Launched in 2007 with one Ring, The Gaelic Rings now comprises six, all of which are based on Caledonian MacBrayne’s Island Hopscotch® routes. The Rings include a journey of Scotland’s Hebridean Islands from Islay to Lewis and the West Highland mainland from Kennacraig to Ullapool.

The project is run by HITRANS, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Caledonian MacBrayne, VisitScotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Argyll and Bute Council and Highland Council.

Aimed at both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speaking visitors, this tourism marketing initiative aims to promote the richness of Gaelic language and culture by highlighting the important role Gaelic has played in Scotland's past and more importantly, its relevance in today's modern world.

The first Gaelic Ring was launched in 2007 and is based on Caledonian MacBrayne's Island Hopscotch® 15 taking in Oban, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Skye and Mallaig. The Ring is completed with the road journey from Mallaig to Oban.

The success of this first ring has resulted in five new Gaelic Rings being unveiled for 2008. The six Gaelic Rings are shown below and are based on Caledonian MacBrayne's Island Hopscotch® routes.

Island Hopscotch® 7

Mull, Ardnamurchan and Skye

Oban - Craignure / Tobermory – Kilchoan / Mallaig – Armadale

Island Hopscotch® 11

Skye, Uist, Harris and Lewis

Mallaig - Armadale / Uig - Lochmaddy / Berneray - Leverburgh / Stornoway - Ullapool

Island Hopscotch® 18

Islay, Colonsay

Kennacraig - Islay / Islay - Colonsay / Colonsay - Oban

Island Hopscotch® 19

Coll, Tiree

Oban - Coll / Coll - Tiree / Tiree - Oban

Small Isles

Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna

Although our Island Hopscotch® routes do not extend to the Small Isles, the islands are easily accessible from Mallaig and we also offer options for Day Excursions from both Fort William and Skye.

Find out more about the Gaelic Rings or to start your journey, please go to online booking.