From Issue Three of Hidden Scotland Magazine

I’ll Take the Slow Road

Kay Gillespie on reaching the islands by public transport.

Words by Kay Gillespie · Photographs by Connor McEwan

Printed in Issue Three of Hidden Scotland Magazine, Winter 2021.

I always experience a wave of satisfaction when I successfully complete a multi-leg route on public transport, particularly when my final destination is an island.

I’ll Take the Slow Road, photograph by Connor McEwan

Reaching Iona is a mini expedition from city to coast, featuring two trains, two ferries and a local bus: Edinburgh to Glasgow, Glasgow to Oban, Oban to Craignure, Craignure to Fionnphort, Fionnphort to Iona. Each new leg and mode of transport serves up fresh opportunities for rest, relaxation, and scenic stimulation. True to life itself, an island-hopping adventure is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

I don’t drive, so travelling this way is often a necessity for me, but it is also a choice. After dozens of uninspiring and unsuccessful driving lessons in my twenties, I contently resigned myself to life without a car, and it certainly hasn’t held me back. I’ve explored Scotland extensively since, gracing the shores of 60 islands, and making a career out of sharing my Scottish travel experiences online.

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