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- Destinations
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- Scotland
- Outer Hebrides
Outer Hebrides
Anyone with an eye for natural, rugged beauty should head
straight for the pristine island chain of the Outer Hebrides off
Scotland's west coast. Though the archipelago consists of over 500
islands, only a few dozen of the Hebridean Islands are inhabited.
Boasting majestic mountain ranges, highlands and miles of sheltered
golden beaches, the unspoilt Outer Hebrides also contain the
largest concentration of Scottish Gaelic speakers in Scotland,
offering a unique and fascinating look into the Celtic nation's
history. Not much is known about the history of the Outer Hebrides
before the 6th century, when records indicate that the
Irish-Scottish St. Columba arrived on Iona, founding several
churches. Structures such as Callanish, which dates back to the 3rd
millennium BC, and Cladh Hallan, the only site in the United
Kingdom where prehistoric mummies have been found, make the Outer
Hebrides a fascinating destination. The major islands in the Outer
Hebrides include Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Barra
and Lewis, where Stornoway is the administrative capital of the
Wester Isles. Most of the archipelago is protected habitat, as many
rare species can be found here, such as the golden eagle and
corncrake, while in the waters basking sharks, whales, dolphins and
otters abound. The main commercial activities in the Outer Hebrides
centre on tourism, fishing, and weaving, including the manufacture
of the famous Harris Tweed. Adventurous and energetic visitors can
enjoy activities such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing and climbing,
while surfing is fast becoming a popular sport here due to the
tides, swell and weather, attracting surfers from across Europe to
frolic in its numerous reef, point and beach breaks. There's a
reason they say '
it's as cold as the Hebrides'and travellers are
warned that it rains two days out of three here, so a sturdy
umbrella and good protective rain gear are essential. Travellers
who are lucky enough to be there during the months of September and
October, or March and April can relax with a delicious single malt
whisky, kick back and unwind while watching the mesmerising and
beautiful Northern Lights dance across the starlit sky.
Information & Facts
Getting Around
Travellers wanting to reach the Wester Isle can do so by plane
and ferry. British Airways, Eastern Airways and Highland Airways
fly to the three airports here at Barra, Stornoway and Benbecula,
from several airports on the mainland with Inverness being the hub
airport. Oban on the mainland is the main ferry port serving the
Hebridean Islands, including the Isle of Mull, the islands of Coll,
Tiree, Lismore, South Uist and Barra.
Language
English is the official language, though visitors will be
astonished by the variety of regional accents.
Money
The currency is the pound (GBP), which is divided into 100
pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards
should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign
currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels,
however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.
Travellers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by
tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid
additional charges.
Time
Local time in the United Kingdom is GMT (GMT +1 from last
Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).