Orkney

Shetland

Western Isles

The Western Isles, otherwise known as the Hebrides, are quite unique. Miles of sandy coastline surround a land of unspoilt beauty, where countless rare breeds of birds make their homes. It's proud Celtic history forms a foundation for the contemporary culture of today. No traffic to wind you up, just miles of scenery in a relaxed atmosphere, what better way to spend a holiday.

The Isles stretch from the Butt of Lewis to Barra Head some 130 miles and each one has a story to tell. Inhabited for about 6,000 years the Isles can boast of such ancient sites as the famous Standing Stones of Calanais.

The Vikings invaded around the ninth century and ruled these lands until the Treaty of Perth in 1280 made them a part of the Kingdom of Scotland. However, the Norse influence was to remain within the culture.

Today the peoples of the Isles are the heart of Gaelic speaking Scotland and are proud of their dual language heritage. Around 30,000 of a population inhabit the Islands but many more have made mainland Scotland all the richer by their migration to those parts.

The land has four National Nature Reserves and a large number of other designated sites, with St.Kilda, the farthest, about 65 miles to the west.

There's a lot to do apart from the sightseeing as there are plenty of golf courses , tennis courts etc., plus the exciting prospect of a days fishing from a boat to whet the appetite.To get there one should have no difficulty as there are plenty of ferryboats going to and fro everyday and there are planes flying in and out each day except sunday.

Tiumpan Head lighthouse is at the most easterly edge of Lewis and the mainland hills can be seen from this point. Sometimes whales and basking sharks can be seen in the waters around here.

Portnaguran is a small village with a working harbour with good fishing. There's lots of villages dotted along the coastline with marvelous beaches and their own history.

Harris is situated to the south of the main Island but is itself split north and south. The main town of Harris is Tarbert and it is also a ferry port with all the facilities associated with that.

More information about the villages can be found in the site map.
Harris has golf and fishing facilities available along with some ancient historical sites.

Taransay lies to the west of Harris and can be seen from the shoreline. The Island has always been well known but even moreso through the controversial T.V. programme Big Brother.

North Uist and Bereray have great ancient sites and walks. The main industry being farming and fishing. As you can imagine lots of beautiful beaches line the area.

South Uist has much going for it because of the history surrounding the place. From the ancient to the more modern some famous names are linked to this lovely island. There's also golf and fishing facilities available for the enthusiast.

Barra is again another lovely isle in the Hebridean chain with beautiful beaches, lots of history and wildlife.

St.Kilda rises out of the sea like some sea monster but alas is now uninhabited. Boats do take trippers out to view it's magnificence which can be quite awesome to see.

If you enjoy the quieter, more relaxed style of vacation then visiting these Islands is a must.

If anyone has any comments or photos to enhance these pages please contact us.

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