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The Remote Islands of the Outer Hebrides

by: DonaldMacDonald
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The Outer Hebrides are a fascinating group of over 200 islands which can be found off the west coast of Scotland. Gaelic is the native language of the area and the main inhabited islands are those called the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra plus there are a number of smaller inhabited islands such as the Isle of Scalpay off Harris. In recent years there has been a continued growth in the interest in the Hebrides and tourism is now a major element of the local economy.

The Outer Hebrides are separated from the Inner Hebrides (the Isle of Skye etc.) by the Minch which is a stretch of sea water which has incredible currents and changeable weather making it rather dangerous to the inexperienced. Looking out across the Atlantic ocean the islands have been shaped by the wind and the waves resulting in some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. Long inhabited the islands are also well known for their many archaeological sites.

It would sometimes seem that there are archaeological discoveries made every year in the Outer Hebrides. While this is something of an exaggeration it is pretty close to the truth as the islands are dotted with numerous examples of ancient homesteads, ruins, burial chambers, stone age monuments and iron age forts and houses. The most famous site is the incredible stone circle, or standing stones, of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis (also know and the Callanish Standing Stones).

The Outer Hebrides are also home to some rather unique flora and fauna which, in many cases, is extremely rare and in some endangered. One of the most interesting types of ground found in the Outer Hebrides is that which is called machair. Machair is a patch of coastal ground just in from a beach which is continually dusted with fine shell sand which is nutrient rich. During the spring and summer months the machair is awash with bountiful and colorful wild flowers and, sadly, large numbers of rabbits.

Although many consider the interior of the islands rather boring this is simply untrue. Although the interior of the Isle of Lewis consists mainly of flat and barren peat lands there are also a great many interesting and beautiful lochs and lochans. Maybe the interiors seem boring due to the fact that the islands coastline is so astounding. Along the west coast of the Outer Hebrides are some of the most beautiful beaches to be found in the United Kingdom (and some say Europe).

The beaches of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland are amongst the finest to be found in the whole of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. They are to be found all along the west coast (the east coast is mainly rocky inlets) with the vast majority found along the south west coasts of Lewis and Harris and along the west coast of South Uist.

Sport is something else which attracts many to the Outer Hebrides and, in recent years, a number of competitions and tournaments have helped increase awareness in surfing and other sports such as running and cycling. Of course golf and fishing remain as popular as ever and hill walking, rambling and mountaineering continue to be popular also. Windsurfing and wind carting are becoming popular on the larger beaches and it is common to see numerous kites from a distance.

If you are interested in visiting the islands of the Outer Hebrides you will be pleased to know that the transport links and the accommodation available are excellent. It is possible to get flights to Barra and the Isle of Lewis (Stornoway) but most folk travel to the islands by ferry from a number of ports. Accommodation is always of the highest standards and hospitality is world renowned.