Blogs

With the busy summer drawing to a close, the landscape taking on the striking autumnal hues and the dark nights (and I mean dark) giving you opportunities to spot the Northern Lights, it is the perfect time for “a get away from it all” trip.

The Outer Hebrides’ answer to Stonehenge is a monumental masterpiece. This captivating, cross-shaped collection of Neolithic megaliths has intrigued visitors for thousands of years - tourists, archaeologists and astronomers alike. But why are they here? And why should you visit?  Well - read on and rock on.

Golden eagles are giants of Scottish skies, in every sense of the word. Moody and majestic - gliding over cliffs and moor and back again like they own the place. The Outer Hebrides are one of the best places to see these magnificent creatures. 

The Gaelic language has given so much to Scotland, and beyond. Place names and ceilidhs, drams, cloths and choruses. And the Outer Hebrides have always been among its heartlands. 

Puffins are lots of people's favourite bird.  Their iconic colouring giving rise to nicknames like ‘Clowns of the Sea’. Their connection to the Outer Hebrides is as rich as it is remote, but the challenges facing these clowns are no laughing matter.

Is it safe to swim here?  If you have asked this question you are on the right track to be a safe outdoor swimmer but it’s not a closed question with a simple answer so beware of yes and no answers. Why? Because safety is relative, especially outdoors.

Literally. Bonnie Prince Charlie and the The Outer Hebrides aren’t immediately synonymous. Culloden, his cosseted lifestyle, and his disputed claim to the British Throne usually feature first. But the islands were pivotal in the fortunes of our romantic rebel. So let’s retrace his Hebridean steps, in Jacobite sized chunks.

The story of an island fabric, world-famous in fashion. Harris Tweed is the Outer Hebrides' most famous export.  So let’s look at what goes into making this marvellous material, and why it’s so loved by so many..

On a glorious day back in September 2019, a group of local children came together to do their bit to help promote Ness and North Lewis to the many visitors who venture here each year. 

Mark Rowe is the author of the guide book Outer Hebrides, published by Bradt.  He writes about the less well known areas in eastern Lewis which are well worth exploring and offer elemental scenery, walking and wildlife spotting.