Everyday Expat

For hundreds of years sailing to the remote Scottish islands has really only been available to the very rich.  During the last few decades the infrastructure has improved greatly. The result of this the Highlands and islands are now accessible to most tourists and islands such as  the Western Isles (or Outer Hebrides) can now be reached via ferry or aeroplane. One of the most frequent reasons why folk visit islands, such as the Isle of Lewis and the likes, is that, even though tourism is a major contributor to the local economy, they are extensively unspoiled. In the article below I introduce the reader to the relatively small village known as Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland. Leverburgh is the second largest settlement on the island with the town of Tarbert being larger.

Most frequently the main attraction of Harris is the great many spectacular beaches which are situated along the west coast of the island. The beaches have some of the clearest waters in Great Britain. Beaches such as Luskintyre, Huishnish, Nisabost and Seilabost prove the most popular, but you must not expect to be confronted with masses buckets and spades, wind breaks, beach towels and sand castles because  it is more common than not to find yourselves the only people enjoying the astonishing views.

Most of the best beaches are found on the south of the island and all are within a few minutes drive from Leverburgh. The village features a number of accommodation including Grimisdale Guest House, with excellent self catering properties not far from the village and a number of crucial amenities such as a general store, Leverburgh is a excellent place to base yourself for a touring vacation of the Western Isles.

Staying in bed & breakfast on the Isle of Harris is a rewarding experience. The hospitality of the Isle of Harris is renowned the world over and all accommodation providers work extremely hard to ensure that all clients have a superb vacation. Guest houses and hotels are always spotlessly clean with clean bedding and towels and if you need help and advice staff are always highly approachable.

The spectacular landscape of the Outer Hebrides supports a vast array of flora and fauna, some of which are incredibly rare or unique species. Although it is rare to stumble upon naturally growing trees on Harris there are a small number of plantations in various parts of the islands. A small number of small pine forests where planted long ago and, thankfully most recent plantations are of naturally occurring species more suitable to the unique environment and certainly far more picturesque.

The human impact upon Harris is astounding long, long ago the island was tree covered. When mankind first lived on the islands of the Outer Hebrides, many thousands of years ago, they they lived on the coast. making a living by fishing and hunting, and using the trees as fuel, over time they settled inland. Today fishing is still an important contributor to the local economy and many inhabitants live on a croft (a small farm where they grow crops such as potatoes.

Crofting (farming a croft) develops land which is perfect for rare and endangered birds such as the Corncrake. Many species of flora & fauna, Golden Eagles are common place and around the village of Leverburgh are many excellent places to go birdwatching. Each year large numbers of birdwatchers (twitchers) arrive on the islands to catch a brief glimpse of a rare bird. Many visitors choose to spend some time in Leverburgh and then sail on 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.