Arran has been voted as one of the top three best island destinations in Scotland in a poll of over 1,000 people.

VisitScotland’s poll, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the novel Robinson Crusoe, was organised through ScotPulse and asked 1,227 respondents from across the country to select the islands they most wanted to visit.

The top three islands rated the best were the Isles of Skye, Arran and Harris, closely followed by the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as well as the Isle of Lewis.

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland regional leadership director, said: “As a country we are blessed with a vast number of fantastic islands, each with their own unique offering. The Shetland and Orkney Islands, Skye and the Outer Hebrides have all received coveted accolades this year, suggesting our islands are becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for visitors.

“This latest poll further highlights the popularity of Scotland’s islands and I’m delighted to see such a range of islands from across the country voted for. At VisitScotland we have a marketing focus on sharing the tourism windfall in lesser known parts of the country out with peak times to ensure that every part of the country enjoys the benefits it brings.”

Robinson Crusoe was written by Daniel Defoe and published in 1719. It is widely considered to be inspired by the life of real-life castaway Alexander Selkirk who lived for four years on a Pacific island called “Más a Tierra”, now part of Chile and renamed Robinson Crusoe Island.

To learn more about Scotland’s islands, go to www.visitscotland.com/see-do/island-hopping/

For more information about Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, go to www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/marketing-toolkits/year-of-coasts-and-waters-2020