The Outer Hebrides Na H-Eileanan an Lar
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What to See & Do 2014 Explore: The Outer Hebrides Na h-Eileanan an lar Vibrant Events Paradise Islands Gaelic Culture Welcome to... The Outer Hebrides Fàilte gu Na h-Eileanan an lar Explore white sandy beaches and turquoise waters Discover ancient history and mysterious standing stones Enjoy a rich culture of Gaelic singing and traditional music 01 01 04 06 08 02 03 04 05 Disclaimer VisitScotland has published this guide in good faith to reflect information submitted to it by the proprietor/managers of the premises listed who have paid for their entries to be included. Although VisitScotland has taken reasonable steps to confirm the information contained in the guide at the time of going to press, it cannot guarantee that the information published is and remains accurate. Accordingly, VisitScotland recommends that all information is checked with the proprietor/manager of the business to ensure that the facilities, cost and all other aspects of the premises are satisfactory. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation contained in the guide and excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in the guide. VisitScotland also cannot accept any liability for loss caused by the bankruptcy, or liquidation, or insolvency, or cessation of trade of any company, firm or individual contained in this guide. Cartography: © Collins Bartholomew Ltd 2014: The contents of this publication are believed correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publisher and copyright owner can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions, changes in the detail given, or for any expense or loss thereby caused. The representation of a road, track or footpath is no evidence of a right of way. Quality Assurance awards are correct as of January 2014. For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com www.visitscotland.com/outer-hebrideswww.visitscotland.com/outerhebrides Contents 02 The Outer Hebrides at a glance 04 Culture & history 06 Paradise islands 08 Outdoor activities 10 Creative islands 12 Homecoming Scotland 2014 14 Travel tips 16 Quality Assurance 17 VisitScotland Information Centres 06 18 How to read the listings 19 Great days out - Places to visit The Outer Hebrides is an idyllic island chain lying off the north 21 Great days out - Leisure activities west coast of Scotland. This is a land steeped in ancient history, 22 Great days out - Shopping, arts & crafts where you will find mysterious standing stones surrounded by 23 Great days out - Food & drink miles of pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The stunning 24 Great days out - Tours scenery of the Outer Hebrides is the perfect backdrop for an 26 Great days out - Transport 46 Outer Hebrides area map - north abundance of exciting outdoor activities, and whether you are 47 Outer Hebrides area map - south surfing the Atlantic swells or enjoying a peaceful walk, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors. In 2014, the year of Homecoming Scotland, the Outer Hebrides invites you to explore your connections with these wonderful islands. Don’t miss the fantastic programme of events that are Highlights due to celebrate the very best of Scottish and St Kilda, an isolated archipelago and a Hebridean history and culture. dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient and mysterious Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis. Uncover a region bursting with natural wonders 06 Seallam! Visitor Centre, Northton, Harris. 07 Enjoy a variety of Homecoming Scotland 12 2014 events Cover Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, © Colin Cameron Photography. 01 Traigh Sheileboist at Seilebost, Isle of Harris. Find out how to travel 02 Tolastadh a' Chaolais, Isle of Lewis. 03 Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway, Isle of Lewis. around the Outer Hebrides14 04 The coast near Horgabost, Isle of Harris. 05 Fishing for brown trout on Lower Loch Bornish, Isle of South Uist. 06 Donald John Mackay, MBE, of Luskentyre Harris Tweed, Isle of Harris. 07 Wildlife watching at Rubha Ardvule, Isle of South Uist. Credits Photography: Colin Cameron Photography (front cover), Paul Tomkins/ VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint, Robert Pogson, Alex Williams, Harris Tweet Hebrides Tattoo/Stornoway Amenity Trust, Chris Robson. Design: Shaw Marketing and Design | www.shaw-online. com, THK Design | www.thkdesign.com MIX Published on behalf of VisitScotland by: New Century Publishing Paper from Group | www.ncpg.co.uk responsible sources FSC© COO3270 This brochure is printed on recycled content paper. VisitScotland is committed to ensuring that our environment, upon which our tourism is so dependent, is safe guarded for future generations to enjoy. 14OHVG To find out more about The Outer Hebrides go to www.visitscotland.com/outer-hebrides 01 The Outer Hebrides The Outer Hebrides at a glance Na h-Eileanan an Iar aig aon sealladh Did you know? The Outer Hebrides is the heartland of Gaelic culture and the language is still spoken by many islanders today. 01 Discover the Outer Hebrides, a paradise of powder white beaches and Atlantic waves, amazing wildlife and a vibrant culture which regularly inspires artists and photographers. Whether you’re birdwatching on North Uist, exploring the mountain peaks of Harris or admiring the ancient archaeological treasures of Lewis, each island boasts its own unique character. Lewis St Kilda Outer Hebrides. Visit the 14th century castle ruin Much of Lewis consists of atmospheric moorland Visit the majestic islands of St Kilda, situated at Borve and the Museum nan Eilean in Sgoil dotted with sparkling freshwater lochans, while around 40 miles to the west of North Uist. Take Lionacleit. the epic coastline is a combination of steep cliffs a boat trip from Lewis or Harris and learn about and spellbinding beaches. Visit the magnificent the natural and cultural importance of this dual South Uist Calanais Standing Stones and explore Stornoway, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy more than 20 miles of brilliant white sand the island’s charming main settlement and the beaches, play Askernish’s ‘lost golf course’ largest town in the Outer Hebrides. North Uist created by ‘Old’ Tom Morris, or visit the vast Loch North Uist is characterised by long stretches of Druidibeg Nature Reserve, which supports a large Harris sand, peat bogs and countless small fresh lochs. colony of greylag geese and hundreds of different The mountains of North Harris, with its imposing Visit the RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve to search plant species. hills and peaks, are formed from some of the for the elusive corncrake and see the island’s most oldest rocks on the planet. Enjoy hillwalking notable historical sites including Barpa Langass, Barra with panoramic views, look out for seals at Loch an 18 ft high chambered cairn. Visit the medieval Kisimul Castle in Castlebay, Flodabay, try golf at Scarista on the edge of the the ancient seat of Clan MacNeil that sits Atlantic or relax on white sandy beaches which Benbecula dramatically on a rocky islet in the bay. Take to rival those of the Caribbean and Thailand. Linked to North and South Uist by a causeway, one of the beaches such as Tangasdale and enjoy Benbecula is a considerably flat island with the remarkable scenery, or why not cycle or walk beautiful west coast beaches backed by lush around this small but beautiful island? machair, the low-lying fertile plain typical of the 02 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com The Outer Hebrides at a glance Highlights Harris Tweed and Knitwear - this popular shop and exhibition is based in Tarbert and Drinishader on Harris. Hebrides Art, Seilebost - see how Hebridean nature inspires art at this wonderful gallery and coffee shop on Harris. Hebridean Smokehouse, North Uist - learn how traditional Hebridean peat smoked salmon is prepared before sampling it yourself. Clearwater Paddling - explore the coast around Barra from a kayak and you might see seals, dolphins and basking sharks. 05 Don’t miss… The Harris Arts Festival in August, where you can uncover the island’s creative side with events covering music, drama and crafts. The exquisite local shellfish throughout the Outer Hebrides such as lobsters, scallops, crabs, mussels and oysters. Savouring a dram of single malt whisky from the Abhainn Dearg Distillery in Uig, 02 the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Embarking on a sea voyage with Sea Harris, Seatrek, Hebridean Island Cruises, Lady Anne Boat Trips or Kilda Cruises. 01 Barra Airport, Traigh Mhor, Isle of Barra. 02 Looking over Castlebay, Isle of Barra. 03 A wildlife tour leaving from the Isle of Harris. 04 Tolastadh a' Chaolais, Isle of Lewis 05 North Uist and Eaval, from Rueval, Isle of Benbecula. 03 04 To find out more about The Outer Hebrides go to www.visitscotland.com/outer-hebrides 03 The Outer Hebrides Culture & history Cultar & eachdraidh 01 The Outer Hebrides has been inhabited since Mesolithic times, some 9,000 years ago. Get a sense of this rich past as you discover the historical attractions and prehistoric relics which dot the landscape. • Lewis is awash with archaeological treasures remote part of the British Isles. Learn about the left behind by its ancient inhabitants. Step hardy people who once lived here, which today back over 5,000 years with a visit to the is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. Calanais Standing Stones, thought to be older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. • Walk in the footsteps of a prince on a visit to The visitor centre contains an interactive Eriskay. During the time of the Jacobite rising, exhibition which explores how the standing Bonnie Prince Charlie landed on this small stones were built and used, and what they island from France and later hid in the Outer have meant to people through the centuries.