While Scotland may not be the first place to come to mind when you think of dupes for the Caribbean, the silver sands of Shoe Bay make it reminiscent of the sandy Barbados beaches - even if the temperature doesn't quite match. This beautiful beach is located on the private island of Eilean Shona, where visitors can rent out a collection of colourful cottages.

This remote island is only accessible by boat, following a three-hour drive through the highlands from Glasgow or after a hour's journey from Fort William, after arriving by sleeper train. Once at Dorlin Pier, the island’s RIB picks guests up for the five minute crossing. A quad and trailer transports guests’ luggage and provisions to/from the cottage on arrival and departure.

The beautiful island, which was the inspiration for J.M. Barrie’s Neverland, is owned by Vanessa Branson, the sister of businessman Richard Branson.

Vanessa and her former husband, Robert Devereux, purchased the island in 1995, and it is now managed as an exclusive holiday retreat.

Cottage and house guests spend the days building campfires, cooking fresh mussels, crabbing, painting, picnicking, or discovering the island’s many coastal and woodland paths.

While those looking for a more active holiday can enjoy some wild swimming, sea kayaking or paddle boarding, all of which Eilean Shona's coastline is ideal for.

All the cottages are within walking distance of Shoe Bay, Eilean Shona’s own secluded silver sand beach, which is home to seals, sea eagles, sea otters, red squirrels, and pine martens.

Alongside the cottages is the island's former village hall, which now serves as the island’s social hub, with wi-fi/phone signal, a ping-pong table, reference books, and board games - and once a week plays host to a 'pub night'.