Main Local Tourist Office

Key links for the site relate to the Western Isles Councils’ own suite of sites which are exceptionally comprehensive and give an insight into the range and scope of activities in the islands. The first site listed is their portal site setting out introductory information and through which all sites can be accessed. It is however also possible to link directly between sites.

www.VisitHebrides.com - The portal site with good photos and it is the key site for travel information.

www.outdoorhebrides.com - This provides a comprehensive guide to all activities on the islands including surfing, walking, cycling, fishing, diving, bird watching, climbing, kayaking, sailing, kiting and windsurfing. There are some great photos on this site and a facility to get translation into other languages.

www.rootshebrides.com - A key genealogy site to help trace clan and family history.

www.walkhebrides.com - The site provides guides to walks of all severities from serious mountain walks to gentle pub-crawls. It also provides information on guided walks on which information on flora and fauna is given.

www.wildlifehebrides.com - This site gives extensive information on all aspects of natural history of the islands. The area is considered to be the last real wilderness in Britain. It also gives information on a Newsletter you can request that will keep you up to date with what’s going on in the islands.

www.golfhebrides.com - The site identifies the courses and the nature of the holes on the courses while also seeking to explain why the claim “its golf as it used to be” is justified.

www.cyclehebrides.com - This site identifies both on and off road routes giving distances, severity ratings and what to look out for en route. A further link site here www.seatrek.co.uk gives details of boat charter, water sports and wildlife trips including trips to the famous World Heritage Site of St. Kilda.

www.culturehebrides.com - The islands are said to be the “home of a unique spiritual civilised culture” and the heartland of the Gaels and the Gaelic language. This site adds substance to the claim by listing festivals and summer schools held in the islands. It also includes details of Arts and Crafts and archaeology in the islands.

www.fishhebrides.com - With 1.3% of the landmass of the Country and 15% of the freshwater area of the Country the islands have much to boast about as regards trout fishing. This site guides you through the best places to fish for both freshwater and sea fishing in the islands.

www.filmhebrides.com - The site explains what films have been made in the islands and shows where they were filmed.

Genealogy

www.scotroots.com - this excellent site will help you trace your relatives, find the origin and history of your family name, locate photographs of your ancestral home and establish what your family members did for a living. They have helped thousands of people find out about their family roots let them help you too.

Photography

There are several outlets for ‘special’ photographs and film footage of the islands including an ability to commission both still and video photography.

Key links are :

Ged Yeates – a freelance cameraman and editor with tremendous experience working for the BBC in the news industry and with a particular skill for filming all aspects of the islands where, in fact, he lives. gedtv@globalnet.co.uk

Charles Tait – a photographer and author of considerable experience who has shot film across Scotland from the Shetlands to the Hebrides. He has an exceptional stills portfolio from which you can select that special picture. www.charles-tait.co.uk

Music

The music used for the DVD was obtained from several sources including licence free music from the internet. It was selected to match the Celtic soul of the project and has been complemented by several people who saw the film during editing. The three main performers who provided tracks are all phenomenal musical talents but are also incredibly nice people all three helped me considerably to secure the necessary licences.

Eric Rigler – a world-class piper whose skill on the Uilleann pipes makes him one of the worlds most sought after Celtic musicians provided a combination track of Mari’s Wedding / Kesh Jig and the beautiful The Water is Wide both fine traditional tunes. Eric has a vast range of CD’s for the Celtic connoisseur.
www.scotdisc.co.uk

Abbie Lathe – an extraordinarily talented singer and musician who tours with world-class performers and has recently secured a new recording contract. A person with a fantastic range, natural musical ability and boundless enthusiasm we are proud to be able to call her a friend. She kindly wrote the tune Soul of Sgarabhaigh specifically for the project and has a large portfolio of excellent songs of her own. www.abbielathe.co.uk

Dougie Maclean – an international star and legend in his time provided his inimitable song Caledonia an anthem in Celtic circles and truly a song to which all Scots worldwide can relate. He has a portfolio of songs to match his vast talent. www.dougiemaclean.com


Culture

Music Festival

www.hebceltfest.com - The annual Hebridean Celtic Festival held in Stornaway each year unites all comers with a genuine love of traditional music in all its forms. The world renown musicians make this vibrant and diverse gathering one of the most eagerly awaited attractions of the festival calendar.

Harbour View Gallery - Fine Art
Anthony J. Barber
Phone: +44 (0)1851 810735
Email: ajb@harbourview.freeserve.co.uk
Limited Edition Prints of Scottish Scenes - Brilliant and Inspired

www.williefulton.com - Willie Fulton – This is a visit experience not to be missed. Do not be afraid of the rather challenging drive and you will have the privilege of meeting Willie at his gallery on Harris. A very talented artist who has honed his skills over ‘many’ years, a sense of humour second to non and a gentleman of the first order. This is a must visit for anyone with an eye for art and a bit of soul.

www.thecapitalscot.com  - This site has an amazing compendium of information about Scottish Heritage it's brilliant and it's all here for you if you just click the link.

Clan Sites

www.seenindunedin.co.nz - See this site for all you need to know about Dunedin in New Zealand the centre of Scottish culture on South Island.

Organised Tours

A wide range of organised tours are available :

Boat Charters

Scenic Cruises
Hamish Taylor
Phone: +44 (0)1859 530310
Fax: +44 (0)1859 530289
Email: hamish@scenic-cruises.co.uk
Mobile: +44 (0)7788 500302
Cruises / Fishing / Wildlife trip

Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast accommodation can be booked in Leverburgh :

Chrissie Mackenzie - Caberfeidh House, Leverburgh, Harris.
Phone : +44 (0) 1859 520276

www.rodelhotel.co.uk - The Rodel Hotel – This is one of the very few Hotels convenient for stays near Sgarabhaigh and is it very handy. The boat to take you to the island can pick you up from the harbour outside the hotel window. Your stay will be excellent with good food, newly remodeled rooms and very hospitable hosts. If hotels are your thing you will not do better in the islands.

www.fiddlebackfarm.com - Fiddleback Farm – An ideal place to stay just outside Carlisle to break your car journey to the islands. The farmhouse is exceptional with timbered ceilings, en-suite facilities and a private lounge for B&B guests. The evening meal offered looks expensive but the food is excellent and the setting in the dining room is second to non and in fact it is incredibly good value for money. Add to that hosts who make you welcome and are pleased to help with anything you need and you’ll find it a brilliant start or finish or both to your holiday.

Car Hire

Car hire can be booked across the islands but a good service, and available from the airport in Stornaway, is provided by:

Mackinnon Self Drive, 18 Inaclete Road, Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2RB
Phone : +44 (0) 1851 702984
E mail : mackinnonhire@hotmail.com

Shops Links

www.scotch-corner.co.uk - As comprehensive a set of gifts as are listed on the internet - highly reccomended

www.scotland-info.co.uk - A most phenomenal Scottish website with enough information to fill a library.

www.scottish-products.com - Interesting articles and access to a wide range of Scottish gifts.

www.zoojewellery.com - A brilliant site to get both mens and ladies silver and pewter celtic jewellery and other gift so have a look - you'll not be disappointed there really are jewellery gifts for all occassions.

www.proudlyscottish.com - A must for all gift seekers the range of goods is amazing.

www.scottishislands.org.uk - The Scottish Islands Network gives you all the statistics you could need about the islands so if you want to live the quiet and very special island life this is a must to visit.