Scotland has over 790 offshore islands, most of which are found in four main groups: Shetland, Orkney and Hebrides (sub divided into inner and Outer Hebrides).

Apparently, a total of 110 islands are classified as inhabited, with approximately 17 having no residents.

The largest Island is Isle of Lewis and Harris (part of the same island) and are located on the Outer Hebrides.

The Outer Hebrides known as The Western Isles, are situated on Europe’s Atlantic edge.

They are a group of Islands off the West Coast of Scotland joined by causeways and fer-ries:

Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, Isle of North Uist, Berneray and Grimsay, Isle of South Uist and Eriskay, isle of Barr and Vatersay, Isle of Benbecula and St Kild.

Take The Time And Visit…

There are many reasons for visiting the Isle of Lewis and Harris. They are mostly known for their stunning landscapes and unforgettable views. Most people visit for the beaches, history, landscapes, food and drink, coastline, Harris Tweed and the sheer open space and quietness.

The wildlife you will see are cows, deer, eagles and otters. Off the coast you will see dol-phins and whales.

Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris and Harris is the Southern part. These 2 Isles are joined and have a short border.

The Isle of Harris is famed for its beaches, miles of white sands and beautiful turquoise waves, something usually seen on a tropical island.

The Isle of Lewis is steeped in history and culture, ranging back thousands of years. An-cient stone circles stand on the same land as modern Stornoway. Gaelic is spoken along-side English, and Eagles live alongside Otters and people. It contains three quarters of the population of the Western Isles and the largest settlement – Stornoway.

Places to Visit and things to do…

Isle of Harris

• Luskentyre Beach
• Harris Tweed
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Day trip to St Kilda (abandoned by its inhabitants in 1930)
• Isle of Harris Distillery – Won Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year 2018
• Tarbert
• The Outer Hebrides – Isle of Lewis and Harris

Beaches to visit

Traighlar, Traigh Seilebost, Luskentyre Sands, Hushinish, Northton and Scarista

Isle of Lewis

• Butt of Lewis
• Arnol Blackhouse
• An Lanntair Arts Centre
• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Dun Carloway
• Bosta
• Gallan Head
• Uig Museum
• Calanais Standing Stones
• Stornoway

Beaches to visit

Eoropie, Bosta, Mangersta Sands, Mealasta Beach Uig, Garry beach and Dalbeg beach

Campsites to stay at…

Remember if calling from a non-UK mobile, dial 0044 and then drop the first 0

Eilean Fraoich Camping Park
Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles, HS2 9BQ, 01851 710504

Flodabay Farm
4 Flodabay
Isle of Harris, HS3 3HA, 01859 530353 or 07767 751847

Golden Sands Caravan Park
Upper Col, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0LT, 01851 820825

Horgabost
Isle of Harris, HS3 3HR, 01859 550386

Laxdale Holiday Park
6 Laxdale Lane, Stornoway, Western Isles, HS2 0DR, 01851 706966

Lickisto Blackhouse
1 Lickisto, Isle of Harris, HS3 3EL, 01859 530485

Minch View Campsite
10 Drinishader, Isle of Harris, HS3 3DX, 01859 511207

Traigh na Beirigh Campsite
Cnip Ne Maibhaig, Uig, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9HS, 01851 672303

Uig Sands Campsite
6 Ardoil, Timsgearraidh, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9EU, 01851 67224

West Harris Trust Seilebost
Old School, Seilebost, Isle of Harris, HS3 3HP, 01859 503901

How to get there…

Ferries

There are three ports of entry to take you to the Isle of Harris with ferries travelling seven days a week:

Uig, Isle of Skye to Tarbert, Isle of Harris

Ullapool on the north-west coast mainland to Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Berneray, in the Sound of Harris to Leverburgh, Isle of Harris

You can take the motorhome on board the ferry, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.

You need to book in advance if travelling by car but can be more spontaneous if travelling as a foot passenger. It is advised you book as far in advance as possible.