The Western Isles
The Western Isles or the Hebrides is one of Britain's most beautiful and remote areas. This 130 mile long chain of islands lies to the north west of Scotland bordering the wide Atlantic Ocean.
Steeped in history, the islands have been inhabited for over 6000 years. The combination of land, sea and water found in the Western Isles has produced landscapes of outstanding beauty, and the islands boast superb sandy beaches washed twice a day by the Atlantic waves.
Few areas can produce such a variety of birdlife and the islands are a marvellous place to see wild flowers, particularly along the west coast.
The people are mainly Gaels and are bilingual Gaelic and English speakers. They are the guardians of a rich culture appreciated by visitors through its music and celebrated each year in various festivals. Despite the remoteness the Western Isles are easily accessible.
What to Do | Attractions
All links provided on this page, are outbound links and are for information purposes for our guests only. Macleod Self Catering accepts no liability for incorrect information or content. By utilising these links, they will open in a new browser window. For visitors wishing to visit any of the attractions, might we suggest you contact them directly to confirm opening times etc.
- Hebridean Celtic Festival (Held every July featuring some of the biggest names in Celtic Music from around the world)
- Eating out in Stornoway
- Carloway Broch
- Boat Trips from The Island of Bernera, Meavaig (Uig), Tarbert and Leverburgh
- Fishing On Lewis and Harris
- Harris Tweed
- Adventure sports (Climbing, Hill Walking, Sailing etc)
- Callanish Standing Stones
- Performing Arts in Stornoway
- Beaches galore in Uig, Luskentyre and Tolsta
- Stornoway Golf Club
- World famous Stornoway Black Pudding
- Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
- Abhainn Dearg Distillery. Uig, Isle of Lewis
- Whisky / Gin Distillery, Tarbert, Isle of Harris
How to get here
Coming by Sea
Caledonian MacBrayne run a fleet of well-equipped car and passenger ferries to the Wesern Isles. The most popular route to Lewis is by car ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, or alternatively from Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris).
Coming by air
There are regular air services to the islands from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness or Aberdeen.
Accommodation Post Codes
St Duthus: HS1 2JE
Dunard: HS1 2QZ
Leverhulme: HS1 2LH