Scotland’s tiny ‘hidden gem’ island with tropical ‘Barbados’ beaches

As we enter the first weekend of July, holidays are on all of our minds.

While the weather so far this summer hasn’t quite been what we had all hoped for, there is no reason to let Scotland’s typically unpredictable skies stop you from heading on a fun staycation. Whether rain or shine — hopefully shine — nothing can compete with a trip to the beach on a summer day.

Scotland is home to countless beaches, most of which become swarmed with Scots as soon as temperatures rise slightly above freezing. There are some scenic bays, however, that are something of a well-kept secret.

Among these are the breathtaking beaches on the tiny St Ninian’s Isle in Shetland. It has even been described as one of the “hidden gems of secret Scotland” by VisitScotland.

St Ninian’s Isle is a ‘tied island’, which means that it actually is connected to Shetland’s Mainland via a narrow stretch of sand called a tombolo. Around 500 metres in length, this tombolo is only accessible during the summer months — making now the perfect time to visit the island.

VisitScotland wrote: “With pristine sands and blue waters just as vivid as those found in Barbados, Shetland’s very own St Ninian’s Isle never fails to capture the heart of beach-goers. It’s regularly compared to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean, and deservedly so!”

According to the Shetland website, there is a six-kilometre walking route called the St Ninian’s Isle Circular that starts and ends on the Mainland. Taking around three hours to complete, the trail takes in magnificent views out over the water to Bigton and the West Side of Shetland.

Aside from its stunning sandy beaches, St Ninian’s Isle is maybe best known for the St Ninian’s Isle Treasure. Discovered in 1958, this collection of 28 silver and silver-gilt objects is thought to be the best surviving example of silver metalwork from the Scotland’s Early Medieval era in the eighth and ninth centuries.

The nearest settlement to St Ninian’s Isle is Bigton in the parish of Dunrossness on South Mainland. Here, there is a community shop, a café, and even the four-star Hayhoull Bed and Breakfast if you’re looking to make a proper holiday out of your visit to the island.

The full list of the 27 hidden gems of secret Scotland can be found on the VisitScotland website. Meanwhile, more information about St Ninian’s Isle can be found on the Shetland website.

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