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Written by Francis MacDonald

Sunday, 06 April 2008

by FrancisMacDonald

Now the Western Isles may not be one of the top tourist destinations in the United Kingdom but, over the last decade or so, this unique region of Scotland has seen a marked increase in the number of visitors and a general increase in overall interest in the area and it's history. The article below takes a close look at the Western Isles and questions why there has been an increase in both British and American tourism there.

The Western Isles of Scotland are a group of around 200 islands separated from the mainland by an expanse of water known as the Minch. The Isle of Lewis is the largest, and most inhabited, island in the archipelago and where you will find the main town (and administration centre) of Stornoway. Considered the heartland of the Gaelic language, of which the vast majority of islanders have as their first language, the islands are also known as the Outer Hebrides.

The people of the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are known as Hebrideans and they are some of the most widely travelled people in earth with many families from the islands settling in far off places such as America and Canada. With most emigration being during the eighteenth, nineteenth and very early twentieth centuries there are now vast numbers of people who can trace their roots back to the region. More and more folk are developing an interest in genealogy and therefore this can account for some of the increased number of visitors to the islands.

Sports such as fly fishing, cycling and surfing are extremely popular in the islands due to the unique challenges and incredible rewards that the islands offer. Golfing is as important here than elsewhere in Scotland and all the Hebridean golf courses are incredibly popular. More and more people travel to the islands to enjoy their sports, cyclists enjoy the hard challenge offered by the often rough terrain, surfers enjoy some of the best waves in the United Kingdom and the salmon and trout fishing in the Western Isles is amongst the best in Europe.

Everyone who visits the Western Isles comments on the amazing scenery however those who visit to enjoy their favourite sport often find themselves the closest to nature. It is not uncommon for an angler to witness a family of otters at play not far from where they are standing. Cyclists riding in the early morning or at dusk often see deer and stags at the roadside as they pass and golfers often see Golden Eagles hovering in the sky above. All of which you are unlikely to be able to enjoy in the city.

One thing that the Western Isles are widely known for is the stone circle found at Calanais. Second in importance to Stone Henge these spectacular stones are a "must see" tourist attraction. All across the islands it is possible to find any number of historic sites ranging from further smaller stone circles, monoliths, iron age houses, duns and much, much more.

Another period of history which played an important role in the development of the Hebridean culture was the period during which the Vikings troubled the coastal settlement of the U.K. At first they just pillaged, often they would do so on their outward journey and again on their return. Eventually some settled in the Western Isles and, at one time, they were ruled by the Norse. Today the vast majority of the place names if the islands have Norse origins.

There are many, many more reasons to spend a vacation in the Western Isles of Scotland as we have only scratched the surface of the topic. Most of us like to take a vacation where we can relax on the beach and the Western Isles have some of the most incredible beaches in the United Kingdom. I can not begin to explain how great it is to discover a lovely little bay with soft shell sand where you can spend a whole afternoon enjoying the sounds of the waves while not once seeing another soul. I most enjoy the beaches of South Harris and over on the Uists but there are also astounding beaches to be found along the south west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

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If you plan to visit the Outer Hebrides you will find accommodation listed at Western Isles bed and breakfast and Harris bed and breakfast