The Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides have been named top islands in Europe and appear in the world top five according to a readers poll on the Trip Advisor website. Two other Scottish islands - Isle of Mull and Orkney - also feature in the European islands top ten. Orkney comes in at no four in the list with the Isle of Mull at no nine. The Scotsman writes:James Kay, a TripAdvisor spokesman explained that the islands awards, now in their second year, are based on the quality and quantity of highly-rated hotels, restaurants, and attractions listed for each island and … [Read more...] about Lewis and Harris named Top Islands in Europe
Western Isles
The Story of Emigration from Berneray, Harris
Peter Kerr, a historical researcher with a particular interest in the Isle of Harris has worked on the Berneray Historical Society’s most recent project, ‘A’ tilleadh ar n-eachdraidh dhachaigh’ (Bringing Our History Home) which has run for the last 18 months. Mr Kerr has written an account of the worldwide emigration of local people from the island, mainly in the mid-19th century.Berneray is a small island in the Sound of Harris, between Harris to the north and North Uist to the south of the Western Isles. The island is joined to North Uist by a man-made causeway built in 1999, and also … [Read more...] about The Story of Emigration from Berneray, Harris
New Harris distillery gets government grant
The first legal whisky made on the Isle of Harris is on course to be produced next year. The Isle of Harris Distillery which is to be built at Tarbert has been awarded £1.9 million from the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme – one of five businesses to share £2.391 million in this round. A further three firms received £241,000 through the Marketing Development grant scheme. Work is due to begin on the distillery, which is expected to create around 20 jobs, by the end of this year. It will be built between a Harris Tweed craft workshop and the MV Hebrides ferry berth, to … [Read more...] about New Harris distillery gets government grant
