Scotland

The islands found around the Scottish coast are some of the most beautiful to be seen in the world. The Isle of Harris lies off the West coast in a group of islands known as the Outer Hebrides, some of the remotest islands in the United Kingdom. Harris is sparsely populated with a population of less than 3,000 souls and yet the tiny island has had a surprising impact upon Scotland and the wider world.

The native language of the Isle of Harris is Gaelic but the vast majority of the folk are bilingual and speak English extremely well in a pleasant, gentle and rolling tone. At the very center of Gaelic culture Harris is almost unique, many of the houses are stone built and, usually, painted white creating picture postcard scenes around every corner of the winding and twisting single track roads.

In many ways a visit to the Isle of Harris is rather like traveling back in time to an idyllic time when everything about life was good. Crime rates are so low that children can play without fear or danger, car doors can be left unlocked without fear of theft and even a home can be left open for the day while out visiting or working with out the fear of burglary. It is for these reasons that many who take their annual vacations on Harris seriously consider relocation, many take the giant step and set up home on the island. However, most move away after only a few years, mainly because they had been ill prepared for the seriously windy and wet winters but also for the fact that life there is so drastically different than anywhere else in the U.K. that they suffer what could be termed ‘culture shock’.

The Isle of Harris is best enjoyed during spring and early to mid summer. Camping is extremely popular but if you really want to experience the true nature of this wonderful island you should seriously consider bed and breakfast on Harris. There are a large number of high quality guest houses on the Isle of Harris and all offer the most friendly service possible. Most rooms have spectacular views across lochs, out across the Atlantic or the treacherous waters of the Minch or across moorland with incredible mountains as a backdrop.

Self catering on Harris is becoming extremely popular, so popular that it is sometimes nearly impossible to find a cottage or house for rent so it is advisable to search online well in advance of your vacation. Various properties are available to let and the variety is amazing ranging from luxury hi-tech chalets to traditional stone built ‘whitehouses’. If you are looking for truly unique vacation there is even a traditional ‘blackhouse’ available to rent. A blackhouse is similar to a cottage, a single storey building with a thatch roof and very, very thick stone built walls with deep set windows. Fitted to a very high standard there isn’t anywhere else more cozy.

If you are planning a vacation on the Isle of Harris spend a little time investigating what the island has to offer. Some of the finest beaches in the world are often only a few minutes walk from your accommodation and some of the most amazing historical sites can be found a short drive away. Harris is an excellent base for exploring the Hebrides as it is within easy access to the Isle of Lewis and only a short ferry crossing from North and South Uist and the other southern isles.

Andrew Kelly has lived in the Hebrides of Scotland for 16 years. Initially concentrating on accommodation in the Hebrides he began writing for the Internet he began writing about vacations in Scotland in general and has now published tens of thousands of pages and articles across many popular sites.