Introducing the Outer Hebrides of Scotland
Not too far off the west coast of Scotland can be found the interesting group of over 200 islands known as the Outer Hebrides. To the locals they are known as ‘na h-Eileanan Siar’ as the language spoken by the majority is Gaelic. While there are over two hundred islands only a very small percentage is actually populated. The main islands are, from south to north, Barra, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis. For a number of years now the islands have become a popular vacation destination and the income is now crucial to the local economy.
The Outer Hebrides are really on the periphery of Europe as they are really rather remote set further out than the Isle of Skye, separated by the somewhat dangerous area of sea known as the Minch. Out in the Atlantic ocean the islands have been dramatically shaped by the pounding waves and powerful winds (that occur during the winter months) the landscape is incredibly unique. Throughout the islands there are many archaeological sites of extreme interest to archaeologists and visitors alike.
It would sometimes seem that there are archaeological discoveries made every year in the Outer Hebrides. While this is something of an exaggeration it is pretty close to the truth as the islands are dotted with numerous examples of ancient homesteads, ruins, burial chambers, stone age monuments and iron age forts and houses. The most famous site is the incredible stone circle, or standing stones, of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis (also know and the Callanish Standing Stones).
The Outer Hebrides are also incredibly interesting for their rather unique flora and fauna (much of which is endangered). Surprisingly there are areas of ground which are extremely fertile, rather than damaging the ground the Atlantic weather fronts work to enrich the ground with a dusting of shell sand rich in calcium and other minerals. Though this land, called Machair, is only thin it manages to bring forth a multitude of wild flowers which appear as a blanket of color in the spring and summer months.
The countryside of the Outer Hebrides is world renowned. While many consider the interior of the Isle of Lewis just to be boring moorland others see a unique and important habitat and others enjoy the excellent fishing in the many lochs and lochans dotted all over the island. However the finest scenery has to be along the coastal areas of both east and west.
The beaches of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland are amongst the finest to be found in the whole of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. They are to be found all along the west coast (the east coast is mainly rocky inlets) with the vast majority found along the south west coasts of Lewis and Harris and along the west coast of South Uist.
With such a dramatic coastline, superb sandy beaches and Atlantic winds, it is little wonder that the Outer Hebrides are a superb vacation destination for those who like to indulge in sports such as surfing, wind surfing, wind carting and the likes. The islands of the Outer Hebrides are also incredibly popular for many other sports, the most obvious being running, rambling, hill walking, mountaineering and cycling. Of course there are also superb golf courses and, not least, some of the finest fishing in Scotland.
Visiting the Outer Hebrides has never been easier. Not so long ago it took many hours to reach the islands but it is now possible to fly to the islands or travel via a roll on roll off ferry which run regularly from a number of ports along the west coast of Scotland. Accommodation in the area is amongst the finest you are likely to have experienced. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are world renowned for their hospitality. Accommodation ranges from first class hotels, superb bed and breakfast guest houses and lodges to excellent self catering properties. With most accommodation available online booking a vacation could not be easier.