Scotland’s Remote Western Isles
Just off the west coast of Scotland you will find a unique group of islands known as the Western Isles. Known in native Gaelic as ‘na h-Eileanan Siar’ this group of islands includes the inhabited islands of Lewis, Harris, Barra and the Uists (plus several other smaller inhabited islands) and a great many uninhabited islands (to make a total of 200). The number of tourists visiting the Western Isles has increased steadily over the last few decades with growing numbers showing an interest in taking a vacation to the area.
The Western Isles are separated from the Scottish mainland by a treacherous stretch of water known as the Minch. Over on the West coast of the islands is the North Atlantic Ocean which, over time, has helped create a most dramatic coastline. Made from the oldest rock on the planet, and one of the earliest inhabited areas of the United Kingdom, the Western Isles are of great interest to scientists, geologists and naturalists who flock to the islands.
The Western Isles are of incredible interest to naturalists who study the area closely as much of the flora and fauna is unique and endangered. A fertile stretch of grassland, known as machair, is found just inland from many of the beaches of the islands which are one of the few places where this type of ground is found. Although sandy the nutrients in the soil are constantly replenished by a constant dressing of shell sand (rich in calcium and other elements) which helps feed the great many species of wildflowers which grow in abundance there.
The Western Isles seem to continually provide new sites of special interest, especially to archaeologists. One thing you will notice when traveling across the islands is the incredible number of archaeological sites, especially standing stones and stone circles. The most famous site is the stone circle at Calanais which is unique in Europe as it has four avenues forming a shape like a crucifix. It is worth noting at this point that a recent Western Isles Council policy dictates the naming of places should be in the Gaelic language (with English translations below on road signs).
While many consider the Isle of Lewis one of the least beautiful of the islands of the Western Isles claiming that it offers little more than flat barren moors others see, that in truth, Lewis has some of the most incredible scenery in Scotland. Even when you take a closer look at the moors you quickly discover that they are an incredibly important habitat for many different animals including a great many birds. However the most glorious parts of Lewis are to be found along it’s coast where you will find a myriad of picture postcard beaches of golden sand and pretty little coves.
Many folk believe it is on the Isle of Harris, to the south of Lewis, that you will find the finest beaches (possibly in Europe) and it is true that for around twenty miles along the west coast there are numerous sandy beaches of the finest quality. However as we move further south again we discover even more sandy beaches of incredible beauty in South Uist which is also reputed to have the finest machair. The islands of the Western Isles are varied, where Lewis is mainly flat North Harris has imposing mountains but in South Harris and North Uist they are softer and, by the time we reach South Uist they are more like smooth hills that mountains.
Accommodation in the Western Isles is always of the highest quality. Not only are the rooms always spotless and extremely comfortable the hosts are always the most friendly, easy going, and extremely helpful people you are ever likely to meet. This is more noticeable in the guest house accommodation but even in the largest hotels the hospitality is flawless and most memorable.
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