To celebrate the start of Scotland's summer ferry timetables and extra sailings to some of Scotland's islands starting this weekend (3 April), award winning tour operator McKinlay Kidd has expanded on their renowned offering of over 80 unique island holiday experiences.

Talking about the launch of the new summer ferry services Robert Kidd, Director of McKinlay Kidd said:

"As the new summer timetables begin and there are more ferries journeying to Scotland's breath-taking isles, this is the perfect time to book a unique and offbeat island escape.”

McKinlay Kidd's extensive island offering now covers almost 90 different custom-made island holiday experiences including:

• The Orkney Taster - An ideal introduction to this this magical group of islands, this three-night break is suitable either as a short break in its own right or as an add-on to a longer stay in Scotland. Prices from £349 per person.
• Mull Wildlife Experience - A favourite with BBC's Autumnwatch and Springwatch, the Isle of Mull boasts one of the most diverse eco-systems in Britain. This four-night break includes a day's whale watching and a wildlife safari with expert local guides to track down some of Mull's wildlife, from elusive otters to majestic golden and white-tailed eagles and much more. Prices from £450 per person.
• Whisky Explorer Escorted Journey - Apt for Scotland's Year of Food & Drink, this week-long grand tour of Scotland in a small, escorted group includes Edinburgh, Speyside, Oban and Islay, with tours and tastings at six distilleries, visits to several more plus dinner at the Scotch Whisky Experience. Prices from £1345 per person.  
• West Highland Line to Skye - Readers of Wanderlust travel magazine regularly vote the West Highland Line as the best railway journey in the world. But that's not the only experience on this three-night stunning car free escape: guests will also take the ferry 'over the sea to Skye' to a beautiful, cosy hotel in a tiny village with stunning coastal views and excellent local walks. Prices from £500 per person.
• Escape to the Edge - Taking the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, this five-night island-hopping holiday combines the remote Outer Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris with an adventurous day-trip to experience the magic, mystery and austerity of long-abandoned St Kilda. Prices from £735 per person.
• An Island Odyssey - From Arran's "Scotland in Miniature" landscape to Islay's whisky distilleries, from Tobermory's stunning waterfront on Mull, to the brooding Cuillins on Skye, this 8 night holiday gives visitors ample opportunities to explore, with short ferry journeys between each of the islands. Prices from £895 per person.
• See Shetland Differently - Starting with an overnight ferry journey, this three-centre six-night holiday enables visitors to explore the length and breadth of Britain's most northerly islands – a magical place, with a completely different feel from the rest of Scotland. Prices from £925 per person.
• Journey Through the Western Isles - This 10 night holiday experience is ideal for those who want a relaxing tour of these truly captivating islands - from Barra in the south through the Uists, to Harris, Lewis and finishing on Skye. Prices from £1015 per person.

Speaking about travelling to Scotland's islands Robert added: “There is a deliciously old-fashioned thrill to visiting the Scottish Islands, however grappling with route-planning and ferry timetables is not for the faint-hearted. At McKinlay Kidd, having tried and tested every holiday ourselves, we can work out the best combinations and timings to ensure visitors get the most out of their Scottish island adventure.”

To plan your tailor-made holiday with McKinlay Kidd visit seescotlanddifferently.co.uk; or call 0844 873 6110.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

• McKinlay Kidd specialises in arranging independent holidays throughout Scotland and Ireland.
• In 2014, for the fourth year running, McKinlay Kidd was awarded the accolade of "Best Small Tour Operator" in the Guardian & Observer Travel Awards, as voted by customers.
• The company was established in 2003 by Robert Kidd & Heather McKinlay, who each have over 20 years experience working for some of the biggest names in the UK travel industry.
• Every single recommendation is based on personal experience, and their golden rule is simple: "we wouldn't send you anywhere that we haven't been ourselves."
• Members of Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)
• For more information see www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk
• CalMac's Summer timetables begin on 3 April. NorthLink Ferries Summer timetables to Orkney and Shetland begin on 13 April.