Visiting The Western Isles And Accommodation In Stornoway

The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are a group of isolated isles lying off the West of Scotland. In the past the Hebrides were ruled by the Norse empire and at another time they were ruled by the Manx empire, they only became part of Scotland a few hundred years ago. In more recent years, during a period of time known as the ‘clearances’, a saddening number of folk, including complete families and even complete societies were aggressively removed from their cottages and relocated to distant places where the indigenous folk spoke in vastly different languages. Many communities found themselves in lands such as Canada and America and even in lands as distant as Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

Because of this a large selection of, long established, Gaelic and Scottish communities are continuing to exist around the globe. Furthermore, again resulting from this, there are an unfathomable number of folk that can proudly trace their genealogy right back to the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles. This has created an amazing increase in the number of folk visiting the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides. Of course the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are more factors than this.

The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are extremely well known for the large number of glorious, spotless beaches, (especially those which can be seen on the Uists, South Harris and the Isle of Lewis) as well as the astounding scenery which is plentiful in extremely diverse flora and fauna ( a great many of which are protected by law). You will, more than likely, find yourself extremely surprised by the immense number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) in the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides.

Because of the area’s great many archaeological sites, which are, commonly, in an excellent condition, the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are also of extreme importance to archaeologists. Such sites are fascinating with the Standing Stones of Callanish (on the Isle of Lewis) being far more ancient than the standing stones at Stone Henge (found in Wiltshire, England) and the broch at Carloway (also on the Isle of Lewis) being one of the best in Europe.

If you are in the process of considering a journey to the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides you will need to book early because unfortunately Accommodation in Stornoway are often booked well in advance. This is also true with Self Catering Accommodation on Harris, which you might think about as a more suitable alternative. Self-Catering Cottages on Harris can be incredibly interesting, most Self-Catering Cottages on Harris have the most beautiful views that you are likely to see but there is also a most interesting selection of properties available to rent. If looking online look out for the Harris blackhouse.

Published by Travel Buff on February 24th, 2008 | Filed under Beach |