Vacations In The Scottish Hebrides
Mar 25th, 2009 by DavePF
The Hebrides Isles are a group of more than four hundred islands lying not too far off the West coast of Scotland. The islands of the Hebrides have been inhabited since the Mesolithic period and through their history the culture and way of life has been greatly influenced by numerous races and today the culture of the Hebrideans is a blend of Scottish, English, Celtic and Norse influences. In general most people speak in the Gaelic language and though many speak English, it is most likely their second language. At one time visits to the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles were only for people with plenty of money and those people who could afford plenty of time. These days it is far, far to reach the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles, you can travel by car and boat or fly to a number of airports on the islands. Unfortunately you can not get all of the way by train although you can travel to the coast and then catch a coach for the rest of the journey. Sometimes the only problem that can turn up is sorting out accommodation especially if you are in need of accommodation for groups on the Isle of Harris which is more often than not fully booked up.
One of the main reasons folk visit the Hebrides Isles is that the islands landscape and culture are stunningly unique. Along the west coast of the Isle of Harris you will find some of the most incredibly beautiful beaches in the whole of Scotland, and many people say the whole of Great Britain. Every once in a while you will see a standing stone on the Harris coastline however it is on the adjoining Isle of Lewis that you will see the finest stone circle at Callanish not too far from Stornoway the principal town in the Outer Hebrides. The standing stones at Calanais is said to be second only to England’s Stonehenge.
Deciding which island to stay on, the Isle of Lewis or Isle of Harris is often difficult and more and more people are deciding to spend a little time on each. Bed and breakfast on the Isle of Lewis is often more readily available than Harris accommodation, to avoid any problems make sure you book well in advance.
Bed & breakfast in Stornoway is far less of a problem to find but to be safe ensure you book in advance. Virtually all accommodation in the Hebrides Isles is of good quality and the hospitality is second to none and the local folk friendly and helpful.
Besides the Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Harris there are several other inhabited islands that are extremely easy to visit. The most popular are North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra and you will find a ferry which runs from the Isle of Harris to North Uist at Leverburgh, a small village on South Harris.
