The Western Isles are a necklace of hundreds of islands, sometimes called the Outer Hebrides, adorning Europe’s northwestern edge. The Western Isles are ripe for discovery by those for whom peace, tranquility and restoration are priorities.

Their very names - Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Barra, Eriskay, Vatersay, and dozens of smaller islands including the famous castaway island Taransay - evoke an image of clear skies, shining sands, brooding hills, puffins, otters, seals and the lilt of Gaelic speech. They are the very symbol of remoteness from the clutter of everyday life.

These islands have been inhabited by man for many thousands of years and his ancient imprint is seen throughout the landscape in standing stones, forts, and castles.

Almost every one of the Western Isles is fringed to the west by clean, white shell-sand beaches and almost every beach is deserted, except for seals and a vast number of different birds. Inland to the east, there is machair-land, which is a rich sandy grassland burgeoning with wild flowers in summer, then moorland replaced by hills before dropping to the sheltered rocky sea-lochs and coves of the east coast. Whether you find yourself beside a moorland loch, or on top of a mountain, or on the sweeping plains of the machair-land, the natural world surrounding you is varied and dynamic.

This is a stronghold of the ancient and beautiful Gaelic language, brought to Scotland more that 1500 years ago and still spoken by most here. There’s a wealth of Gaelic music and folklore to be explored and enjoyed. It's true that each language gives you a different perspective on the world and you will delight in the one Gaelic provides. And for those whose quest is enchantment, transformation and renewal there is little more to be said than, bi fàilte chridheil romhaibh an seo – there’s a warm welcome awaiting you here.