What a feast waiting to be discovered! Everyone knows how stunning and captivating the Outer Hebrides are, but how many know about its food and drink scene, which has blossomed in recent years and continues to thrive? Find out more in our EBOOK. The Hebridean Way walking route is epic! Not only will you meet the most friendly folk along the route, but each island will take your breathe away! Here are some tips to make this awesome trip the very best it can be! Gaelic music is popular in the islands and the Lewis and Harris Traditional Music Society plays an active role in promoting the genre. [170] Fèis Bharraigh began in 1981 with the aim of developing the practice and study of the Gaelic language, literature, music, drama and culture on the islands of Barra and Vatersay. A two-week festival, it has inspired 43 other feisean throughout Scotland. [171] The Lewis Pipe Band was founded in 1904 and the Lewis and Harris Piping Society in 1977. [170] South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA" (PDF). SNH. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 February 2012 . Retrieved 30 August 2009.

Map of Outer Hebrides Map of Outer Hebrides

Hunter, James (2000) Last of the Free: A History of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Edinburgh. Mainstream. ISBN 1-84018-376-4 Watson, W. J. (1994) The Celtic Place-Names of Scotland. Edinburgh; Birlinn. ISBN 1-84158-323-5. First published 1926. Each of the islands in the chain has its own unique personality and is deserving of time and in-depth exploration. To the north you have the Isle of Lewiswith its wonderful and distinctivearchaeology,extensive peat bogs and myriad of Lochs and Lochans. Travel south and you cross the majestic and very ruggedhills of North Harrisbefore descending towards the shores of West Loch Tarbert. The southwest of Harris by total contrast is dominated by magnificentwhite shell sand beachesand flower cover machair.Ballin Smith, B. and Banks, I. (eds) (2002) In the Shadow of the Brochs, the Iron Age in Scotland. Stroud. Tempus. ISBN 0-7524-2517-X

Planning Your Trip - Outer Hebrides

There has been considerable controversy over hedgehogs on the Uists. Hedgehogs are not native to the islands but were introduced in the 1970s to reduce garden pests. Their spread posed a threat to the eggs of ground-nesting wading birds. In 2003 Scottish Natural Heritage undertook culls of hedgehogs in the area, but these were halted in 2007; trapped animals are now relocated to the mainland. [31] [32] If you're up for a challenge and wish to take your walking adventure to the next level, the Hebridean Way is a great way to explore the Outer Hebrides natural beauty. The 156 mile long distance-walking route stretches from Vatersay to Stornoway in Lewis, taking you through ten islands, over six causeways and across two ferries.

With 2 separate routes for walking and cycling, the Hebridean Way is an awe inspiring trail defined not only by the rich and diverse landscape - but by the helpful and friendly folk you’ll meet as you go. Murray and Pullar (1910) "Lochs of North Uist" Volume II, Part II p.188. Retrieved 20 December 2009. Murray, John; Pullar, Laurence (1910). Bathymetrical Survey of the Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland, 1897–1909. Edinburgh: Challenger Office . Retrieved 8 March 2018– via National Library of Scotland. Follow Calum Maclean as he tours around our islands in a series of videos, meeting locals and finding out more about the unique Gaelic language and culture here in the Outer Hebrides. Recent conservation and refurbishment at the historic 3-star Royal has provided peaceful, front-facing guest rooms with great views and modern comfort. Enjoy creative cuisine in the traditionally styled Boatshed Restaurant or choose the more vibrant HS1.

Outer Hebrides - Wikipedia

a b "Mid-Year Population Estimates, UK, June 2021". Office for National Statistics. 21 December 2022 . Retrieved 18 October 2023. Miers, Mary (2008) The Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. The Rutland Press. ISBN 978-1-873190-29-6

Our Islands

Paveley, Rebecca (11 February 2021). "Gove announces Levelling-up forum for islands". Church Times . Retrieved 17 February 2022.