My little piece of Scotland

Dancing dolphins, a secret beach and the freedom to get on your bike make Raasay a magical holiday island

When we reached the secret beach I decided that the island of Raasay was my favourite place in the world. Looking over the water at the grey hills of Skye, I realised how lucky we were to be on such a wonderful island on a windy summer's day.

Earlier that day we had climbed rocks higher than I had ever climbed before and watched seals and dolphins perform dances in the sea. Someone on the island had told us that the dolphins were putting on shows to the north and that day we stood on a small hill as they appeared and jumped in and out of the water. We could not believe our eyes.

There was a French man who was trying his best to repair a big fishing boat he was hoping to sail back to France in. He owned a blind dog who had an awful lot of tales to tell. One of them was that his owner called her name one day on a beach and she ran into a rock she couldn't see which caused a trip to the vet.

When we went home I thought back on all the once-in-a-lifetime things we had done. It was the best holiday I have ever had and I can't wait to go back.

Ellen Watson, eight, Northampton

MY FAVOURITE place in Scotland is Raasay, a wee island out beside Skye. The ferry goes from a place called Sconser and takes 15 minutes to get there. My uncle drives the ferry so I get up to the wheelhouse to see where we are going. If you are lucky you might see the dolphins.

Raasay is a very quiet place but there are lots and lots of sheep – everywhere you go there are sheep. There is an outdoor centre called Raasay House where you can book to go kayaking in the 'home loch'. There is a big mountain called Dun Caan. It is an extinct volcano. I have climbed it and so have my dad, mum and brother.

Raasay is full of freedom so you can go for a cycle any time you like and that is why it is my favourite place in Scotland.

Sophie Harper, ten, Inverness

What's your favourite piece of Scotland? If you are between five and 12 years old, tell us where your favourite place is. Just write 350 words explaining where it is and why it's the best place in Scotland, then fill in the coupon (ask your parent to sign it first) and send both, along with a small photo of yourself, to: My Little Piece of Scotland, Scotland on Sunday, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS