For a long time tourism to the remote islands of Scotland has really only been within the reaches of the very rich. In the last few decades the infrastructure of the Highlands has greatly improved. The result of this the islands are now open to the majority of budgets and islands such as the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) can now be reached via plane or boat. One of the most frequent reasons why tourists visit islands, such as North Uist and the likes, is that, although tourism is a major industry, they are generally unspoiled. In the following article I introduce the relatively small village of Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland. The village is the second largest settlement on the island with the town of Tarbert being larger.
Most frequently the main attraction of the Isle of Harris is the huge collection of incredible sandy beaches which can be found along the west coast. The beaches feature the clearest and cleanest waters in the British Isles. Beaches such as Seilabost, Huishnish, Nisabost and Luskintyre prove the most popular, however do not expect to see masses sand castles, buckets and spades, wind breaks and beach towels as it is more than likely to find yourselves the only people enjoying the breathtaking panoramas.
Most of the best beaches are situated on South Harris and all are only a few minutes drive from Leverburgh. Leverburgh has a selection of accommodation including Grimisdale Guest House, with quality self catering accommodation a few minutes away and several crucial amenities such as a general store, Leverburgh is a great place to base yourself for a touring vacation of the Western Isles.
Staying in Harris bed and breakfast is a relaxing experience. The hospitality of the Isle of Harris is renowned the world over and all accommodation providers work incredibly hard to make sure that all visitors have an excellent vacation. Hotels are always incredibly clean and tidy with fresh towels and bedding and if you are in need of help or advice staff are always approachable.
The spectacular landscape of the Outer Hebrides is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, some of which are extremely rare or unique species. While it is rare to find naturally growing trees on the Isle of Harris there are a small selection of plantations dotted all over the Western Isles. A small number of small forests of pine where cultivated long ago and, thankfully most recent plantations are of naturally occurring species more suitable to the unique environment and certainly far more picturesque.
The impact of man upon the Isle of Harris is immense at one time the island was covered in trees. When man first lived on the islands of the Outer Hebrides, many thousands of years ago, they they settled on the coast. making a living by fishing and hunting, and using the trees as fuel, they eventually settled inland. These days fishing is still an important industry and most local folk own a croft (a small farm where they cultivate crops such as potatoes.
Crofting (farming a croft) creates land which is ideal for rare and endangered birds such as the Corncrake. Many species of flora & fauna, Golden Eagles are are common and around the village of Leverburgh are numerous great places to indulge in a spot of birdwatching. Each year large numbers of birdwatchers (twitchers) arrive in the Outer Hebrides to catch a glimpse of a rare bird. Many people choose to stay for some of their 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 in Leverburgh please take a look at our listings of Harris bed & breakfast