Scotland

The Outer Hebrides/Western Isles are a group of distant isles situated off the West of Scotland. In years gone by the Hebrides were ruled by the Norse empire and during another period they were ruled by the Manx empire, only becoming part of Scotland a few centuries ago. More recently, during a period of time referred to as the ‘clearances’, a ridiculous number of folk, including complete families and even complete villages were viciously expelled from their cottages and transported to countries far away where the indigenous people used vastly different languages. Many people found themselves in places such as Canada and North America and even in places as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania.

As a result of this a large number of, vibrant, Gaelic and Scottish communities are still in existence around the globe. Furthermore, again because of this, there are a massive number of women and men that are, proudly, able to trace their family genealogy directly back to the Hebrides Isles. This has led to a dramatic increase in tourism to Outer Hebrides/Western Isles. Obviously the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles are more factors than this.

The Outer Hebrides/Western Isles are very famous for the large number of highly inviting, spotless beaches, (especially those which can be seen on the Uists, South Harris and Lewis) as well as the breathtaking scenery which is plentiful in very diverse flora and fauna ( with many of the species protected by Act of Parliament). You will, most likely, find yourself pleasantly surprised by the enormous number of SSSI’s (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles.

Because of the region’s great many archaeological sites, which are, commonly, in a surprisingly good condition, the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles are also extremely important to archaeologists. These places are fascinating with the Callanish Standing Stones (on the Isle of Lewis) being far older than the standing stones at Stone Henge (found in Wiltshire, in the South of England) and the broch at Carloway (also on the Isle of Lewis) being one of the best in Europe.

If you are in the process of considering a holiday in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles you will need to book early for the simple reason that unfortunately Hotels on Lewis are often booked up to a year in advance. This is also the truth with Self-Catering Cottages on Harris, which you might decide upon as an exciting alternative. Harris Self Catering can be incredibly interesting, nearly all Harris Self Catering have the most beautiful views that you are ever likely to behold but there is also a fascinating selection of buildings available to rent. If looking online Google the blackhouse on Harris.