For hundreds of years visiting the remote islands of Scotland has really only been within the reaches of the very rich. During the last few decades transportation links have improved greatly. Because of this the islands are now open to most visitors and islands such as the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) can now be reached via aeroplane or boat. One of the main reasons why people travel to islands, such as South Uist and the likes, is that, although tourism is an important part of the local economy, they are extensively unspoiled. In the article below I introduce the reader to the petite village known as Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Leverburgh is the second largest settlement on Harris with Tarbert being larger.
Most probably the main attraction of the Isle of Harris is the huge collection of incredible sandy beaches which are situated along the west coast. These beaches feature some of the cleanest and clearest waters in the British Isles. Beaches such as Nisabost, Luskintyre, Seilabost and Huishnish are the most popular, but do not expect to see huge numbers of sand castles, wind breaks, beach towels and buckets and spades because it is extremely common to discover that you are the only person enjoying the astonishing views.
The majority of the best beaches are located on the south of the island and all are only a few minutes drive away from Leverburgh. Leverburgh has a number of accommodation including Grimisdale Guest House, with excellent self catering accommodation a short distance away and a number of crucial amenities such as a general store, Leverburgh is a highly suitable place to base yourself for a touring vacation of the Western Isles.
Staying in bed and breakfast on the Isle of Harris is a relaxing experience. Harris hospitality is world renowned and all providers of accommodation try their utmost to ensure that all visitors have an excellent vacation. Accommodation are always spotlessly clean with clean towels and bedding and if you are in need of help or advice staff are always keen to assist.
The spectacular landscape of the Western Isles is home to a huge variety of wildlife and flowers, some of which are incredibly rare or unique species. Although you will rarely see a naturally growing tree on the island you will see a small selection of plantations across the Western Isles. A few small pine forests where cultivated many years ago and, thankfully the majority of recent plantations are of naturally occurring species more suitable to the unique environment and obviously far more picturesque.
The impact of man on the Isle of Harris is incredible long, long ago the island was completely tree covered. When mankind first settled on the islands of the Western Isles, many thousands of years ago, they they lived on the coast. Surviving by hunting and fishing, and using the trees as fuel, over time they settled further inland. In modern times fishing still has a vital role in the local economy and most local folk own a croft (a small farm where they cultivate crops such as potatoes.
Crofting (farming a croft) develops land which is ideal for rare and endangered birds such as the Corncrake. A great many species of flora & fauna, Golden Eagles are common place and around the village of Leverburgh are many superb places to indulge in a spot of birdwatching. Each year crowds of twitchers (birdwatchers) arrive on the islands to catch a brief glimpse of a rare bird. Many people choose to spend some time in Leverburgh and then catch the ferry over to the Uists to visit such places as the RSPB sanctuary.
If you are planning a vacation on the island please take a look at our listings of Harris hotel accommodation.
