a free cultural guide Image co-created by Sam Maynard and Malcolm Maclean In 2015 a bid from the Outer Hebrides was awarded the Creative Place accolade by Creative Scotland, in recognition of our thriving culture and the quality and breadth of our local artistic work and creative activity. Championed by a dynamic partnership led by An Lanntair Arts Centre, the win awarded funding towards the unique Bealach project.
Bealach; a Gaelic word originally meaning ‘route or pass’ has come through time to signify a passage for travellers, through land or sea, essentially describing the process of moving through.
The project focuses on making a way into new cultural experiences rooted in the rich heritage of the Gaidhealtachd and takes place throughout and beyond the town of Stornoway. Bealach will enable innovative artist residencies; world class Gaelic music; public art commissions; trails, tours and exhibitions as well as supporting the development of creative skills to add to the rich seam of talent running through the islands. Photo © Jon Macleod
‘Butt of Lewis Lighthouse – 22 days – Guiness can and duct tape – 0.25mm pin hole’ A Work in progress image from Jon Macleod’s commissioned project Deiseal/Sunwise, that seeks to capture the path of the sun across Lewis & Harris from the shortest day to the longest day using long exposure solagraph photography. Photo © Ian Lawson
The Festival of Harris Tweed will recognise the achieve- ments and innovations within the internationally renowned Harris Tweed Industry. A series of events will be held at An Lanntair; From the Land comes the Cloth exhibition by Ian Lawson (July-Aug 16) Am Beairt a specially commissioned Sharmanka Hattersley Loom kinetic sculpture (Oct-Nov 2016). Festival of Harris Tweed Event (13th August 16) showcasing the work of high-end artisans and designers, featuring live music, archive film, loom demonstrations and themed tours to weavers’ sheds and production mills. The Between Islands Writers’ Commission has enabled Kevin Macneil, Alison Miller and Roseanne Watt to write short stories, inspired by archive material in the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney. As part of HebCelt 2016 the Hebridean Women Concert will launch the festival and the Western Isles Cèilidh Trail will see young islanders performing in intriguing venues for the month of July 16, including the ferries en route to/from the festival. Renowned composer Craig Armstrong and Calum Martin are collaborating on the Gaelic Psalm Project culminating in a performance at An Lanntair on Saturday 27th August 16.
The Uig area will host the An Sùileachan Artist Residency, an opportunity for an artist to work within the except- ional landscape and culture of rural Lewis. For Mapping the Arteries Janie Nicoll and Roos Dijkuisean are to create new public artworks for the iconic Four Winds concrete © Janie Nicoll www.janienicoll.co.uk bus shelters. Janie Nicoll’s artwork will focus on the Carry Bus Shelter in Bhaltos Glen as a personal response to the uniqueness of its location and the surrounding area, as a Site of Special Scientific In- terest. Roos Dijkuisean trav- elled extensively on the bus routes across the islands in February 2016 and will make new work inspired by this experience. Glasgow School of Art Artists’ Commissions will match selected artists with post- graduate students to develop an artistic response to the Landscape, Culture and History of the Outer Hebrides. There will also be innovative new Visual Art Commissions from art- ists Calum Angus Mackay, Jon Macleod, Philippa Thomas and Hector Macinness, working on the theme of “passage or gate- way” to be exhibited at An Lanntair in Autumn 16.
Visit http://lanntair.com/bealach/ for the full Bealach programme as it develops throughout 2016 and 2017 Introduction
A journey through the Outer Hebrides will take you to some of the most remote and beautiful scenery in Europe. Vast expanses of moorland, stunning shell sand beaches, machair grasslands, dramatic cliffs and rugged hills all contain a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Together with a unique culture, history and the Gaelic Language this provides an inspir- ing island environment to live and work in, and a culturally rich place to explore as a visitor.
The “Bealach” project will create new art works and events during 2016 and 2017, to enhance the cultural infrastructure of the islands. 2016 will also see the opening of “Museum agus Tasglann nan Eilean”, and the eagerly anticipated return of several of The Lewis Chessmen on loan from the British Museum, together with loans from the National Museums Scotland, including stone axes, silver coin hoards and a three wheeler car, which will be displayed alongside the Museum’s own collections.
This publication aims to guide you to the existing galleries, studios, work- shops, retail outlets and websites where art and craft, made in the Outer Hebrides, can be viewed, enjoyed and purchased. Scattered throughout the islands there are also many significant Public Art Works and Landmarks, to visit on route. The guide documents some (but by no means all) of these interesting and contemplative places, which interact with the surrounding landscape, interpreting elements of island history and relationships with the natural environment.
The island’s Comainn Eachdraidh are comprehensively detailed. Run by dedicated volunteers these local historical societies hold a treasure trove of information gathered over many years, including photographs, oral histories, genealogies, croft histories, arte-facts and archives. They offer an opportunity to study the history of island life and trace family roots back through the centuries.
Although all details are accurate at the time of going to print in April 2016, it is advisable to check opening times before travelling long distances to particular venues.
The guide is divided into four sections – Stornoway, Lewis, Harris, Uists/ Barra – by maps showing the locations of venues that open to the public or can be visited by appointment. Public Art & Landmarks are always acces- sible and are colour-coded on the maps to distinguish them from venues. Introduction
Key to symbols
Online Shopping/website Cafe
Restaurant
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Toilet
Disabled Toilet
Disabled Access 53 Clisham Arts and Crafts 66 Holmasaig Gallery 54 Patterns of Ancient Sunlight 67 The Mission House Studio 55 Hebscape Gallery and Tearoom 68 Finsbay Gallery 56 Black Lab Photos and Frames 69 Harris Tapestry: An Clachan 57 Harris Tweed Isle of Harris 70 Seallam! Visitor Centre 58 Caolas Gallery 71 Harris Art Gallery 59 Pink Sheep Studio 72 Caroline Chaffer Textiles 60 Scalpay School Craft Village 73 Borvemor Arts 61 Geoff Stear: ‘Artworks’ 74 Hebrides Art 62 Ardbuidhe Cottage Gallery 63 Harris Tweed and Knitwear A North Harris Eagle Observatory 64 The Harris Tweed Company Grosebay B Saint Clement’s Church/ Tur Chliamainn 65 Skoon Art Café
Bowglass Hushinish
Ardvourlie Bedersaig
Govig
Amhuinnsuidhe A859 Cliasmol A Meavaig
53 54
Bunavoneadar 55 Ardasaig
56 Rhenigidale 57 Urgha Tarbert Luskentyre 58
74 Kyles Meavaig 59 60 61 Seilebost Scalpay Horgabost 62 63 Outend Drinishader Borve Grosebay Plockropool Lickisto 73 Leac 64 Scarista a Li 65 Scadabay 70 71 72 Tarbert - Uig A859 Geocrab Cluer Northton Beckrivig Stockinish
Flodabay Ardslave Manish 67 68 69 66 Leverburgh Finsbay Ardvey Quidinish
Borsam
Tarbert - Lochmaddy Carminish Lingerbay Strond B Borrisdale Rodel Leverburgh - Berneray na hearadh harris Harris: Public Art and Landmarks Steffie van Lamoen (www.behance.net/vanLamoenSdesign) Photo © Steffie van Lamoen (www.behance.net/vanLamoenSdesign) Robin Reid RSPB Reid Photo © Robin
A North Harris Eagle Observatory: The Observatory, a project by the North Harris Trust, is a 2km walk from the car-park at Meavaig & is open at all times (Map ref: NB 100 062). Situated in a spectacular location at the heart of golden eagle territory in the North Harris hills. One of several locations in The Outer Hebrides Bird of Prey Trail www.hebridesbirdofpreytrail.co.uk Clisham Arts and Crafts 53
Gordon Ross Seaview, Bunavoneader Isle of Harris HS3 3AL [email protected] 01859 50 2482 www.clisham.net www.clisham.biz
I am a Photographer from Glasgow, I opened Clisham Arts and Crafts in May 2014. In my shop I sell framed and unframed prints, paintings, cards, jewellery, knitwear, scented candles.
Open: 12 pm to 5 pm Retailed: Clachan, Leverburgh
Brian Melton: Patterns of Ancient Sunlight 54
3 Bunavoneadar Isle of Harris HS3 3AL [email protected] 01859 502 784 / 01306 627 209 www.waxfineart.com
THE FINE ART of LANDSCAPE PAINTING in BEESWAX. Wax, an ancient medium predating oil & watercolour. Now on display, unique original contemporary beeswax paintings in glowing colour capture the mystical beauty of the haunting Hebridean landscape.
Open: April-Oct inc. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm & other times by appointment. 55 Hebscape Gallery and Tearoom
2A Ardhasaig Isle of Harris HS3 3AJ [email protected] 01859502363 www.hebscapegallery.co.uk Hebscape Gallery
Hebscape Gallery offers a varied display of work by resident landscape photographer Darren Cole l.p.r.s. The Tearoom complements the gallery with soup, light lunches & a range of homemade cakes as well as barista coffee, loose-leaf teas & soft drinks.
Open: Tues-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm April to Sept
56 John Macleod: Black Lab Photos & Frames
Black Lab Gallery West Tarbert Isle of Harris HS3 3BG [email protected] 01859 502433 www.blacklabphotos.com
Pictures framed or mounted for sale. Framing Service.
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm all year Harris Tweed Isle of Harris 57
Caberfeidh, Tarbert Isle of Harris HS3 3DJ [email protected] 01859 502040 / 502505 www.harristweedisleofharris.co.uk
Harris Tweed shop & store offering a wide variety of Harris Tweed & Harris Tweed products. Ladies & Gents Coats, Jackets, Bags, Hats, purses, shoes and accessories.
Open: 9am-5.30pm Retailed: Visitor Information Centres in Stornoway, Harris, Uist & Barra
Caolas Gallery: Harris Hebrides Photography 58
11 Kyles, Scalpay Isle of Harris HS3 3BS [email protected] 01859 530 344 www.harrishebridesphotos.co.uk
Wide selection of framed, mounted canvas prints, and greetings cards of photography celebrating the beauty of the Isle of Harris. Harris Tweed rugs cushions and gifts, wild wood tables and mirrors. Tea, coffee, yummy cakes.
Open: April-Oct: Mon-Fri 10.30am -5.30pm: Sat 12noon to 4pm 59 Jayne Green: Pink Sheep Studio
Scalpay School Craft Village Scalpay HS4 3XU 07854 844 239 www.pinksheepstudio.com pinksheepstudio
Exclusive handmade Harris Tweed & hardwood home décor & gifts. Home of the Harris Tweed tube lamp, footstools & lampshades all designed & made by ourselves. Commissions taken.
Open: Easter-Oct: Mon-Fri 11am-4pm: Sat 2pm-4pm Retailed: Tarbert Craft Fairs throughout the season
60 Scalpay School Craft Village
The Old School Isle of Scalpay HS4 3XU
ScalpaySchoolCraftVillage Scalpay Linen – Handweavers from the Western Isles
A collective of mainly but not exclusively arts/crafts businesses based at Old Scalpay School: Javas Crafty Library; Pink Sheep Studio; Geoff Stear ‘Artworks, Scalpay Linen Handweavers & Laundry Services
Open: See individual businesses Facebook pages
Geoff Stear: ‘Artworks’ 61
Scalpay School Craft Village Scalpay HS4 3XU [email protected] 07774998337 geoffstear.co www.flickr.com/photos/94819001 @N03/sets
Artist - Painter - Digital Works - Giclee Prints. Mainly abstract works with some landscape influence.
Open: Gallery: Mon-Sat 9am- 6pm Studio: Most days as above
Willie & Moira Fulton 62
Ardbuidhe Cottage Gallery 2 Drinishader Isle of Harris HS3 3DX [email protected] 01859 511 218 / 140 www.williefulton.com
The only 5 star Visit Scotland arts venue in the Hebrides, beautifully situated in the bay at Drinishader on the Golden road. View work by Willie & Moira Fulton. A warm welcome awaits.
Open: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat April-Oct and at all other times by appointment. 63 Harris Tweed and Knitwear
Old School, Drinishader Isle of Harris HS3 3DX [email protected] 01859 502040 / 502505 www.harristweedandknitwear.co.uk
Clò-Mòr is a dedicated exhibi- tion which shows Harris Tweed through the ages, with hands-on sections for kids & adults to play with. A unique display of old & new pictures & present day designer productions, whilst mannequins display designer tweed outfits that graced the catwalks of the world.
Open: Seasonally March to Oct Mon-Sat : 9am-5.30pm
64 The Harris Tweed Company Grosebay
Katherine Leighton/Mairi Fraser 3 Grosebay, Isle of Harris HS3 3EF [email protected] 01859 511 108 www.harristweedco.co.uk
Exclusive 5-Star rated ‘Visit Scotland’ Tourist Shop, only six miles from Tarbert. Extensive ranges of highest-quality clothing for Men and Women. Exclusive stockists of ‘Barutti’ lightweight Harris Tweed jackets and topcoats for men.
Open: 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat
Skoon Art Cafe 65
Andrew John Craig Skoon Art Café, Geocrab Isle of Harris HS3 3HB [email protected] www.skoon.com
Andrew John Craig is the resident artist of the Skoon Art Café & you can view his latest work there all year round. He paints Hebridean landscapes & seascapes predominantly in oil.
Open: April-September, Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm. See website for winter opening times
Margarita Williams: Holmasaig Gallery 66
Quidinish Isle of Harris HS3 3JQ [email protected] 01859 530 401 www.holmasaiggallery.com
Margarita Williams (DA. GLAS) Gaelic speaking artist. Fine art in Watercolour, Mixed Media, Japanese Woodblock, prints, cards. Many originals all sizes, framed unframed, including invited artists work. One of two Scottish artists to be awarded the 2014 CR Mackintosh Association/France,residency in Collioure, Roussillon.
Open: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm Retailed: Seallam, An Lanntair 70 Seallam! Visitor Centre
Chris E Lawson Seallam! Visitor Centre Northton, Isle of Harris HS3 3JA [email protected] 01859 520 258 www.hebridespeople.com
Co Leis Thu? Genealogy Research service for the Western Isles. See online records at www.hebridespeople.com Bookshop selling artworks, photographs and cards. Various exhibitions including emigration and St Kilda.
Open: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat
71 Suzan Visser-Offereins: Harris Art Gallery
13 Northton Isle of Harris HS3 3JA [email protected] 01859-520315 www.harrisartgallery.com Northton-Harris-Art-Gallery
Suzan studied & lived in The Netherlands & painted many portraits of children, ambassa- dors & Dutch royalty. The Dutch king and Queen Beatrix have sat for her. Living permanently in Harris, she is fascinated by Harris’ dramatic landscapes & Wildlife. All original paintings. Welcome.
Open: when the sign is out. Harris Tapestry: Harris Community Trust 69 on display at
An Clachan, Leverburgh HS5 3TS 01859 520753
The Harris Tapestry was a Millennium Project showcasing locally woven tweed & linen in 9 large panels of embroidery, & capturing 1000 years of history, folklore, culture & wildlife in pictures & stitches. Fact sheets accompany the display. Exhibited at An Clachan, Leverburgh. There is wheelchair access to the shop and a stair lift to the upper floor exhibition space.
Open: Mon-Thurs 9-6, Fri & Sat 9-7 70 Seallam! Visitor Centre
Chris E Lawson Seallam! Visitor Centre Northton, Isle of Harris HS3 3JA [email protected] 01859 520 258 www.hebridespeople.com
Co Leis Thu? Genealogy Research service for the Western Isles. See online records at www.hebridespeople.com Bookshop selling artworks, photographs and cards. Various exhibitions including emigration and St Kilda.
Open: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat
71 Suzan Visser-Offereins: Harris Art Gallery
13 Northton Isle of Harris HS3 3JA [email protected] 01859-520315 www.harrisartgallery.com Northton-Harris-Art-Gallery
Suzan studied & lived in The Netherlands & painted many portraits of children, ambassa- dors & Dutch royalty. The Dutch king and Queen Beatrix have sat for her. Living permanently in Harris, she is fascinated by Harris’ dramatic landscapes & Wildlife. All original paintings. Welcome.
Open: when the sign is out. Caroline Chaffer Textiles 72
Northton, Isle of Harris HS3 3JA [email protected] 07788848868 Caroline Chaffer Textiles
Caroline Chaffer Tweed & Textiles provides a bespoke service in Soft Furnishing Design, production & Upholstery, & unique fashion accessories using a fusion of Harris Tweed & contemporary Scandinavian inspired cottons, Linen & vintage Harris Tweeds
Open: please contact or check facebook
Borvemor Arts 73
9 Scarista, Isle of Harris HS3 3HX [email protected] 07774071419 www.borvemorarts.com BorvemorArts
Borvemor Arts offers sketching and painting courses on a Hebridean Croft with art and craftwork for sale run by Iona Molleson Artist Teacher MA.
Open: July/Aug by Appointment. Please contact Facebook or check website. 74 Hebrides Art
Lesley & Alisdair Wiseman Caberfeidh, Seilebost Isle of Harris HS3 3HP [email protected] 01859 550 338 www.hebridesart.co.uk Hebrides Art
Gallery, gifts & great cakes! Browse our wide range of Harris, Lewis & St Kilda arts & crafts, featuring the work of nearly 20 artists, & enjoy yummy cakes in our coffee shop.
Open: Mon-Sat: April-Sept 10.30am-5pm (except Mondays in April & Saturdays in Sept). We close at 4.30pm on Saturdays.
75 Comunn Eachdraidh Na Hearadh
Harris Historical Society The historical society does not have premises.
Harris Historical Society was founded in 1980. Past projects have included the creation of Croft Histories in collaboration with Bill Lawson and producing a CD of their own photographic collections. Files of information on local topics and areas have been collated. Harris: Public Art and Landmarks Photo © Elsie Mitchell
B Saint Clement’s Church/ Tur Chliamainn at Rodel, dates from the 16th century and contains some of the finest examples of late medieval sculp- ture in the Outer Hebrides. Acknowledgement to Partners and Funders
HEB CELT Acknowledgement to Partners and Funders
Stornoway Townscape Heritage Initiative Stornoway Townscape Heritage Initiative Sail Loft
High Tide Low Tide, Mosaic Mackerel North Harris Eagle Observatory Gaelforce & Sanctuary Reflections, Listening Place, Both nam Faileas Walking in Langass Woods
North Harris Eagle Observatory Otters and Seal, Otters and Seals Mosaic, Herring Walk Walking in Langass Woods
An Suileachan Bathadh Chunndail Memorial Stone Stornoway Murals Mosaic/Herring Walk Sgeulachdan na Mara Sail Loft Lady Matheson’s Monument, Bathadh Chunndail Memorial Stone Stornoway Townscape Highland Bull, Seals, Fisherman, Heritage Initiative Herring Girls, Stornoway Mural
Sgeulachdan na Mara: Sea Stories Both nam Faileas: Hut of the Shadows
Restoration of the Sail Loft & former Commercial Hotel Acknowledgement to Partners and Funders
Museum agus Tasglann nan Eilean: Lews Castle Restoration
Western Isles Schools Project: Ravens: Tir mo ghraidh / Land of my Love
DISCLAIMER Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this guide, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar cannot be held responsible for any variations errors or omissions by participants or third parties or for anything arising out of the use of this information whether accurate or not. Visitors are advised at all times to confirm details with the individual business or venues in advance of their visit.
Under no circumstances can Comhairle nan Eilean Siar accept liability for any loss, damage or injury sustained by any member of the public visiting any venue, public art work, landmark or archaeological site listed in this guide. Visitors do so entirely at their own risk. Adults are responsible for the supervision of any children in their care. It is the individual businesses listed responsibility to have their own public liability cover appropriate to their practice and venue. Visitor Information
Caledonian MacBrayne operate vehicle & passenger ferry services to/from & within the Outer Hebrides. Timetables, routes & fares are detailed on their website: www.calmac.co.uk Reservations Number: 0800 066 5000
Scotland’s National Tourism Organisation www.visitscotland.com
The official tourism website for the whole of the Outer Hebrides. Log on for comprehensive details on accommodation, events, activities, attractions, arts and crafts. www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk
Flights to/from & within the Outer Hebrides are operated by: www.flybe.com www.easternairways.com Photo © Elsie Mitchell Photo © HES
The Hebridean Way stretches 185 miles along the length of the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north. The cycling and walking routes pass through the stunning scenery of 10 Islands linked by a combination of causeways and ferries. www.hebrideanway.co.uk Comments onthisbooklet arewelcome. [email protected] HS1 2BW Isle ofLewis Stornoway Sandwick Road Comhairle nanEileanSiar Development Department Arts DevelopmentOfficer Elsie Mitchell Arts andCulturepagesatwww.cne-siar.gov.uk www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk andonthe It canbeviewedonlineat This bookletwas compiledin April 2016. Compiled by Elsie Mitchell Designed by Rhona Macleod Graphic Design 01851672479