Remote places in Scotland | Remote living
The expansive landscapes and sense of seclusion the remote places in Scotland provide hold great appeal for many.
While remote living can bring certain challenges, the rewards of privacy and connection to nature often outweigh the desire for connectivity and amenities.
Here we look at some of the remote places in Scotland from the Highlands to the islands.
Most remote locations in Scotland
Fair Isle
Located between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle is one of the most remote places in Scotland which is inhabited. Home to around 60 residents, it is renowned for its seabird colonies, including puffins, and its knitting traditions.
Accessible only by ferry or small plane, the island provides a close-knit community atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery.
Foula
West of Shetland, Foula is among the UK’s most remote inhabited islands, with fewer than 40 residents.
Foula’s dramatic cliffs, some of the highest in Britain, attract birdlife like Arctic terns and great skuas.
The island’s residents maintain traditional crofting and fishing practices, embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Knoydart Peninsula
The Knoydart Peninsula, often called “Britain’s last wilderness,” is a haven for those seeking true seclusion.
Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, the area comprises rugged mountains, serene lochs, and a small community centred around Inverie. Knoydart is known for its sustainability efforts and breathtaking surroundings.
St Kilda
St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides. Uninhabited since 1930, the archipelago has dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, and a rich history.
While no longer a place for permanent residency, it remains an iconic symbol of Scotland’s remote and wild heritage.
The Isle of Canna
The Isle of Canna, part of the Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides covers just seven square miles. It is home to a small community of residents and is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
Canna offers a peaceful lifestyle with stunning views, and abundant wildlife.
The Island is home to historical landmarks, including ancient ruins and early Christian sites. Accessible by ferry, the island provides a remote yet connected way of life.
Isle of Jura
Accessible by ferry, the Isle of Jura, part of the Inner Hebrides, has a population of around 200. With rugged landscapes and unspoiled wilderness, it offers a peaceful and remote lifestyle.
Dominated by the Paps of Jura, a trio of striking mountains, the island is popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Jura is known for its whisky distillery and as the island where George Orwell wrote “1984”.
Letterewe
Located on Loch Maree’s western shores, Letterewe Estate is a vast wilderness in the Highlands.
Its dramatic mountains, lochs, and unspoiled landscapes make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hillwalking and deer stalking.
With no roads or public access, Letterewe is among the most remote places in Scotland encapsulating solitude and natural beauty.
Fisherfield Forest
Nicknamed the “Great Wilderness,” Fisherfield Forest in the northwest Highlands is a remote expanse of moorlands, lochs, and dramatic peaks.
Despite its name, it is not a forest but an untamed landscape popular among experienced hikers. Its Munros, including A’ Mhaighdean, are considered some of Scotland’s most remote, offering a raw and challenging connection to nature.
Glenbuchat, Aberdeenshire
Glenbuchat is a picturesque and tranquil area located in the heart of Aberdeenshire.
Known for its rolling hills and scenic glens, the village and surrounding area are steeped in history. Glenbuchat Castle, a 16th-century tower house, stands as a notable landmark.
Glenbuchat offers excellent opportunities for walking, wildlife spotting, and exploring the Cairngorms National Park nearby.
Rural places to Live in Scotland
For those who are considering moving to a rural location in Scotland, there are many desirable places that offer a balance of seclusion and community. Here are just a few examples:
Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull, part of the Inner Hebrides, is one of Scotland’s larger and more accessible islands, offering a blend of remote living and community life.
Mull features rugged coastlines, mountains, and sandy beaches.
The island is home to Tobermory, its colourful main town, offering essential amenities alongside a thriving arts and cultural scene whilst villages like Dervaig, Fionnphort, and Lochdon add to Mull’s charm.
Mull is celebrated for its wildlife, including eagles, otters, and marine life, as well as its historic sites such as Duart Castle. Accessible by ferry, Mull appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle without complete isolation.
Sleat Peninsula, Isle of Skye
The Sleat Peninsula, located on the southern tip of the Isle of Skye, is often referred to as the “Garden of Skye” due to its lush landscapes and gentle scenery.
Renowned for its mix of rolling hills, woodlands, and rugged coastlines, the area offers a quieter and less dramatic alternative to Skye’s northern regions.
The main village, Armadale, is home to the Clan Donald Centre and gardens, a key cultural attraction.
The peninsula provides a strong sense of community, with small villages scattered throughout, and good transport links via the ferry from Mallaig.
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, is a vibrant and historic port town that serves as the cultural and economic hub of the archipelago. Situated on the east coast of the mainland, Lerwick combines modern amenities with traditional charm.
The town is known for its bustling harbour, which supports fishing, shipping, and leisure activities.
Lerwick’s attractions include the Shetland Museum and Archives, Fort Charlotte, and the annual Up Helly Aa Viking fire festival.
With a lively community, unique shops, and stunning coastal scenery, Lerwick provides an excellent balance of remote island living and essential services.
Ballachulish, Lochaber, Highlands
Ballachulish, near the shores of Loch Leven in the Scottish Highlands, is a scenic village known for its dramatic landscapes and historic slate quarrying industry.
The village is split into North and South Ballachulish, connected by the Ballachulish Bridge, which offers striking views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.
It serves as a gateway to Glen Coe, a renowned destination for hiking, climbing, and skiing.
With a warm community, local amenities, and a rich cultural heritage, Ballachulish is an appealing location to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities the Highlands have to offer.
Culross, Fife
Culross is a beautifully preserved historic village on the northern shores of the Firth of Forth in Fife around 30 minutes from Edinburgh.
With its cobbled streets and the distinctive mustard-yellow Culross Palace it is a rare example of a 17th-century burgh.
The village has a primary school, marina, charming places to eat, and local shops for everyday conveniences. With its picturesque setting and well-maintained heritage, Culross provides a charming and tranquil lifestyle.
Dunkeld, Perthshire
Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire, is a picturesque town renowned for its charm and historic significance.
The town’s highlight is Dunkeld Cathedral, a partially restored medieval structure surrounded by peaceful woodland.
Dunkeld’s beautifully preserved Georgian houses, lining Atholl Street, reflect its architectural heritage.
The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with nearby trails such as the Hermitage offering stunning walks through ancient forests and alongside dramatic waterfalls.
Remote places in Scotland
Remote places in Scotland, whether islands, peninsulas, or rural villages, offer diverse lifestyles defined by tranquillity, privacy, and a close connection to nature.
If you are considering living in one of the rural or remote places in Scotland and would like to find out more about our services, please contact Garrington for an initial consultation without obligation.
