Vacations in the Western Isles of Scotland

by: FrancisMacDonald
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The Western Isles of Scotland may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering your annual vacation but over the last few decades this unique region of Scotland in the United Kingdom has seen a steady increase in tourism. This article examines the Western Isles and considers some of the reasons why it has suddenly become a vacation destination of choice for many Americans and British.


Over the centuries the Western Isles have been known under various names and the name Outer Hebrides has stood the test of time and the name most people associate with these islands found off the west coast of Scotland. There are over 200 islands in the archipelago with only a very small percentage being populated. The Isle of Lewis is the largest of the islands and the island with the largest population. Across the islands the native language is Gaelic but most have English as their second language.


The people of the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are known as Hebrideans and they are some of the most widely travelled people in earth with many families from the islands settling in far off places such as America and Canada. With most emigration being during the eighteenth, nineteenth and very early twentieth centuries there are now vast numbers of people who can trace their roots back to the region. More and more folk are developing an interest in genealogy and therefore this can account for some of the increased number of visitors to the islands.


One famous person who can trace his roots to the Western Isles is Donald Trump who is currently in the headlines for his interest in creating a Scottish golf resort. Golf is played all over Scotland and is considered the home of the sport and golf tourism is an important part of the Scottish economy. Another important sport to Scotland is fishing, especially fly fishing and some of the finest fishing is in the islands of the Hebrides. The golf courses in are also something special and other sports such as surfing and cycling attract more and more visitors each year.


If you visit the Western Isles to enjoy sports you will quickly discover how great it is to be surrounded with some of the most incredible scenery in the United Kingdom. Not only is the scenery diverse, if you are lucky, you will also see that the flora and fauna of the Hebrides is also diverse and extremely interesting. Few things are as enjoyable that watching an otter or two at play only a few yards from where you are standing. Take a closer look around and you may see a Golden Eagle or maybe deer.


One thing that the Western Isles are widely known for is the stone circle found at Calanais. Second in importance to Stone Henge these spectacular stones are a "must see" tourist attraction. All across the islands it is possible to find any number of historic sites ranging from further smaller stone circles, monoliths, iron age houses, duns and much, much more.


Another time period to leave it's mark on the islands is the time of the Viking raids. Often the Vikings would raid the Western Isles on their outward journeys and also on their return journeys. At one time the Norse ruled the islands and most place names can trace their origins to the original Norse name given.


Finally I would like to make mention of my most favourite aspect of the Western Isles of Scotland, the beaches. The south west coasts of the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris and the Uists feature some of the most incredible beaches to be found in the United Kingdom. Often it is possible to enjoy some of these beaches alone and rarely are there more than just a handful of souls even on the most popular beaches in the Western Isles.

About the Author

If you plan to visit the Outer Hebrides you will find accommodation listed at bed and breakfast in the Western Isles and Harris bed and breakfast  

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