The Western Isles of Scotland may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering your annual vacation but over the last few decades this unique region of Scotland in the United Kingdom has seen a steady increase in tourism. This article examines the Western Isles and considers some of the reasons why it has suddenly become a vacation destination of choice for many Americans and British.

The Western Isles of Scotland are a group of around 200 islands separated from the mainland by an expanse of water known as the Minch. The Isle of Lewis is the largest, and most inhabited, island in the archipelago and where you will find the main town (and administration centre) of Stornoway. Considered the heartland of the Gaelic language, of which the vast majority of islanders have as their first language, the islands are also known as the Outer Hebrides.

The Hebridean peoples (people of the Western Isles) are amongst the most widely travelled peoples of the world. Hebrideans have settle all across the globe either by choice or, during the clearances, by force. Many families settled in Canada and the United States while others travelled as far away as Australia. Over the last decade there has been a massive increase in the popularity of genealogy and, as many people can trace their roots back to the islands, this can account for some of the increases in visitors to the islands.

Sports such as fly fishing, cycling and surfing are extremely popular in the islands due to the unique challenges and incredible rewards that the islands offer. Golfing is as important here than elsewhere in Scotland and all the Hebridean golf courses are incredibly popular. More and more people travel to the islands to enjoy their sports, cyclists enjoy the hard challenge offered by the often rough terrain, surfers enjoy some of the best waves in the United Kingdom and the salmon and trout fishing in the Western Isles is amongst the best in Europe.

If you visit the Western Isles to enjoy sports you will quickly discover how great it is to be surrounded with some of the most incredible scenery in the United Kingdom. Not only is the scenery diverse, if you are lucky, you will also see that the flora and fauna of the Hebrides is also diverse and extremely interesting. Few things are as enjoyable that watching an otter or two at play only a few yards from where you are standing. Take a closer look around and you may see a Golden Eagle or maybe deer.

Many people visit the Western Isles to visit the famous stone circle at Calanais (Callanish). So spectacular are the stones that they are considered only second to England’s Stone Henge. There are a great many historical sites across the islands but it is around the area of Calanais that you will see most of the stone circles and monoliths. Also nearby is an iron age broch that is well worth a visit as it is a splendid example of this unique style of building. There are many other historical sites to be found making it a perfect vacation destination for those who are fascinated by such things.

Another period of history which played an important role in the development of the Hebridean culture was the period during which the Vikings troubled the coastal settlement of the U.K. At first they just pillaged, often they would do so on their outward journey and again on their return. Eventually some settled in the Western Isles and, at one time, they were ruled by the Norse. Today the vast majority of the place names if the islands have Norse origins.

Finally I would like to make mention of my most favourite aspect of the Western Isles of Scotland, the beaches. The south west coasts of the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris and the Uists feature some of the most incredible beaches to be found in the United Kingdom. Often it is possible to enjoy some of these beaches alone and rarely are there more than just a handful of souls even on the most popular beaches in the Western Isles.