Let others do the hard work when Scottish island-hopping

Grappling with ferry routes and timetables isn’t for the faint of heart so if you fancy Scottish island-hopping this summer, perhaps the best idea is to leave the planning to the professionals.

McKinlay Kidd set up 11 years ago by Heather McKinlay and husband Robert Kidd specialises in supplying tailor-made holidays across the country.

They do all the hard work organising your trip so you don’t have to leaving you to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free break.

The Glasgow-based business was borne out of Heather and Robert’s shared love of Scotland.

“We’ve always holidayed in Scotland and were constantly being asked to help plan trips for friends, so we thought why not do it for a living?” Robert, 51, says.

The pair, who have a wealth of experience in the marketing and tourism industries, pride themselves on having tried and tested the accommodation, restaurants and pubs they recommend to clients.

McKinlay Kidd cover a whole host of holidays, from romantic weekends, whisky tours and golf breaks, to castles, and cruises on board boats, or in classic cars.

But holidays spent hopping around the stunning Scottish isles account for more than half of their bookings.

From the sandy beaches of the Outer Hebrides to the soaring mountains on Skye, not to mention the wonderful wildlife habitats of Mull and Arran, there’s something to suit all tastes.

In total contrast to the Hebrides, are the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, with their history and culture very much Norse in origin.

“There’s a deliciously old-fashioned thrill to touring the stunning isles of Scotland,” Robert says. “They are very different and distinct, but combine well in an island-hopping touring holiday.”

The diversity of landscapes offers a huge range of activities from cycling to windsurfing.

And if you want to go further afield, McKinlay Kidd recently branched into Ireland too.

For more information, visit mckinlaykidd.co.uk.