To Do & See in the Western Isles (Hebrides)
Known as the Western Isles or The Hebrides, this is the group of islands located North West of the Isle of Skye off the North Western coast of Scotland. The largest of the Western Isles is the Isle of Lewis, while the other main islands include North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra. Some of the smaller islands include Taransay, Scalpay and Pabbay. Access to the Western Isles is via Mallaig, Ullapool and Uig.
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Arnol Blackhouse, Barvas, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
This award-winning attraction features a traditional fully furnished Lewis thatched house, complete with barn, byre and stackyard. A peat fire burns in the open hearth with the smoke filtering out through the roof, while the new visitor centre features interesting interpretative displays. Phone: + 44 1851 710395
Bosta Iron Age House, Isle of Bernera, Off Lewis
Featuring the excavated remains of an Iron Age village and a reconstructed Iron Age House, a marked walk takes visitors along the coastline. Phone: + 44 1851 612331
Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
This cross-shaped setting of standing stones, dating to around 3000 BC, is unique in Scotland. The distinctive visitor centre tells the enthralling story of the stones and offers a range of facilities. Phone: + 44 1851 621422
Doune Broch Centre, Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
The visitor centre comprises a gift shop, which sells local crafts and other gift items, while the exhibition “Scenes from the Broch” illustrates how people lived in the Broch. Phone: + 44 1851 643338
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Kisimul Castle, Near Castlebay, Off Barra
Located on a tiny island off the south coast of Barra and dating from the 12th century, this was the ancestral home of the MacNeil family. Features include a great hall, chapel, dungeon and tower. Phone: + 44 1871 810313
Loch Druidibeg Reserve, South Uist, Western Isles
A reserve full of striking contrasts, the colourful “machair” grassland on the Atlantic coast gradually gives way to the moorland of the interior. Its quiet lochans provide a haven for the distinctive plants and birds of the Uists. Phone: + 44 1870 620238
Monach Isles, Near North Uist, Western Isles
Lying just off North Uist, this set of five small islands play host every Autumn to one of the most important breeding colonies of Atlantic grey seals in the world. The Monach Isles are also home to a large seabird population, including black guillemots and terns. Phone: + 44 1870 620238>
