Please check this page regularly for local news and updates in the Outer Hebrides.
You can also pop into Welcome Points and Visit Outer Hebrides Information Hub (the information hub will be based in Stornoway in Zone 1 and will open spring 2025) throughout the islands to get local information.
Our two messages to ensure you have a great holiday is to plan ahead and follow our visitor PLACE code.
TRAVEL
Ferries
Please check your CalMac ferry service status or download their status App - ferries can, on occasions, be cancelled at short notice. CalMac website: www.calmac.co.uk.
Please note there is some disruption on ferries to South Uist.
- Mallaig - Lochboisdale (South Uist) ferry is now departing from Oban and arriving in Lochboisdale until 18 May 2025. Capacity on this route is reduced and all customers, including foot passengers, are advised to pre-book their journey. CalMac have put extra sailings on the Sound of Barra for travellers wishing to get to South Uist, via Oban to Castlebay ferry. More information here: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/service-status/#/service-status/038
Flights
Check Hial airports for Loganair flight status.
ACCOMMODATION
It is really really busy right now and there is limited availability. You can check our Late Availability and Special Offers page, or do an availability search on our Plan Your Trip section on each webpage.
Please ensure you book your Outer Hebrides accommodation before you travel, as the islands can be extremely busy especially in the summer months.
FOOD AND DRINK
Some areas, have a limited choice of places to eat and drink. Please plan ahead and check current opening hours online to avoid disappointment. Check out our new Taste of the Outer Hebrides EBOOK.
CALANAIS VISITOR CENTRE 2025
Please note that the Calanais Visitor Centre will remain closed this year as a result of exciting renovation work at the centre. This means the carpark is out of use and there will be no facilities at the centre. The Calanais Standing Stones will remain open but please note there is severely restricted parking for cars, no parking for coaches and no access to the stones via the visitor centre site. Drivers are advised to park on the shore road (if there is space) and follow the signs to walk up the hill to the stones. Please follow this page for updates.
There are bus services from Stornoway to Callanish.
BUSES
See timetables and contact details for service providers – please check terms of carriage for pets and bulky items before travel.
WEATHER
Keep an eye on the weather forecast as it can change very quickly! You can check it here.
WHATS ON
There are lots of local events and the best way to find out about them is to visit the local Welcome Points, local community shops and also our What's on page.
HEBRIDEAN WAY ROUTE DIVERSIONS
Please be aware there are some route diversions and advisories on the walking route:
LOCAL NEWS
It is worth checking local news for information:
Hebrides News (Outer Hebrides)
Guth Bharraigh (covers Barra and Vatersay)
We Love Stornoway (covers Lewis and Harris)
Stornoway Gazette (Outer Hebrides)
Am Paipear (Uist)
CRUISE
For information about cruise ships visiting Stornoway click here or if you are arriving by cruise ship, check out our cruise pages.
SUNDAY IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES
Sunday tends to be a quiet day in the Outer Hebrides.
In the northern islands most shops, cafes and attractions are closed. In the southern islands there will be some shops, cafes and attractions open.
On all islands there is no bus service on a Sunday, but hotels are open everywhere and you can get food and drink served.
