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Planning your ultimate Raasay trip? Despite our small size, there is a vast range of places to explore, sights to take in and activities to do!
From beautiful historical sites and breathtaking hikes to whisky tours and dinner at the former clan estate house, we’ve run down your essential bucket list for a two-night trip to Raasay.
Getting here for your gin and whisky distillery tours 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. Step aboard CalMac’s hybrid ferry in Sconser and enjoy a scenic 25 minute sailing over to Raasay looking across the Sound of Raasay and Cuillin mountains.
Once you’ve arrived, your adventure truly begins
Every trip to the Isle of Raasay starts with a crossing on our beautiful hybrid-electric ferry. Leaving from the peaceful village of Sconser and under the incredible peaks of the Cuillin ridge, advance booking is not required and you’ll soon be crossing the water with an incredible view of the island stretching north.
The ferry disembarks at the terminal in Clachan, the historical ‘capital’ of the island. While this new harbour was only built in 2010, the original 19th century estate pier is also located here, guarded by an impressive gun battery that looks down south over the narrows of Raasay towards the Isle of Skye. You’ll even find one of the original canons still in place, originally fitted as a deterrence against raids during the Napoleonic War!
Whether you’re on foot or in the car, our award-winning distillery hotel is just a stone’s throw from the ferry terminal and the perfect place to drop off your bags and start exploring the island. You’ll first encounter the old steading, one of the former estate buildings that is decorated with an impressive clocktower. Turn right here and follow the road until the distillery comes into view.
Once you’ve checked in and unpacked in one of our distillery rooms, you’ll no doubt want to explore. The perfect way to see the island and discover what’s on your doorstep is by taking a walk to Camus Alba or North Bay as it’s commonly known. This beautiful stretch of beach is quiet, secluded and boasts breathtaking views towards Ben Tianavaig and the hills of Skye.
Walking there will take you back past the old farm steading. This is actually where the popular TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins filmed two of their recent series! Carrying on past here, you’ll reach the Walled Garden. Originally built to serve as the main garden for Raasay House, it is now a beautiful community-run garden that grows a range of organic produce. You’ll also pass St Molougs, one of Raasay’s most ancient graveyards and our Celtic standing stone, one of the island’s oldest historical artefacts.
From here, walk down to the shoreline of Camus Alba and enjoy the stunning views and sound of the water crashing onto the shore. A coastal path north will eventually take you back to the road where you can choose to walk into the hills or back towards the distillery and Raasay House.
Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, you’ll probably find that it’s time for a bite to eat. The Raasay House Hotel provides food and drink from their beautiful cafe and bar and with stunning views over the sound of Raasay, you’ll probably find it hard to pull yourself away from the place!
From the Steading. you’ll see the leafy stretch of road that leads into the grounds of this former clan house of the MacLeods. Originally built in the 15th century, it was greatly expanded by the MacLeods and subsequent landlords with extra wings, a walled garden and various features around the grounds. It gained the current Georgian facade in the late 19th century and was reopened in 2011 after a multi-million pound renovation. Grab a map or brochure and plan out the rest of your trip while you enjoy a bite to eat, either inside or on the patio at the front of the house.
Raasay House Website
After a casual lunch, the next stop is the distillery to enjoy a tour and have a taste of our single malt and island gin. The distillery has tours running throughout the day, and our talented tour guides will take you through the story of Raasay, the distillery and how we craft our award-winning spirits. You’ll be able to gain access to the heart of the production hall and see where our Single Malt and Gin is crafted by our islander team. At the end of the tour, have a taste of our single malt and gin alongside some handcrafted chocolates from our local partners Chocolates of Glenshiel, each one paired with the spirit you will be tasting.
Every drop of whisky and gin made at the Isle of Raasay distillery is made, matured, bottled, labelled and shipped from our small island. Being able to taste and explore our single malt or gin on the island that it was created on is the ultimate way to experience our high quality spirits.
Our distillery will be debuting a new distillery bar this year, where our in-house mixologists will be creating a range of cocktails based on our whisky and gin. However, guests at our hotel can also take in the more relaxed surroundings of our residents lounge, which has an honesty bar stocked with local beers, wines and spirits to sample and enjoy. It’s the perfect place to decompress after a long day of exploring and to relax before dinner.
Boasting incredible views over the Isle of Skye and a diverse restaurant menu made with local produce from around the islands, the Raasay House Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a meal after your day on the island.
After your first introduction to the island, it’s time to explore a bit further afield for your second day on the Isle of Raasay.
Day two will take you through one of our famous historical sites, as well as a hike to Raasay’s tallest point where you’ll be greeted among the most beautiful and breathtaking vistas found anywhere in Scotland. Before that however, no adventure on Raasay can properly start without a proper Scottish breakfast!
Start your morning the right way with a fabulous breakfast in the surrounds of our distillery Gathering Room.
The perfect way to explore the island and discover what’s on your doorstep is by taking a walk to Camus Alba, or North bay as it’s commonly known. This beautiful stretch of beach is quiet and secluded, and has beautiful views towards Ben Tianavaig and the Hills of Skye. Walking there will take you past the Raasay House Walled Garden, a beautiful community run garden that grows a range of local organic produce. You’ll also pass the [link to history page] celtic standing stone, one of Raasay’s oldest historical objects. From here, you can wander back towards the harbour, up into the hills or down towards the main community of inverarish.
Back in Clachan and only a short walk from the distillery, the Raasay House Cafe provides food and drink from their beautiful cafe and bar, with stunning views over the sound of Raasay. Grab a map or brochure and plan out the rest of your trip while you enjoy a bite to eat, either inside or on the patio at the front of the house.
Raasay House Website
After a casual lunch, walk or drive to the distillery to enjoy a tour and have a taste of our single malt and island gin. The distillery has tours running throughout the day, and our talented tour guides will take you through the story of Raasay, the distillery and how we craft our award-winning spirits. You’ll be able to gain access to the heart of the production hall and see where our Single Malt and Gin is crafted by our islander team. At the end of the tour, have a taste of our single malt and gin alongside some handcrafted Chocolates from our local partners Chocolates of Glenshiel, each one paired with the spirit you will be tasting.
Every drop of whisky and gin made at the isle of Raasay distillery is made, matured, bottled, labelled and shipped from our small island. Being able to taste and explore our single malt or gin on the island that it was created is the ultimate way to experience our high quality spirits.
Our distillery will be debuting this year a new distillery bar, where our in house mixologists will be creating a range of cocktails based on our whisky and gin. However guests at our hotel can also take in the more relaxed surroundings of our residents lounge, which has an honesty bar stocked with local beers, wines and spirits to sample and enjoy. It’s the perfect place to decompress after a long day of exploring and to relax before dinner.
Boasting incredible views over the Isle of Skye and a diverse restaurant menu made with local produce from around the islands, the Raasay House Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a meal after your day on the island.
Require More Information? To request more information on our cask offering, please complete the form below.
A member of the Raasay Distillery team will then be in touch to answer any queries.
The magical 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.
Rooted in centuries of illicit distilling, Raasay provides the ingredients for the perfect dram.
Every drop of spirit is distilled, matured and bottled on the island using water from the Raasay Distillery well.
Experience at first hand our exciting journey from revitalising a landmark island building, to harvesting the first Raasay barley for a generation, and handcrafting the first legal Isle of Raasay Gin and Isle of Raasay Single Malts in history.
Our signature Isle of Raasay Single Malt is lightly peated balanced with rich dark fruit flavours.
Matured in six signature casks as part of our unique six-part maturation, creating real depth and complexity. Natural colour, non-chill filtered. 46.4% ABV.
Our handcrafted Scottish island gin combines ten carefully chosen botanicals, including Raasay juniper, rhubarb root, sweet orange peel and our triple distilled spirit. The result is dry, zesty and refreshingly smooth.
Choose between one of our small, full size, or shared Isle of Raasay whisky casks via Caskshare, and become part of the Isle of Raasay Distillery story.
This year, we are making major improvements to our visitor centre and accommodation, including adding a restaurant. Construction work will be ongoing at the distillery until approximately May 2022. We have temporary arrangements in place for our distillery tours and shop and we aim to minimise any disruption caused during your visit.
There is something for everyone on our distillery, warehouse, and mouth-watering chocolate tours.
View Times & BookThe 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 triple 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!
Slàinte Club members enjoy £5 off their first online order over £50, and are always the first to find out about new releases and stories from the island.
