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Western Isles Vacations

by: FrancisMacDonald
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Now the Western Isles may not be one of the top tourist destinations in the United Kingdom but, over the last decade or so, this unique region of Scotland has seen a marked increase in the number of visitors and a general increase in overall interest in the area and it's history. The article below takes a close look at the Western Isles and questions why there has been an increase in both British and American tourism there.

The Western Isles of Scotland are a group of around 200 islands separated from the mainland by an expanse of water known as the Minch. The Isle of Lewis is the largest, and most inhabited, island in the archipelago and where you will find the main town (and administration centre) of Stornoway. Considered the heartland of the Gaelic language, of which the vast majority of islanders have as their first language, the islands are also known as the Outer Hebrides.

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.

Many rich and important people can trace their origins to the Western Isles. Donald Trump famously can trace his roots back to the islands and this has played a role in his choice of Scotland as a venue for the development of a new golf resort. Of course Scotland is the home to golf and nearly everywhere in the country has one or two courses nearby. In the Hebrides there are a number of unique golf courses and along with other sports, such as fly fishing, cycling and surfing, the islands are becoming increasingly popular with folk looking to enjoy their favorite sports in places which offer unique challenges.

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.

Many people visit the Western Isles to visit the famous stone circle at Calanais (Callanish). So spectacular are the stones that they are considered only second to England's Stone Henge. There are a great many historical sites across the islands but it is around the area of Calanais that you will see most of the stone circles and monoliths. Also nearby is an iron age broch that is well worth a visit as it is a splendid example of this unique style of building. There are many other historical sites to be found making it a perfect vacation destination for those who are fascinated by such things.

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.

And now we arrive at one of my most favourite things about the Western Isles that, for me, is one of the most important reasons for visiting the islands as often as I can. The Western Isles have the best beaches in the United Kingdom, not only are they spotlessly clean, they are void of the crowds of folk that you are forced to endure elsewhere. Often you will find that you are the only people enjoying the sun on a long stretch of soft silvery to golden shell sand being gently washed by the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Words can not describe such a blissful place.