Isle of Harris
Location
History
Useful Links
Harris is the most mountainous and widely seen as having the most spectacular scenery of the Western Isles.
A mixture of imposing granite mountains, stark heather moorland, and white sand beaches along its western coast. It’s beaches run mile after mile, from Luskentyre in the North to Scarista in the South. Above the beach, is the Machair – a marine meadow habitat almost unique to the Hebrides.
The machair is a haven for wildflowers and butterflies in the summer months. The area is a paradise for birdlife. Among the most frequently seen birds are the redshank, lapwing and ringed plover. The isle of Harris is also a haven for golfers, with a 9-hole links course you will never forget.
Seilebost, Harris
One of the UK’s Wildest and Most Beautiful Landscapes.
Scarp and Traigh Mheilein, Harris
A Distinct History from the Rest of Scotland.
The pace of life on the islands is slower, and is more closely linked to the land. As one visitor put it, “it has more sheep than cars” and so is the ideal retreat for some rest and reflection.
The history of the islands is distinct from much of the rest of Scotland (the Vikings didn’t leave until 1266 and the accent and many of the place names have Norse influences), and this combined with their remote location gives them a different feel, which endures to this day. The Gaelic language is still spoken throughout the islands, and the Sabbath remains a day of rest in line with the island’s Presbyterian traditions.
Harris is famous the world over for its Tweed, available in a myriad of patterns that capture the island’s landscape. To carry the name “Harris Tweed” and the orb trade-mark, the cloth needs to be woven in the home of an Islander from yarn spun on the Islands.
For more information on the Isle of Harris view our recent articles on the island.
One of the Most Important Stone Circles in the UK.
The islands are also famous for both the Calanais Standing Stones…
There is a wealth of interesting information on the Isle of Harris… did you know that The Lewis Chessmen, found in Uig, reside in the British Museum and appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone? They were also the inspiration for the film Whisky Galore.
40 miles out into the Atlantic lies the World Heritage site of St Kilda. It’s inhabitants shared a unique way of life until 1930 when they left for Harris. It is now a bird sanctuary and forms a memorable day trip.