Main Tourist Information

The links given below are the ones I have used over the last ten years and which I believe will help or be of interest to our visitors. They cover most of the information needed to plan a visit and further information on activities and places to visit to make every trip a fulfilling and rewarding experience. There are also several sites giving details of businesses / people who have been kind enough to help me with the project over the last ten years. However if there are any businesses associated with travel, tourism or associated businesses in the Western Isles that I can help promote just let me know and I'll arrange to have suitable links included.

VisitOuterhebrides.co.uk

This is the starting point for any prospective visitor. The site provides a wealth of information about the islands including how to get there, where to stay, places to see etc. it really is a must see site.

Secret-Scotland.com - the premier tour planning site.

If you want to make the most of your trip then talking to Mike and Aurelia is a must. They can plug your requirements into a bespoke plan just for you or they can provide you with a complete recommended tour itinerary or of course anything in between. You will be able to embark on a trip knowing that it will more than fulfil your wants and needs and that you will get the very best from your investment of your holiday fund when visiting Scotland; so first visit Secret- Scotland and develop your own plan, take the stress free route to your holiday and get an itinerary that makes each day a real treat.

FishPal.com

For the fisherman visiting the Hebrides this a comprehensive site telling you where to fish, when to fish, catch statistics and prospects for your visit.

VisitScotland.com

The main site tells you all you need to know to visit anywhere in Scotland. The section on the Outer Hebrides gives you comprehensive data on the islands, accommodation, things to do etc. and it complements the dedicated site quoted above for the islands. Between them you should be able to plan effectively for any trip of any duration to the Outer Hebrides.

This site also provides essential data for cycling, golfing, wildlife and filming in the islands.

WalkHighlands.co.uk

The islands are a key area for walkers and if you are to visit and want a comprehensive list of walks on all the main islands of the Outer Hebrides look no further. This excellent site gives you walks galore the grade of walk difficulty, distance and time it will take.

Harrisdistillery.com

This small distillery lies en-route when visiting Tarbet via the Uig ferry and is even easy to find if not using the ferry. It has ample parking, a lovely little café full of good things to get you through the day and of course it can provide you with their now famous gin. They are producing a 10 year old malt whisky but as you can guess it takes at least ten years to produce. There are also gifts to compliment your gin and gifts even if you don't buy the gin so make it a stop-over on your way through Tarbet Isles of Harris you'll not be disappointed.

Genealogy

HebridesPeople.com

This is the centre for researching family connections in the Outer Hebrides. Bill Lawson has been researching the Family and Social History of the Outer Hebrides for over forty years and he not only a recognised expert in the field but also a very kind and approachable man. At his Sellam Centre in Northton on the Isle of Harris you will find a wealth of information on the people of the islands and a warm welcome.

Scotroots.co.uk

If you want help finding your Scottish roots then let Donna help you. She will trace your relatives, find the origin and history of your family name, locate local photographs of your ancestral home and name your ancesters. All the gain without the pain.

Photography

GedYeates.co.uk

Ged is a freelance cameraman and editor with tremendous experience working for the BBC in the News Industry. He is also a wonderful wildlife photographer as well as being very skilled at filming the Outer Hebrides which is where he lives.

HarrisHerbidesPhotos.co.uk

Stefan was brought up in the Outer Hebrides and specialises in landscape and wildflower photography. His photography is amazing and a visit to his site will amaze and inspire you to visit the islands to see first hand what Stefan has captured so magically in his beautiful photographs.

Charles-Tait.co.uk

Charles is a photographer and author of considerable experience who has shot film across Scotland. He has an exceptional stills portfolio from which you can select that special photograph.

Music and Culture

The music used for the main DVD was obtained from several sources including licence free music form the internet. It was selected to match the Celtic soul of the project and has been complemented by several people who saw the various stages of editing. The three main performers who provided tracks are phenomenal musical talents and are incredibly nice people they are Abbie Lathe, Dougie MacLean and Eric Rigler.

DougieMaclean.com

Dougie needs no introduction a Scottish icon and international star and legend his inimitable song Caledonia is an unofficial anthem for Scots worldwide. His talents extend much further than that so have a look at more of Dougie’s work it will entrance you.

ScotDisc.co.uk

Eric Rigler is an American player of the Uilleann pipes, Great Highland Bagpipes, and tin whistle. He plays on his own and with the band Bad Haggis, and has been featured on a number of movie soundtracks. Have alook and listen to some of the most stirring pipe music of our time.

HebCeltFest.com

The multi-award winning HebCelt returns for its 20th annual festival during July 2015. This unique event is set against one of the most atmospheric backdrops, the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis with its distinctive Gaelic culture and heritage. A must for all visitors.

Boat Cruises

Scenic-Cruises.co.uk

The man to take a tour with is Hamish Taylor he is a character and one of the finest men you’ll meet anywhere. He has great knowledge of the islands, a brilliant sense of humour and he will give you a day to remember out in the waters of the Western Isles for Cruises / Fishing / Wildlife.

Phone +44 (0)1859 530310 Mobile +44(0)7788 500302

Accommodation

There are many places to stay in and around Leverburgh and by far the majority are high quality and very welcoming places. I list below two options that over ten years we have found to be exceptional.

TaylorHill.co

B&B – Mrs Shona Morrison – A lovely place to stay with excellent food and run by one of the island families very close to the heart of the project. It is centrally located for the local area and within walking distance of many beautiful views. Run by a long standing island family you also help support the local economy of the island people. Tel. +44 01859 520266

ShalomCottage.co.uk

Self-catering - this beautiful house will not be beaten for view or facilities. It stands on the hillside overlooking the Sound of Harris with its islands including Sgarabhaigh dotted in a turquoise sea. It is a joy to get up in the morning to look out at the view. Run by a long standing island family you also help support the local economy of the island people. Tel. +44 01859 520259

Car Hire

MackinnonSelfDrive.co.uk

Car hire can be booked across the islands but Mackinnon’s provide an excellent service from Stornoway Airport.

Mackinnon Self Drive, 18 Inaclete Road, Stornoway, Isles of Lewis. HS1 2RB

Phone +44 (0)1851 702984      Email mackinnon@hotmail.com