Scotland

More and more folk are looking to spend a vacation in more unusual surroundings than the many popular beach resorts that they usually visit annually. There are a great many reasons for this change ranging from the increased awareness of the risks of skin cancer developing if we expose ourselves to too much sun, to the massive increase in popularity of genealogy and the need to visit the birthplace of our ancestors. The later is one of the reasons why more and more people are choosing to take a vacation in the Hebrides of Scotland visiting islands such as the Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis.

The Hebrides are a group of several hundred islands found off the west coast of Scotland, of which only a handful are still inhabited. Possibly the most famous island is the Isle of Skye which is in the group known as the Inner Hebrides. Many would argue that, since the building of a bridge linking it to the mainland, the Isle of Skye should no longer be classed as an island. However in the hearts of the majority it will always remain one of the most romantic islands within the United Kingdom of Great Britain due to it’s strong association with the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie with the aid of Flora MacDonald in the eighteenth century.

Separated from the islands of the Inner Hebrides, by a stretch of treacherous water known as the Minch, are the group of islands known as the Outer Hebrides and on which this article is focused. The islands of the Outer Hebrides are in excess of 200 but only a very few are populated. From the Isle of Barra in the south, through South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, South Harris, North Harris and the Isle of Lewis, the lands, flora and fauna of the Outer Hebrides varies greatly and, to a degree, so does the culture [the southern islands being Catholic and the Isle of Harris and Lewis (and parts of North Uist) being Protestant].

For the majority of their history the islands have always been a rather difficult area in which to live and the way of life has always been hard but, during certain periods, life became almost impossible. Sometimes it was the effects of nature (such as periods of famine) and at other times through the action of man (such as during the period known as the “Clearances”) but for whatever reason masses of Hebridean folk (including whole families) found themselves relocated in various parts of the Globe. Most commonly the folk of the Hebrides settled in areas such as Canada where they could have their own land on which to farm and sustain their family. This has led to incredible numbers of folk, from all over the globe, having their family roots in these very remote islands.

Of course it is not only those tracing their family roots that visit the Hebrides Isles, no, there is a multitude of other reasons why this remote area is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Most popular is the incredible scenery. The islands are truly unique and they often get a hold of people in a most unusual way making them want to return time and time again. Yes turning a corner to be faced by the most breathtaking beaches washed by crystal clear waters can be almost shocking and indeed it catches many drivers by surprise, causing many to reduce speed drastically or even brake, much to the annoyance of the locals often behind them but some of the scenery has a more subtle appeal that grows on you the longer you stay.

One of the most beautiful scenes to witness in the Hebrides is one of the glorious sunsets on the machair. Machair is a type of ground unique to the west of Scotland and Ireland which is extremely fertile and often covered in a rich and varied carpet of beautiful wild flowers. Unfortunately such areas are rare, with most machair found in the Outer Hebrides it is not surprising that many travel just to witness and study it.

If you have an interest in archaeology then the Hebrides have a multitude of important sites such as the standing stones at Calanais on the Isle of Lewis and the nearby broch. In fact there are numerous stone circles and single standing stones here there and everywhere on the islands as well as iron age wheelhouses, beaker settlements, burial cairns and many, many more such sites of interest.

However the islands are not only appealing to those who would enjoy the aspects mentioned above. Over the last decade there has been a massive increase in the numbers of people visiting the islands to enjoy sports. Cycling has always proved extremely popular but sports such as surfing, running, canoeing and many more are becoming so popular that the islands now host a number of important sporting events that are attended by sports men and women from all over the World.

The above article only touches upon some of the reasons why the Hebrides of Scotland are becoming a popular vacation destination. There are a great many more reasons why you should visit soon. Information is extremely easy to find online and there are a multitude of superb travel publications about the islands and Scotland. So, when you are planning your next vacation consider the Hebrides as a possible destination and I am sure you will not be disappointed.

One of the most popular islands in the Hebrides is the Isle of Lewis and we have superb Lewis bed and breakfast listed which includes hotels in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis as well as other types of accommodation for the various islands in the Inner and Outer Hebrides.