is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, geological variety, and one of Scotland’s most incredibly diverse ecosystems.

Comparable in size and shape to Manhattan Island, the Raasay Island has only 160 residents. Today, over 10% of the island work at the distillery.

Rooted in centuries of illicit distilling and rich in history, culture and community, from Bonnie Prince Charlie and celebrated Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean, to the enigmatic Calum’s Road – Raasay Island has a character of its own, distinct from any of the other Hebridean islands. It is also a fantastic base from which to explore the neighbouring Isle of Skye.

The Island’s Unique Geology

Translated from Old Norse as ‘island of the roe (or red) deer’, Raasay, or Ratharsair in Gaelic, boasts a diverse geology, forged in volcanic fires.

Water from our well, known as ‘Tobar na Ba Baine/the Well of the Pale Cow’ flows across volcanic rock and filters through Jurassic sandstone, adding minerals crucial to the flavour in our whisky and gin.

Our fine-tuned range of expressions harness Raasay’s raw elements of water, and for special releases, local peat and barley – and bring them to life through premium Scottish gin and whisky.

The Island’s People and Community

Our whisky and gin are an expression of people and place.

One hotel, three bed and breakfasts, two shops, one primary school, and a distillery built by the hands of several islanders – make up the island’s close-knit community.

Generations of people, knowledge, and culture shape Raasay Island’s philosophy and influence the character of our spirit. An island, distilled.

Follow #RaasayCharacters to find out more.

The Island’s History

Raasay Island dates back to the Gaelic Kingdom of Dalriada in the 6th Century and became a Norse subject in the 8th Century, which is why we see such a strong Norse influence on our place names.

The island returned to the Kingdom of Scotland in 1266 and was ruled by Mac Gille Chaluim, the Macleods of Raasay, from the 16th-19th Century before a succession of private landlords.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, undoubtedly one of the most famous historical figures to set foot on Raasay, spent two nights hiding out on Raasay following the 1746 Battle of Culloden. The Macleods of Raasay suffered brutal retribution at the hands of the Hanovarian troops for their support for the Jacobite cause, all their livestock killed, homes and boats looted and razed.

Raasay is also the birth place of Sorley Maclean, the most significant Gaelic poet of the 20th Century. Sorley Maclean’s powerful imagery in works such as ‘Hallaig’, portrays the grief and hardship suffered by his native Raasay as a result of the Highland Clearances, which saw the population drop from over 1,000 to what it is today.

It is this poignant history that has shaped the spirit of Raasay Island today.

Visit the Isle of Raasay Distillery, with arguably the best view of any distillery in Scotland, for a guided whisky tour. Discover our tour options and book today.

For the most unforgettable whisky experience, stay overnight at Isle of Raasay Distillery in one of our six exclusive en-suite bedrooms.

Getting to the Isle of Raasay is easier than you might think. With regular ferry sailings from the Isle of Skye seven days a week, the Isle of Raasay is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands.

You might want to spend all your time on the Isle of Raasay relaxing with a dram or a G&T admiring the magical views, but if you can tear your eyes away, this small but mighty island has a lot to offer.

Enjoy 10% off Your Tour Booking

Join our Slàinte Club today. Our members enjoy 10% off distillery tours booked online, £5 off their first online order over £50, and are always the first to find out about new releases and stories from the island.

Isle of Raasay Distillery Reviews

The island of Raasay is the real gem here. Unbelievably beautiful. The distillery is grand. The whiskey is one of the very best in the land that makes the finest whiskey in the world. And the views from its front door are to die for.
mike gaston

Your Guide to Visiting the Isle of Raasay

We’ve curated a wide range of blogs, articles and guides all about getting the most out of your visit to the Isle of Raasay. From the best walks, most captivating views and our rich history, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you.

Hebridean Whisky Trail by Ferry

The History of Getting to Raasay

Exploring the rich history of travel and transport to the Isle of Raasay.
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Visit the Isle of Raasay

Welcome Back To Raasay

This year, VisitScotland has launched Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. As part of this fantastic...
Read More
The Best Views of Skye are from Raasay!

The Best Isle of Skye Views are from Raasay!

We consider ourselves incredibly lucky here on Raasay: beautiful scenery, interesting historical sites, quiet rocky beaches and a variety of...
Read More

Distillery Tours

Available Wednesday – Saturday.
Advanced booking recommended.

Tour Times & Book >>

Shop & Bar

Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 11pm

Sample Menu >>

Restaurant

Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner.

View Menus & Book >>

The Isle of Raasay, an island rooted in centuries of illicit distilling, provides the ingredients for the perfect dram. Our lightly peated Isle of Raasay Single Malt is an expression of this magical place.

Our zesty, smooth and refreshing Isle of Raasay Gin combines an exciting selection of ten Raasay and traditional botanicals, including Raasay juniper, sweet orange peel, rhubarb root and our double distilled spirit.

Enjoy a warm island welcome at our award-winning visitor centre and whisky hotel, Borodale House. Discover our tour options and book today, or better still, wake up in the Isle of Raasay Distillery for an unforgettable experience!

Winter Whisky Retreats

Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Tour, Tasting & Drinks From £280 per Room

As the nights start to draw in, and we approach the cosy winter nights join us for a Winter Whisky Retreat.

Our winter whisky retreat package for 2 people includes:

  • Accommodation in one of our luxury rooms
  • Drink served in the lounge on arrival – choice of Isle of Raasay G&T or a dram
  • A Scottish breakfast each morning of your stay
  • Production tour of distillery including our bottling line with whisky, gin and chocolate tasting at 17:00
  • Pre dinner canapé cocktail
  • Dinner each night of your stay

Book Now Gift Vouchers

Winter Whisky Retreats on Isle of Raasay