Staying In The Western Isles Of Scotland
The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are a group of more than four hundred islands lying off the north west coast of Scotland. The islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides have been inhabited since the Mesolithic times and throughout history the culture and way of life has been powerfully influenced by numerous different races and today the Hebridean culture is a mix of Norse, Celtic, Scottish and English influences. In general most people speak in the Gaelic language and though many speak English, it is often their second language. Not that long ago visits to the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles were only for rich people and those people who had plenty of time. Nowadays it is much to travel to the Hebrides, it is possible to travel by car and boat or take a flight to a choice of airports on the islands. Sadly you are unable to get all of the way by train though you can travel to the coast and then travel by coach for the remainder of the trip. Sometimes the only problem that can occur is arranging accommodation especially if you are in need of Harris accommodation for groups which is more often than not booked up twelve months in advance.
One of the main reasons people visit the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is that the the culture and landscape of the islands are interestingly unique. Dotted along the south west coast of the Isle of Harris you will discover some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches of golden sand in the whole of Scotland, and it could be said the whole of Britain. Here and there you will discover a standing stone on Harris however it is on Lewis that you will discover the best standing stones at Calanais not a huge distance from Stornoway the only town in the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides. The standing stones at Calanais is said to be second only to England’s Stonehenge.
Deciding whether to stay on the Isle of Lewis or the Isle of Harris is often difficult and more and more folk are deciding to spend a short time on both. B&B accommodation on Lewis is often more readily available than Isle of Harris accommodation, so it is best to book well in advance.
Bed & breakfast accommodation in Stornoway is far less of a problem to find but to be certain book well in advance. Nearly all accommodation in the Hebrides is high quality and the hospitality is unbeatable and the people helpful and friendly.
Besides the Isles of Lewis and Harris there are a small number of other isles that are relatively easy to visit. The most commonly visited are North and South Uist, Barra and Benbecula and a ferry can be caught which runs from North Uist to the Isle of Harris at Leverburgh on South Harris.
