There is something special about islands. Perhaps it's the sense of romance and adventure you get from travelling by sea. Perhaps it's the salt and ozone tang in the air, or the seemingly endless views towards a blue-grey horizon. Maybe it's the sound of waves crashing on the shore at the end of their thousand-mile long journey.

Whatever it is that makes islands feel so special, Argyll's Atlantic Islands have it in abundance. Here you will find over 3,000 recognised archaeological sites, 44 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), almost a third of Scotland's Marine Conservation Areas, practically the entire UK populations of several endangered species, the cradle of Christianity in this country, and the dynastic home of a once-great seafaring kingdom.

One of the main attractions for visitors is the array of plants, birds and animals, many of which are rarely found outside these islands. Over 100 species of birds breed on Islay alone. Tiny Colonsay is home to more than 500 species of plants, including rare and spectacular orchids.

The surrounding waters are no less important. From molluscs to minke whales, a wide variety of marine life thrives in the rich waters of Argyll's Atlantic Islands. Each island has its own distinctive character which shapes the nature of the plants, animals and people who make it their home. But they all share one thing in common: generous quantities of that special magic that only islands have.