Scotland's Best Tours
Margot McMurdo, Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide.
Email: margot@ctem.co.uk
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Hidden Hebridean Treasures!
Scotland's Western Isles
(left)
Looking towards Hushinish Beach and Village, North Harris.
The Outer Hebrides is a perfect retreat from modern life. The tranquility, unspoilt landscapes, the musical lilt of the gaelic language still spoken by many of the inhabitants (as well as English) and slower pace of life embrace you as soon as you set foot on any of these very different islands.The modern and fast ferry services make the Outer Hebrides easily accessible from the Scottish mainland and a Hebridean Adventure can be planned to suit how ever many days you wish to spend exploring this quite magical part of Scotland.
(left)
Luskentyre beach overlooking to the Isle of Taransay.
The Isle of Lewis - Eilean Leodhais
Beautiful beaches, steep cliffs, some of the oldest rocks in Europe, heather moors and freshwater lochs intermingled with ancient archaelogical sites like the Neolithic Callanish standing stones or the Iron Age Carloway Broch . If you enjoy a dram of the 'water of life', visit the islands first and only legal whisky distillery for a taste of a very unique whisky with an interesting historical past.You can explore and breathe the cleanest, freshest air in Europe.
The Isle of Harris - Na Hearadh
Harris has a very diverse landscape, the west side has some breathtakingly beautiful golden beaches that stretch for miles and the east coast has an ancient rocky landscape that looks almost lunar in some places - The Golden Road. You can see the world famous Harris Tweed (including that used by Nike) being woven by Donald John at his small weaving shed, nestling on Luskentyre Beach and buy some tweed to have made into a suit or skirt, a wonderful mememto of a truly fascinating visit.
Enjoy the freshest of local seafoods and other delicacies, like Cullen Skink (a delcious fish soup), at small personal hotels/guest houses and restaurants whilst chatting with the locals about their life on the islands, the wildlife, the artists. Try a little of the Gaelic language even if it is only Slaint mhath (pronounced slange -ee-va), 'Your Very Good Health' whilst enjoying a refreshment!
Isle of North Uist - Uibhist a Tuath
North Uist is home to rolling moorlands and freshwater lochs teaming with birds and wildlife Isle of Benbecula - Bein Na Faoghla Benbecula is linked by bridges and causeways to the Uists and is the administrative centre for the Southern Isles.
Isle of South Uist - Uibhist a Deas
South Uist has large areas of grassland, shell beaches and an abundance of wildflowers, the machair. It was also the birthplace of Flora MacDonald who helped save Bonie Prince Charlie after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. You can even visit what remains of her home.
Isle of Eriskay - Eiriosgaigh
Eriskay is linked to South Uist by a causeway. It is where the SS Politician was wrecked, which provided the idea for the novel and hilarious film'Whisky Galore', the novel being written by Compton McKenzie. Eriskay is also the home to the Eriskay pony.
Isle of Barra - Eilean Bharraigh
Barra has some stunning coastal scenery and is home to the medieval Kisimul Castle located on a tiny island just off shore, clan seat of the chiefs of Clan Macneil.
I can plan an itinerary which will encompass the very best of these islands, the scenery, history, culture, food and drink, the people.
You can stay in wonderful small country house hotels or charming guest houses/bed and breakfasts ensuring you experience the very best of Hebridean Hospitality.
This will give you lasting memories of a very unique part of Scotland, which is like no other part of my country.
Special Hebridean Events for 2023
You may like to incorporate these events into your visit.
- Hebridean Celtic Festival 13th-16th July
- Eilean Dorcha Festival 20th-23rd July