UK’s ‘happiest islands’ have white sand beaches and attractions older than the Egyptian pyramids
A GROUP of islands in Scotland have been named one of the happiest places to like in the UK.
A report published by the Office of National Statistics, in its annual wellbeing survey, found respondents in the Outer Hebrides to be the happiest in the country.
When compared to other Brits, residents who live in one of the 12 inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides returned the highest ratings for questions like “How happy did you feel yesterday?”.
When asked why they think the islands are so happy, local Claire Macleod told the BBC: “I put it down to the people.”
She also raved about the amazing outdoors too, saying: “It’s got scenery, it’s got big skies, clean air, pure waters; safety’s a big factor.”
Another study – conducted by University of Sussex lecturer George Mackerron – backed this up.
His app Mappiness, that lets people ping where they are and how they feel, showed that many were happier in “natural environments” following 3.5million responses.
And the Outer Hebrides came near the top again, with him Mr Mackerron that it was also places that are “marine and coastal” destinations.
Not only are the Western Isles the happiest place in the UK, they might just be some of the luckiest too.
In the last few years, residents in the Outer Hebrides have won a combined £3.4million from the People’s Postcode Lottery.
In 2020, two scooped £193,055 each after a £3million jackpot landed in Berneray and North Uist and more recently 15 residents shared a £20,000 windfall.
The Outer Hebrides postcode has the highest number of wins per 100,000 people, being 122.9 – which is 130 per cent higher than the UK national average.
From dramatic landscapes and serene lakes to wildlife-watching tours and sandy beaches, these happy and lucky islands might just have it all.
The Outer Hebrides archipelago consists of over 100 islands, although only the following 12 are actually inhabited:
- Lewis and Harris (often considered two parts of the same island)
- North Uist
- South Uist
- Benbecula
- Barra
- Berneray
- Eriskay
- Great Bernera
- Grimsay (North)
- Grimsay (South)
- Scalpay (near Harris)
- Vatersay
Isle of Harris
The Isle of Lewis and Harris is the biggest island in the Western Isles and a good starting point for exploring the Outer Hebrides.
While it might’ve been over a decade since the Isle of Lewis and Harris was voted the best in Europe, there’s still plenty to attract visitors.
From sandy beaches and puffin colonies to mountain peaks and fresh seafood, there’s a bit of something for everyone.
Tarbet, the main community on the island, can be reached by taking the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Skye to Harris.
The ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbet takes just under two hours but it’s worth the journey.
One of the main things to do on the island is see the Calanais Standing Stones – a stone circle that’s said to be older than the Pyramids of Giza.
Shrouded in mystery, the stone circle was a filming location for the TV show Outlander and even influenced Disney‘s Brave.
But you can’t visit the islands without heading to the coastline, with Luskentyre Beach being a favourite among holidaymakers.
In 2022, the Scottish beach was named one of the Best Beaches at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The Scottish beach came seventh overall in Europe thanks to its miles of white sand, beautiful green-blue water and impressive sand dunes, with some even likening it to the Caribbean.
There are also several other beaches on the island including Seilebost Beach, MacLeod´s Stone, and Sgarasta Mhòr Beach.
As well as going to the beach, there are plenty of other activities on the island including the Isle of Harris whisky and gin distillery.
Holidaymakers can also go island hopping to the smaller islands around the coast of Harris.
Stornoway is the largest town on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, with direct flights to Stornoway operating from Edinburgh and Glasgow, while several ferry services connect the Isle of Harris to the Scottish mainland.
Vatersay
Vatersay is the southern-most inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides, making it a pretty idyllic spot for holidaymakers.
The island is home to white sandy beaches that are often compared to the Caribbean by its visitors.
It has great views overlooking the uninhabited islands of Sandray, Pabbay and Mingulay.
And it’s also home to some of the largest colonies of seabirds, including razorbill, gannet, guillemot, and puffin.
The Vatersay Hall Cafe Campsite is a rare holiday spot that has direct access to a beach with clean white sand and clear blue waters.
The cafe itself is run by people from the community and serves a simple menu of soups, sandwiches, toasties, cakes, tea and coffee and.
However, it also offers camping spots, with a grass pitch next to Vatersay hall, as well as a car park that caravans can use, with some holidaymakers comparing it to Greece.
Barra
The Isle of Barra is known for its sandy shores and beauty and having possibly one of the weirdest airports in the world, with flights landing on the beach at Cockle Strand in between tides.
During high tide, the runway disappears underneath the waves.
If this is a little too adrenaline-inducing, then you’ll be relieved to know a direct ferry service to Barra operates from Oban.
Attractions on the island include Kisimul Castle.
Nicknamed the ‘Castle in the Sea’, Kisimul Castle sits dramatically on a rock islet in the bay.
And last year, the isles of Bute and Barra were named as one of the world’s best hidden gems.
Two other little-known islands to visit in Scotland
HERE are two other little-known islands to visit in Scotland.
The Isle of Erraid, Scotland
The tiny Inner Hebridean Isle of Erraid is a tidal island, just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.
For an hour or two either side of low tide, the Isle of Erraid is linked to the mainland by a broad expanse of sand that you can cross.
But Erraid’s major claim to fame is its inspiration for the famous novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Erraid is one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland, with less than 1,000 millimetres of rain and 1,350 hours of sunshine annually, so you’re virtually guaranteed great days out on the beach.
Unst, Scotland
Unst is roughly 178 miles away from the Scottish mainland.
There are thought to be just 600 people living on the tiny island, making it the most northerly inhabited place in the UK.
Unst has just one pub, one hotel, one school, three shops and a lone bus route.
Skaw Beach, the most northerly in the UK, is packed with golden sand, and it’s backed by a meadow that’s home to an array of wild flowers in the spring and summer.
Because of its shape, the beach is fairly sheltered from the winds.
There are limited facilities at the beach, so holidaymakers should aim to pack everything they need before visiting.
Despite its remote location, around 100 people have reviewed the beach on Google, with one person writing: “Wild and wooly, with nobody around. The water was freezing, as you would expect.”
It’s also a haven for birds including corncrake, lapwing, peregrine, hen harriers and sandpipers and you’ll also see plenty of deer, hedgehogs and Black Face sheep.
A Brit is the leader of a remote island in the middle of the ocean – and claims it’s the smallest country in the world.
Michael Bates became the leader of “Sealand”, a platform 7.5 miles off the Suffolk coast when his dad Roy died in 1991.