St Moluag's Church
The church, based on the very north of the Island of Lewis of the Hebrides, has been dedicated to St Moluag, a 6th century missionary, who was responsible for the first Christian settlement in the area in the 560s. The current building was not actually built until around the 13th century and its origins are somewhat of a mystery, though some believe it was built by the son of a Scandinavian king who was converted to Christianity. St Moluag's church is, of course, steeped in history - particularly as it was seen for years as a special place of healing for those who suffered mental illness, or physical disfigurements. The church had fallen into disrepair by the 1800s but the Scottish Episcopal Church, who use the church to this day, set about funding its restoration which was complete by 1912.
Ui Church
Eaglais na h-Aoidhe or St Columba’s Ui in the Isle of Lewis, lies at the eastern end of the Braighe (also known as Braighe na h-Aoidhe), a narrow isthmus connecting Point to the mainland of Lewis. A stunning location, originally at the centre of a large graveyard, but which due to coastal erosion over many years, became perilously close to the sea. Written evidence shows that by 1433 the church, like many others in Scotland and Ireland had been dedicated to St Columba. Before the reformation the Church at Ui was the principal church in Lewis and regarded as the parish church of Stornoway and Uig. Thereafter it continued to be used as a place of worship and is reputed to be the burial place of at least 19 Macleod Clan Chiefs.
Balranald Nature Reserve
The Balranald nature reserve on North Uist takes is an area of a little over 600 hectares of rocky headlands, islands, sandy bays, grasslands, inland lochs, machair and moorland. These varied habitats support a vast and varied population of rare birds and provide your best chance of to hear, and perhaps even see, the corncrake and corn buntings. The Information Centre on site looks at the traditional Hebridean crofting practices which help to preserve the wonderful wildlife of the area.
An Lanntair
An Lanntair is now established as one of the most dynamic small arts centres in Scotland with its own distinctive Gaelic cultural identity. An Lanntair which is the Gaelic for lantern, beacon or lighthouse is like a light guiding locals and visitors alike to its door.
Lews Castle
In 1844 the Island of Lewis was sold to James Matheson and he commissioned architect Charles Wilson to build his new island residence and transformed rough grazing land into extensive woodlands and private gardens. Lews Castle and Gardens overlooks Stornoway Harbour and are now in the ownership of the parish of Stornoway. It is presently undergoing major restoration to return it to its former glory and in the process will become a bilingual museum and cultural centre. The gardens and woodland are however open all year round and have a range of easy walking trails. The area close to where the castle now sits was once called An Gearradh Chruaidh, or ‘The Rough Shieling,’ which gives an idea of what these manicured grounds would have once been like.
Dun Carloway
Dun Carloway is one of the best preserved examples of a traditional broch dwelling and is believed to have been built in the 1st century AD. Little is known of the its history, but it sits proudly overlooking Loch Roag, in the Isle of Lewis, and would have been a symbol of status in the area when built initially. It continued to be used for defence over the years until 1601 where a feud over cattle ended in the Morrisons being forced from the broch by the MacAuleys of Uig, and the broch being partially destroyed. In spite of this, the sophisticated structure can still be admired and the visitor centre on site offers an insight into the history of the local area.
St. Clement's Church
Built around 1520 for the Chief of the Macleods of Harris, Alexander Macleod, St Clement’s Church is considered the greatest medieval building to be found in the Western Isles. It is widely believed that like many other churches St Clement’s was built on the site of an older church and although it fell into disuse after the reformation in 1560 the graveyard was still used for some time by the Clan MacLeod.This beautiful church is well worth a visit to view its many intricate engravings, carvings and a striking tower towards the west of the building which is accessed by a dark stone staircase which is built into its thick walls. Amongst the many who are buried in the graveyard is Mairi Nighean Alasdair Ruaidh , the famous Gaelic poetess of the 17th century.
Ceòlas
Ceòlas is a music and dance summer school which runs annually in Daliburgh, South Uist. The week-long celebration of Hebridean culture in the stunning Gaelic-speaking community of South Uist offers classes in traditional song, music, dance, piping and fiddling. The School also has a strong Cape Breton element, with tutors coming each year from Nova Scotia to share the traditions which were brought to Canada almost 200 years ago by emigrants from the Gàidhealtachd.
Seallam! Visitor Centre
Established by Bill and Christine Lawson in 2000, the Visitor Centre at Northton offers a great sense of island life over the years in its exhibitions, for anyone looking to learn a little about the Outer Hebrides. For the more serious genealogist, there is more than 40 years worth of family historian Bill's research catalogued at the centre. So whether you've an hour, or a day, to spare the centre is well worth a visit.
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
This stunning row of blackhouses in Gearrannan in Lewis has been home to generations of crofting families. They were occupied until the early 1970s when the last few elderly residents moved to new accommodation that didn’t require the annual maintenance of thatching and stonework. The blackhouse has a unique construction of double drystone walls, a low profile and insulating thatch which made them altogether suitable for Hebridean weather. Not only that, but the building materials were all natural and locally sourced. These relics of a bygone age were declared a conservation area shortly after the last residents left as there was a unique opportunity here to preserve a style of house building which had survived for centuries but which had almost disappeared in the last half of the 20th century. Beautifully and sympathetically restored a trip to the village at Gearrannan provides a rare glimpse into the past culture, traditions and lifestyle of the crofting community of the Outer Hebrides.
Machair Trail
Starting at the southern tip of South Uist, the Machair stretches almost twenty miles along the West Coast of the island and a way-marked trail guides you along the way. The machair and the unique ecosystem which it supports, is a direct result of man working in tandem with nature over generations. Take a walk along the machair trail and enjoy the fantastic array of wildlife and possibly catch a glimpse of crofting in action.
Taigh Chearsabhagh
Located in Lochmaddy, the main port of entry to North Uist, Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre is a place where people can meet, share ideas, learn new skills and experience cultural interpretation that is both imaginative and stimulating. Two voluntary organisations formed Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust in 1993 and over these years have created a thriving museum and arts centre that has changing exhibitions throughout the year. The Museum will give you an idea of what life was like on the Island with each year a new exhibition following a different theme, whereas the vibrant art galleries show work often inspired by the unique local environment, culture and language.
Bonnie Prince Charlie's Bay
Eriskay is widely regarded as the jewel of the Hebrides and this breathtakingly beautiful little island lying between South Uist and Barra was immortalised on 23 July 1745 when a small boat was put ashore with Bonnie Prince Charlie on board. This is where the prince first set foot on Scottish soil and the beach is now referred to as Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa which means ‘The Prince’s cockleshell strand’. Locals believe that Sea bindweed, a pretty pink flower which is not native to the Hebrides but grows on the island, stems from the arrival of the "Bonnie Prince", who accidentally dropped the seeds when he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed is a cloth made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides that has been hand-woven by islanders at their homes and finished and in the Outer Hebrides. It is protected by the Harris Tweed Act of Parliament 1993 and is issued with the Harris Tweed Orb mark – the UK’s oldest registered trademark. Traditionally natural dies were used to colour the wool. There are 3 mills operating on the island, The Harris Tweed Scotland Mill in Stornoway, Harris Tweed Hebrides Mill in Shawbost and the Carloway Mill. If you would like to see a weaver at work weaving Harris Tweed on a loom at home why not take a drive down to Luskentyre on Harris and visit Donald John MacKay who lists Nike and Clarks as his clients. He owns the Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company made famous by his commission to make tweed for Nike in 2004 and awarded an MBE in 2012 for his services to the industry.
Surf Lewis
Surf Lewis, based in Sandwick, nearby Stornoway, is a surf school where you can learn to ride the waves in the various beaches of Lewis and Harris. Being open to the full force of the Atlantic, the western coastline is what makes the Hebrides a perfect place for water sport enthusiasts. The chain of islands provides some the finest beaches, reefs, points and headlands that you could hope for in Europe, making surfing especially popular with in the area. Surfing gives you the opportunity to get out in the ‘relatively’ warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean to be at one with nature as well as experience the spectacular Hebridean coastline, which is commonly illustrated in Gaelic folklore and songs.
Hebcelt
This unique music festival is set against one of the most atmospheric backdrops, the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis with its distinctive Gaelic culture and heritage. The music encompasses Celtic cultures tinged with contemporary, traditional, rock, indie-folk and world influences. The island community offers a welcoming hand to new visitors and helps to make one of the best small festivals in the country.
