The Western Isles, Remote Islands of Scotland

By: Andrew Kelly

The Western Isles are a beautiful group of islands situated off the west coast of Scotland. Known as 'na h-Eileanan Siar' in the native language of Gaelic, this incredible group of over 200 islands includes the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, Barra, North and South Uist and a few other small inhabited islands. Over the last few decades there has been a continual growth of the tourism industry with massive numbers now interested in taking vacations in the Western Isles.

A stretch of treacherous water, known as the Minch, separates the Western Isles from the Scottish mainland. The dramatic scenes of the West coast of the islands has been shaped, over a massive period of time, by the constant effects of the North Atlantic ocean. The islands were one of the first areas of the United Kingdom to become inhabited and they are made from some of the oldest rock to be found on earth, which makes the Western Isles extremely interesting to geologists, archaeologists and naturalists alike.

Naturalists find themselves in a wildlife paradise where they find much flora and fauna that is unique to the islands. The Western Isles are also known for their fertile grasslands, found just inland from the beaches, known as machair. Because the machair receives a regular dressing of calcium rich shell sand the ground is the perfect medium for the great many species of wildflower that grow there.

The Western Isles seem to continually provide new sites of special interest, especially to archaeologists. One thing you will notice when traveling across the islands is the incredible number of archaeological sites, especially standing stones and stone circles. The most famous site is the stone circle at Calanais which is unique in Europe as it has four avenues forming a shape like a crucifix. It is worth noting at this point that a recent Western Isles Council policy dictates the naming of places should be in the Gaelic language (with English translations below on road signs).

The Western Isles are rightfully known for having some of the finest countryside in the United Kingdom. While the middle of the Isle of Lewis consists mainly of barren moors they are, in fact, very important environments that are perfect places for some of the rarest creatures including many different types of birds. However the coast of the Isle of Lewis provides the most breathtaking scenery with lovely little coves and incredibly clean, and often deserted, sandy beaches.

Of course I have saved the best until last. The Western Isles have some of the most incredible scenery in Scotland. While many consider the Isle of Lewis to consist mainly of barren moorland nothing could be further from the truth. While much of the center of the island is indeed mainly flat moors, they have a unique quality and provide a very important habitat for some of our most rare bird life. It is around the coast that Lewis really shines with the west coast having some really breathless beaches and wonderful countryside almost, at times, resembling Cornwall in the south of England.

The Western Isles have a long association with hospitality and it is something they take great pride in. This helps to create some of the most excellent accommodation in Scotland. The owners and workers take a great pride in their work and rooms are always expertly turned out, spotlessly clean and very comfortable.

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If you are planning a vacation to the Western Isles you will need to find suitable accommodation in the Western Isles For listings of the finest accommodation in the area visit www.westernisles-accommodation.co.uk

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