Isle of Harris

Scotland > Western Isles > Isle of Harris

The northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides consists of two "isles" although both are part of the same island! Confused? The Isle of Lewis forms the top half and the Isle of Harris the bottom half.

Harris, on the other hand, is mountainous with some of the oldest rocks known to man. To the East it is rocky and to the west more fertile with some superb Atlantic beaches - a great place to surf and beachcomb and many have come to understand the way of life here through the TV programme 'Castaway' which was based on the Island of Taransay off Harris' west coast.

Tarbert is the main town in Harris and is also one of the main ports of entry , from Uig in Skye.

The earliest known settlers came here about 5,000 years ago - the Standing Stones at Callanish, Lewis known as Scotland's Stonehenge, are proof of an ancient culture. Exactly why this group of stones, erected in the shape of a Celtic cross, was built is still a mystery. Not far away, at Carloway, stands evidence of another civilisation - the Carloway Broch built about 2,000 years ago.

Religion has played a significant part of the local culture - the medieval St Clement's Church at Rodel was restored in 1873. The Black House at Arnol on the west coast and the Shawbost Folk Museum give a good insight into life in these traditional old thatched cottages. The clearances and emigration of the 18th and 19th century saw many Hebrideans leaving for the colonies. Ancestry can be traced at the "Seallam!" centre in Northton, South Harris.

If you are planning to go to Harris, take your fishing rod with you as their is some great old-fashioned trout fishing available and some old-fashioned walks to get there! Also sea angling is superb, even from the rocks.