Where to Visit in the Outer Hebrides

Lewis has become better known through the popular novel, “The Blackhouse”. Much of it is set in Ness at the most northern extremity of Lewis but for something unique in the Western Isles these amazing standing stones are it.

The Callanish Stones, located above the beautiful waters of Loch Roag, are sometimes referred to as the ‘Stonehenge of Scotland.”  It is beyond all doubt that the stone circles of Scotland are a sight to behold with the hills of Great Bernera as a stunning background.

They date back nearly 5,000 years. There is a great deal of debate about use but it is thought that they were part of a celestial observatory that used the whole landscape of the area.

No one really knows why the Callanish Stones were built, but there have been many tales created through local folklore.  One belief is that the stone circles were giants that were petrified because they refused to convert to Christianity.

Another legend is that on a midsummers morning in the early hours a presence, not of this world, walks the grounds of the area whose appearance is foreshadowed by the sound of a Cuckoo.

This RSPB reserve has amazing views over to the Atlantic and St Kilda on a clear day. You can hear Corncrakes rasping from the nettles and also the Corn Buntings singing from the fences (they sound a bit like jangling keys). The birdlife here is amazing in the Springtime, literally a riot of birdsong and activity. There is a one hour circular walk round the reserve plus an amazing beach.

If you know a Mac/McNeil then their family originally comes from Barra. The stronghold of the Clan is on an island a few hundred meters from the appropriately named Castlebay, the main/only town on Barra. The current castle dates from the 1400’s with a major rebuild in the 1950’s and 60’s.