5 Best Sights in Scotland

A long (hour-and-a-half) but incredibly scenic drive west of Strontian, this distinctive mid-19th-century lighthouse lies at the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Built by Alan Stevenson, one of Scotland's renowned Stevenson family of lighthouse designers (and uncle to Treasure Island author Robert Louis), it's the only lighthouse in the United Kingdom built in the Egyptian style. After admiring the architecture, take a stroll along the coastal path—look out for humpback whales breaching offshore—and enjoy a coffee and cake in the charming Stables Coffee Shop (April to October only).

Standing atop one of northern Europe's most stunning locations, this beautiful lighthouse—built in 1821 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the writer Robert Louis—was the first anywhere in Shetland. Sir Walter Scott was very taken with the location and based his novel The Pirate on the nearby landmarks of Jarlshof and Fitful Head. The stories of the Old Radar Hut—crucial during WWII—and the engine room with its deep booming foghorn are brought back to life here, while a Marine Life Centre has excellent displays on the birds, fish, and sea mammals found around the cliffs. If you walk round the dry-stone dikes, you will probably see (and will definitely hear) puffins, guillemots, and fulmars breeding, feeding, and fighting on the rocks. Don't miss the circular café and Education Suite, with its jaw-dropping panorama.

At the northernmost point of Lewis, 3 miles northwest of Port of Ness, stands the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, which was first illuminated in 1862. Designed by David and Thomas Stevenson, it's one of many Scottish lighthouses built by the prominent Stevenson engineering family, whose best-known scion was novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, famed for Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The adjacent cliffs provide a good vantage point for viewing seabirds, whales, and porpoises.

Head to this lighthouse for spectacular views of cliffs and sea stacks, as well as seabirds like guillemots and (if you're lucky) puffins. It's on the coastal road east of town. There are a few parking spaces here, or you can walk (about 30 minutes) from the main road.

Skye's westernmost point is famed for its steep sea cliffs and picturesque, early-20th-century lighthouse, designed by David Alan Stevenson (cousin of Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson). The Neist Point Trail begins at the cliff-top parking area, from which it's a short but steep walk down to the lighthouse.