Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report 353 Nature Based Tourism in the Outer Hebrides COMMISSIONED REPORT Commissioned Report No. 353 Nature Based Tourism in the Outer Hebrides (Tender 29007) For further information on this report please contact: David Maclennan Scottish Natural Heritage 32 Francis Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND E-mail:
[email protected] This report should be quoted as: Taylor, W.A., Bryden, D.B., Westbrook, S.R., and Anderson, S. (2010). Nature Based Tourism in the Outer Hebrides. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 353 (Tender 29007). This report, or any part of it, should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. This permission will not be withheld unreasonably. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage. © Scottish Natural Heritage 2010. COMMISSIONED REPORT Summary Nature Based Tourism in the Outer Hebrides Commissioned Report No. 353 ((Tender 29007) Contractor: Taylor, W.A., Bryden, D.B., Westbrook, S.R. and Anderson, S. Year of publication: 2010 Background Tourism in the Outer Hebrides is a significant contributor to the economy of the islands. Much of this is based on the outstanding wildlife, landscape and opportunities for activity in the outdoors that are available throughout the year. The Area Tourism Partnership consisting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, HIE, VisitScotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Island’s tourism businesses recognise that the contribution that these assets can make to the island’s economy can be increased. This study undertook a review of the nature based assets within the Outer Hebrides and identified those assets that offered the greatest potential to help grow the island’s economy.