Scotland: Outer Hebrides/Western Isles : Isle of Lewis
The Isle of Lewis, together with the Isle of Harris, make up the largest island in the group of Scottish islands known as the Western Isles of Scotland. You may not have heard of the "Western Isles" as the islands are far more widely known as the Outer Hebrides (although the correct postal address is the Western Isles if you address a letter to the Outer Hebrides it will still get to the correct address).
The Outer Hebrides are a remote group of islands off the west coast of Scotland, a fair bit further out into the North Atlantic ocean than the famous Isle of Skye. The Isle of Lewis is the largest "isle" of the group and the main town, Stornoway (often called the capital of the islands), is the administrative centre of the Western Isles.
The Western Isles are the Gaelic heartland with the vast majority of natives having Gaelic as their first language and English as the second. For the tourist this can sometimes be a cause for some concern but let me assure you that if you walk into somewhere, like a shop, and Gaelic is being spoken many will automatically change to English or use English to converse with yourself.
That is the nature of the Hebridean folk, they are the most kindly, friendliest people you are ever likely to meet. The hospitality of the Hebrides is world renowned and the roots of it lie in the very fabric of their society when, in the feudal past, it was basically law to offer anyone requesting it, food, shelter and protection, even if the person was not particularly liked. This was never more evident than when Bonnie Prince Charlie appeared on the doorstep of the tacksman on the Isle of Scalpay while on the run from the English forces. The tacksman was of a Clan that did not support the Prince but he still had to protect him from a mob that appeared (from the nearby Isle of Harris) demanding that he was given up for the £30,000 ransom.
The Isle of Lewis is full of the stuff of legends and wandering about the remote island it quickly becomes evident why. There is something truly unique about the Outer Hebrides, the weather can swiftly change (in a matter of minutes) from gloriously hot sunshine to dark and cold misty weather almost impossible to navigate in. When on Lewis you are never too far from the sea and the sea has a major influence on the islands both in the way it physically changes the dramatic landscape to the bountiful provision of fish for local fishermen.
If you are looking for a vacation with difference few places rival the Isle of Lewis for uniqueness. There is an abundance of prehistoric sites, plenty of standing stones and stone cirlces with the most incredible being that at the village of Callanish on the west coast. It is on the west coast of Lewis that you will find the finest beaches (though many claim the west coast of Harris, or even the Uists, have finer beaches). From vast expanses of golden sands to tiny little private sandy coves.
Places To Visit On The Isle of Lewis
Gearranan Black House Village
Shown above this village of blackhouses is a "must see" Lewis attraction
Callanish Standing Stones
One of the finest examples of a stone circle in the British Isles
Carloway Broch
Not too far from the Callanish stones this Iron Age structure is well worth a visit
The beaches of the West Coast of Lewis
The likes of Uig, where the Lewis Chessmen were discovered, are some of the finest in the UK
The Hebridean Celtic Festival
An explosion of Celtic arts and music in the town of Stornoway each year
Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln
A fascinating look at a working Norse mill
Useful Isle of Lewis Links
Isle of Lewis Bed & Breakfast
Listings of guest houses and hotels on the Isle of Lewis.
Hotels in Stornoway
Listings of Stornoway hotel accommodation.
Isle of Lewis Guest House
Listings of guest houses on the Isle of Lewis
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