Summer Isles

The Summer Isles form a small archipelago at the mouth of Loch Broom in the Scottish Highlands. Tanera Mòr is the largest island, with no roads and only one path circling the Anchorage bay. Boats regularly sail to the island from Achiltibuie and Ullapool, making it the main hub of the group. The islands lie within the Assynt-Coigach National Scenic Area, recognised for their natural beauty. Frank Fraser Darling lived on Tanera Mòr in the 1930s and wrote about the islands in his 1940 book Island Years. The islands have inspired writers like Ian R. MacLeod, whose novella shares their name. A local post office once printed its own stamps for visitors from 1970 until 2013. The islands hold literary and cultural significance beyond their scenery. Desmond Bagley’s novel The Enemy features a fictional island inspired by the Summer Isles. A guitar suite by Tim Slemmons includes a movement titled Evening in the Summer Isles. The Children’s Film Foundation made The Big Catch in the area around Ullapool and Lochinver. Musician Mairearad Green grew up near the islands and released an album called Summer Isles. The islands’ stamp bureau once attracted collectors who posted mail from the mainland. The Wicker Man, though often linked to the Summer Isles, was filmed far to the south. Visitors find a quiet island with few signs of modern life. The single path around Tanera Mòr offers gentle walking beside the sheltered bay. The absence of roads means the only movement comes from boats and walkers. The surrounding waters and nearby islands provide views of rugged Highland coastlines. The islands’ conservation status protects their wildlife and landscapes. The post office and holiday homes once gave the island a small but lively feel. The stamps and books add layers of cultural interest to a simple visit.