Vacations in the Western Isles
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by: FrancisMacDonald
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Word Count: 724
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.
Because of the fact that, over the centuries, massive numbers of Hebrideans (as people who live in the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are known) have left the islands to settle elsewhere, such as Canada and America, many folk from around the globe can trace their families roots back to the islands. With the massive increase in interest in genealogy there has been a corresponding increase in interest in the islands.
Many rich and important people can trace their origins to the Western Isles. Donald Trump famously can trace his roots back to the islands and this has played a role in his choice of Scotland as a venue for the development of a new golf resort. Of course Scotland is the home to golf and nearly everywhere in the country has one or two courses nearby. In the Hebrides there are a number of unique golf courses and along with other sports, such as fly fishing, cycling and surfing, the islands are becoming increasingly popular with folk looking to enjoy their favorite sports in places which offer unique challenges.
If you visit the Western Isles to enjoy sports you will quickly discover how great it is to be surrounded with some of the most incredible scenery in the United Kingdom. Not only is the scenery diverse, if you are lucky, you will also see that the flora and fauna of the Hebrides is also diverse and extremely interesting. Few things are as enjoyable that watching an otter or two at play only a few yards from where you are standing. Take a closer look around and you may see a Golden Eagle or maybe deer.
One place that you really must visit in the Western Isles is Calanais (Callanish) where you will find an amazing stone circle which is only second in important to the famous Stone Henge in England. All around you will see other, smaller, stone circles and numerous monoliths appear all over the islands. Near to Calanais is an excellent example of an iron age broch, a unique building found in the islands which is believed to have served a defensive purpose. Numerous other historic sites such as iron age houses and duns (forts) appear across the islands making it an ideal vacation destination for folk interested in such things.
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.
And now we arrive at one of my most favourite things about the Western Isles that, for me, is one of the most important reasons for visiting the islands as often as I can. The Western Isles have the best beaches in the United Kingdom, not only are they spotlessly clean, they are void of the crowds of folk that you are forced to endure elsewhere. Often you will find that you are the only people enjoying the sun on a long stretch of soft silvery to golden shell sand being gently washed by the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Words can not describe such a blissful place.
About the Author
If you plan to visit the Outer Hebrides you will find accommodation listed at Western Isles bed and breakfast and Harris bed and breakfast
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