We will fly to Aberdeen in a larger plane to Shetland and Orkney, again cutting an even longer sea journey. Most of the sea crossing will be in larger ships which can take 50 or more cars and 400 passengers. Shorter crossing will be in 12 or 18 vehicle ramped ferries. The hotels are the best that I have found in the islands. Almost all have private facilities.
Some hotels are old and quaintly comfortable.
Other hotels are more modern but none are as spacious as American 'chain' hotels. All have character and most have stunning views. We can stay in smaller hotels too, away from the hassle of one night stay, fifty seater coach parties, which plague Oban, Fort William and Inverness. In several places we will take over the whole hotel. As often as I can arrange it, we shall stay in hotels for two or three nights, so that we are not always packing bags.