Scenic Flights from Oban: 5 Destination to Reach By Plane

Tiree

Sitting far out in the Atlantic Ocean, the remote islands of Coll and Tiree give a real taste of Hebridean life. The flight to these islands provides spectacular views of the myriad islands below. Tiree is the most westerly of the Inner Hebridean islands. Sitting 60 miles west of Oban, this beautiful isle is officially one of the sunniest places in the UK! It’s also home to some of the best beaches in Scotland. With its pristine white sands, sparkling water and near-guaranteed wind and waves, Tiree – sometime called the ‘Hawaii of the north’ – is a mecca for surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers.

Coll

With a population of around 220, Coll is a place to really get away from it all. The white-washed cottages of Arinagour greet you as you arrive. You may recognize the scene - this is the island that inspired the Katie Morag stories. Wild-life lovers will have a field day on Coll. Much of western Coll is an RSPB reserve, and a vast variety of birds can be spotted, including the corncrake, one of Britain’s rarest birds.

Hebridean Air Services runs scheduled flights to Coll and Tiree from Oban Airport, first calling at Coll and then flying onwards to Tiree. The flight to Coll takes around half an hour. From Coll to Tiree it’s a short 15-minute flight. This gives you the opportunity to spend time on both islands. 

Islay

The island of Islay, know as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is renowned for its natural beauty, its wildlife and, of course, its world-class whisky distilleries. It’s also home to one of Scotland’s most famous golf courses – The Machrie Links. Originally designed in 1891 by Willie Campbell, this 18-hole championship course has recently been fully modernised by D J Russell, and is now open for the season. Most people arrive by boat. But the quickest – and perhaps the most spectacular – way to travel to Islay is by plane. The views over the inner Hebridean islands and Kintyre can be breath-taking.

Hebridean Air Services fly from Oban to Colonsay and then to Islay. Once you’re out of departures there are various options for getting around Islay. You can hire a car, use the island’s bus services, or go for a combination of taxis, hired bikes and foot.

Colonsay

Islay may be called the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, but the title of ‘Jewel of the Hebrides’ is reserved for Colonsay. It’s a gem of an island, just 10 miles long by 2 miles wide, with some fabulous beaches, walks and wildlife. Head to Colonsay Holidays to find your perfect match in accommodation. Visitors are welcome at the Colonsay Golf Course, which offers a fantastic round of golf in a stunning location.

Hebridean Air Services operates scheduled flights from Oban to Colonsay. In the summer you can also fly between Islay and Colonsay with Hebridean Air Services. It’s just a short 20-minute hop. Once you’re on the island, you can explore by foot or hire bikes. 

Scenic Flights From Oban

Looking for a unique experience whilst staying in Oban? Hebridean Air Services also offers a 'Sightseer Ticket'. You jump on one of their flights to Coll/Tiree or Colonsay/Islay but you don't get off until you get back to Oban. In other words, take in the breathtaking views without paying the hefty price tag of a private, scenic flight.

Want some privacy? The aircraft is also available for tailor-made scenic charter flights.