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Post by andi on Feb 26, 2007 20:17:13 GMT 10
Outer Hebrides"Na h-Eileanan Siar" (Western Isles) redirects here. The term "Na h-Eileanan Siar" (Western isles) can also refer to the whole of the Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides, (Scottish Gaelic: Innse Gall) comprise an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. They form part of the Hebrides, separated from the Scottish mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the stormy stretch of water known as the Minch and the Little Minch. Most communities in the Outer Hebrides use the Scottish Gaelic language. The name for the UK Parliament constituency covering this area is Na h-Eileanan an Iar, whilst the Scottish Parliament constituency for the area continues to be officially known as Western Isles although it is almost always written as Western Isles (Eilean Siar). The islands were known as Suðreyjar ("Southern Islands"; cf. Suðrland) under Norwegian rule for about 200 years until sovereignty was transferred to Scotland in the Treaty of Perth in 1266, which followed the Battle of Largs three years earlier. Colloquially they are sometimes referred to collectively as An t-Eilean Fada or "The Long Island"; Na h-Eileanan a-Muigh (the Outer Isles) is also heard occasionally in Scottish Gaelic. IslandsThe main islands form an archipelago, which with their smaller surrounding islands are sometimes known poetically as the Long Isle. The major islands include Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra. [edit] Populated islandsIsland Population (2001 census) Lewis and Harris 19,918 (Harris) 3,601 (Lewis) 16,872 South Uist 1,818 North Uist 1,271 Benbecula 1,219 Barra 1,078 Scalpay 322 Great Bernera 233 Grimsay 201 Berneray, North Uist 136 Eriskay 133 Vatersay 94 Baleshare 49 Grimsay, South East Benbecula 19 Flodda, Benbecula 11 Unpopulated islandsThe unpopulated islands include: Barra Isles, Boreray Calvay, Campay Eilean Chaluim Chille, Eilean Iubhard, Eilean Kearstay, Eileanan Iasgaich, Ensay Fiaray, Floday, Flodday, Floddaybeg, Floddaymore, Fuday, Fuiay Gighay, Gilsay, Groay Hellisay, Hermetray Killegray, Kirkibost Lingay, Little Bernera Mealasta Island, Mingulay Opsay, Oronsay, Orosay Pabbay near Harris, Pabbay Mór Ronay Seaforth Island, Scaravay, Scarp, Scotasay, Shiant Islands, Shillay, Soay Beag, Soay Mór, Stockinish Island, Stromay, Stuley, Sursay Tahay, Taransay Vacsay, Vallay, Vuia Beg, Vuia Mór Wiay Small islands and island groups pepper the North Atlantic surrounding the main island group: To the west lie the Monach Islands, Flannan Isles, St Kilda and Rockall, in increasing order of distance. The status of Rockall as part of the United Kingdom remains a matter of international dispute. To the north lie North Rona and Sula Sgeir, two small and remote islands. Not often included as part of the Outer Hebrides, they nevertheless come under the administration of the Western Isles district. The Hebrides under Norse controlThe Outer and Inner Hebrides came under Norse control and settlement before the 9th century AD. The Norse control of the Hebrides was formalized in 1098 when Edgar of Scotland formally signed the islands over to Magnus III of Norway. The Scottish acceptance of Magnus III as King of the Isles came after the Norwegian king had conquered the Orkney Islands, the Hebrides and the Isle of Man in a swift campaign earlier the same year, directed against the local Norwegian leaders of the various islands. By capturing the islands Magnus III subdued the Norsemen who had seized the islands centuries earlier and imposed a more direct royal control. The Norwegian control of both the Inner and Outer Hebrides would see almost constant warfare until being ultimately resolved by the partitioning of the Western Isles in 1156. The Outer Hebrides would remain under the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles while the Inner Hebrides broke out under Somerled, the Norse-Celtic kinsman of both Lulach and the Manx royal house. Although the Inner Hebrides, from 1156 known as the Kingdom of the Hebrides, was still nominally under the sovereignty of Norway, the leaders were Scottish in language and culture rather than Norse. After his victory of 1156, Somerled went on two years later to seize control over the Isle of Man itself, and become the last King of the Isle of Man and the Isles to rule over all the islands the kingdom had once included. After Somerled's death in 1164 the rulers of Mann would only be in control of the Outer Hebrides. As a result of the 1266 Treaty of Perth the Outer Hebrides, along with the Isle of Man, were yielded to the Kingdom of Scotland. Local governmentThe Western Isles have been a unitary council area since 1975. In most of the rest of Scotland, however, similar unitary councils were not established until 1996. Since then the islands have formed one of the 32 unitary council areas which now cover the whole of Scotland. The Western Isles council is officially known by its Gaelic name, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and known locally simply as 'the Comhairle' or 'a Chomhairle', having changed its name under the Local Government (Gaelic Names) (Scotland) Act 1997. The council has its base in Stornoway on Lewis. Lewis is in the north of the island group and forms part of the county of Ross-shire. The rest of the group, including Harris, is part of Inverness-shire. Between 1890 and 1975 administration was split, by the Lewis-Harris boundary, between the county councils of Ross and Cromarty (which covered Ross-shire and Cromartyshire) and Inverness-shire. The Western Isles is a member of the International Island Games Association. ReligionThe Christian religion has deep roots in the Western Isles, but owing mainly to the different allegiances of the clans in the past, the people in the northern islands (Lewis, Harris, North Uist) have historically been predominantly Protestant (Presbyterian), and those of the southern islands (Benbecula, South Uist, Barra) predominantly Roman Catholic. There are also small Episcopalian congregations in Lewis and Harris, though many of their members originate outside the islands. The northern parts of the Western Isles (particularly Lewis and Harris) have been described as the last bastion of fundamentalist Calvinism in Britain with large numbers of inhabitants belonging to the Free Church of Scotland or the still more conservative Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Services in the Free Church, the Free Presbyterian Church and some congregations of the Church of Scotland do not use instrumental music or any songs other than the metrical Psalms. In 2006 controversy arose over the decision of a local ferry company to sail to Harris on the Sabbath. It has also generally been considered unacceptable for people to appear in church improperly dressed, although this is slowly changing. Violations of this nature might include the failure by women to wear a hat, or trousers being worn instead of a skirt, or the wearing by worshippers of either sex of informal clothing such as jeans. The local council refused in December 2005 to conduct ceremonies for same-sex couples wishing to register under the Civil Partnerships Act 2004. South of Harris, Sunday observance is less strict. FerriesScheduled Ferry services between the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish Mainland and Inner Hebrides operate on the following routes: Oban to Castlebay on Barra and Lochboisdale on South Uist Uig on Skye to Tarbert on Harris Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy on North Uist Ullapool to Stornoway on Lewis Tiree to Castlebay, Barra (summer only) Other ferries operate between some of the islands. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Hebrides
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Post by andi on Mar 5, 2007 20:24:51 GMT 10
Lewis Lewis (Leòdhas in Scottish Gaelic) or The Isle of Lewis (Eilean Leòdhais), is the northern part of the largest island of the Western Isles of Scotland or Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar). The southern part of the island is called Harris (Na Hearadh). The two names however refer to the two parts of the same island despite the use of the terms 'Isle of Lewis' and 'Isle of Harris'. Lewis is, in general, the lower lying part of this island, with Harris being more mountainous. Lewis' main settlement, the only burgh on the Outer Hebrides, is Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh), from which ferries sail to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland. In the 2001 census Lewis had a usually resident population of 16,872. In Scotland's former counties, Lewis was part of Ross-shire (Ross and Cromarty). Both Gaelic and English are spoken in Lewis, but in day to day life, a hybrid of English and Gaelic (Highland English) is very common. As a result of the Gaelic influence, the Lewis accent is frequently considered to sound more Irish, Welsh and even North American than stereotypically Scottish in some quarters. The island's settlements are on or near the coasts or sea lochs, being particularly concentrated on the north east coast. The interior of the island is a large area of moorland from which peat was traditionally cut as fuel, although this practice has become rarer. The southern part of the island, adjoining Harris, is more mountainous with inland lochs. The island of Bernera (Great Bernera) in the district of Uig is linked to the mainland of Lewis by a bridge opened in 1953. The main industries are fishing, tourism, crafts (including the manufacture of Harris tweed), and crofting. Religion is important in Lewis, with much of the population belonging to the Free Church and Church of Scotland (both Presbyterian in tradition). The Sabbath (i.e., Sunday) is generally observed with most shops and licensed premises closed on that day, although there is a scheduled air service to mainland Scotland. Attractions on the island include the Callanish standing stones, the Clach an Truiseil monolith, the thirteenth century Teampull Mholuaidh church, the Butt of Lewis cliffs and lighthouse and the broch at Dun Carloway. The Lewis chessmen were found on the island in 1831. Most of the place names in Lewis and Harris come from Old Norse. The name Lewis is the English spelling of the Gaelic Leòdhas which comes from the Old Norse Ljóðhús, as Lewis is named in medieval Norwegian maps of the island. Ljóðhús translates from Old Norse to English as Home of the Poet (Ljóð = Poet, hús = house). The 12th century ruler of the Island, Leod, taking his name from the Norse word for Poet. In 1919 the Isle of Lewis suffered a terrible blow with the sinking of the Iolaire, when at the close of the First World War the Admiralty yacht HMY Iolaire, sank within sight of Stornoway's harbour, killing over 200 naval reservists from the island who were returning home after the war. Parishes and districts of LewisThere are four parishes: Barvas (Barabhas), Lochs (Na Lochan), Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh), and Uig on which the original civil registration districts were based. The district of Carloway (after the village of that name) which hitherto had fallen partly within the parishes of Lochs and Uig, became a separate civil registration district in 1859. The districts of Lewis are Ness (Nis), Carloway (Càrlabhagh), Broadbay, Lochs (Na Lochan), Park (A' Phàirc), Point (An Rubha), Stornoway itself, and Uig. These designations are traditional and in use by the entire population. The West Side is a generic designation for the area covering the villages from Arnol to Shawbost (Siabost). For civil registration purposes Lochs (Na Lochan) is nowadays split into North Lochs (Na Lochan a Tuath) and South Lochs (Na Lochan a Deas). - Broadbay including North Tolsta, Gress, Back, Coll (Col), Tong - Ness (Nis) including Habost (Tàbost), Port of Ness (Port Nis) - North Lochs including Balallan (Baile Ailein), Crossbost (Crosabost), Leurbost (Liùrbost) - Park also known as South Lochs including Gravir (Grabhair) - Point (An Rubha) including Aignish (Aiginis), Flesherin (Fleisirin"), Lower Bayble (Pabail Iarach), Portnaguran (Port nan Giùran), Upper Bayble (Pabail Uarach), Portvoller (Port Mholair), Aird - South Lochs also known as Park - Stornoway - Uig including Cliff (Cliobh), Kneep (Cnìb), Timsgarry (Timsgearraidh) - West Side including Arnol, Ballantrushal (Baile an Truiseil), Barvas (Barbhas), Bragar (Bràgar), Breasclete (Brèascleit), Brue (Brù), Callanish (Calanais), Carloway (Càrlabhagh), Garenin (Na Gearannan), Garynahine (Gearraidh na h-aibhne), Shawbost (Siabost) It is claimed that you can see all the areas of Lewis from the top of Stornoway War Memorial Sites of historical interestThe Isle of Lewis has a variety of areas of historical and archaeological interest. From the ancient site of Callanish with its standing stones to the Dun Carloway Broch, from the Iron Age houses near Bostadh (Great Bernera) to the Black House village at Garenin (Na Gearannan), near Carloway, from St. Columba's church in Aignish to the Teampull Mholuaidh in Ness, a wide variety of historical sites can be found. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis
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Post by andi on Mar 5, 2007 20:42:19 GMT 10
Harris Harris (Na Hearadh in Scottish Gaelic) is the southern part of the largest island of the Western Isles of Scotland or Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar). The northern part of the island is called Lewis (Leòdhas). Despite the use of the terms 'Isle of Lewis' and 'Isle of Harris', the two names 'Harris' and 'Lewis' refer to the two parts of the same island. Lewis is, in general, the lower lying part of the island, with Harris being the more mountainous. Harris divides naturally into northern and southern parts, joined by a narrow isthmus at the main settlement of Tarbert (An Tairbeart or Tairbeart na Hearadh), from which ferries sail to Uig in Skye. Harris is traditionally part of Inverness-shire. In the 2001 census Harris had a usually resident population of 3,601. Harris has been described as the last bastion of fundamentalist Calvinism (see Religion in the Outer Hebrides), and sabbatarianism is still a highly contentious issue. Harris is also known for Harris tweed, although it is mostly now made in Lewis. In common with many parts of the Highlands and Islands Harris has numerous single-track roads with passing lanes at intervals. Most of the place names of Lewis and Harris come from Old Norse. Lewis and Harris came via Old Norse Ljóðhús = "people-house" and Herað = "a type of administrative district" from alterations of unknown Pictish originals. North HarrisNorth Harris, adjoining Lewis, contains Clisham (An Cliseam), the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides at 799 metres. The area is sparsely populated. Beyond Tarbert, the furthest settlement is Hushinish (Hùisinis) on the west coast. A bridge from the east coast links Harris to the island of Scalpay (Scalpaigh na Hearadh). In March 2003 the North Harris Estate was purchased[1] on behalf of the local community by the North Harris Trust. In April 2006 the Trust hosted the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company conference "Community Energy: Leading from the Edge"[2] in Tarbert. South HarrisThe southern part of Harris is less mountainous, with numerous unspoilt, white sandy beaches on the west coast. Its main settlements are Rodel (Roghadal), known for its medieval kirk St. Clement's Church (Eaglais Chliamhain) (Historic Scotland), the most elaborate surviving medieval church in the Hebrides after Iona Abbey, and Leverburgh (An Tòb na Hearadh or An t-Òb na Hearadh) from which a ferry sails to Berneray (Beàrnaraigh na Hearadh), an island off the coast of North Uist (Uibhist a Tuath), to which it is joined by a causeway. The road which runs along the east coats of Harris (from south of Tarbert to Rodel) is known colloquially as the "Golden Road" as it cost so much money to build, when it was built in 1897 by Jamie Harris. It runs through the area of Harris known as Bays through the coastal townships Lickisto (Liceasto), Geocrab (Geòcrab), Manish (Mànais), Flodabay (Fleòideabhagh), Ardvay (Àird Mhighe), Finsbay (Fionnsbhagh) and Lingerbay (Lingreabhagh). Of all the beaches on South Harris, Luskentyre and Scarista are considered by many to be the most spectacular. The scenery is some of the most breathtakingly beautiful in Scotland. From Luskentyre, the island of Taransay, where the BBC Television series Castaway was recorded, is seen most clearly. At Scarista the scene is much more sporting, as it is often the venue for surfing and kite buggying. Nearby the Harris Golf Club offers well kept greens and astounding views, but there is no play on Sundays. Scarista is the birthplace of the author Finlay J. MacDonald. Finlay wrote about growing up on Harris in the 1930s in his books: Crowdie and Cream, The Corncrake and the Lysander and Crotal and White and paints a very vivid and humorous picture of Hebridean life. ^ Islanders celebrate buy-out, BBC News Online, 1 March 2003 ^ HICEC conference 2006 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harris
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Post by andi on Mar 6, 2007 1:11:43 GMT 10
South Uist South Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a' Deas) is an island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 1,951. The population of the island is about 90% Roman Catholic. The island, in common with the rest of the Hebrides, is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland. The west is machair (fertile low-lying coastal plain) with a continuous sandy beach whilst the east coast is mountainous with the peaks of Beinn Mh¨®r 2033 ft (620 m) and Hecla 1988 ft (606 m). In the north west there is a missile testing range. Attractions on the island include the Kildonan Museum housing the sixteenth century Clanranald Stone and the ruins of the house where Flora MacDonald was born. The island is also home to the Askernish Golf Course. The oldest course in the Outer Hebrides, it was designed by Old Tom Morris, who also worked on the Old Course at St. Andrews. The main village on the island is Lochboisdale, from which ferries sail to Oban on the mainland and to Castlebay on Barra. The island is also linked to Eriskay and Benbecula by causeways. Smaller settlements include Daliburgh, Howmore and Ludag. The previous landowners sold the assets to the community on November 30th 2006[1] to a Community Company known as St¨°ras Uibhist which was set up to purchase the land and to manage it in perpetuity. The proposal for community ownership has received the overwhelming support of the people of the islands who look forward to participating in the opportunity to regenerate the local economy, to reverse decline and depopulation, to reduce dependency while remaining aware of the environmental needs, culture and history of the islands. The company name St¨°ras Uibhist symbolises hope for the future wealth and prosperity of the islands. Nature ReserveLoch Druidibeg in the north of the island is a National Nature Reserve owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The reserve covers 34.33 square kilometres of machair, bog, freshwater lochs and estuary. Over 200 species of flowering plants have been recorded on the reserve, some of which are nationally scarce. It is considered the best place in the UK for the aquatic plant Slender Naiad (Najas flexilis) which is a European Protected Species. Nationally important populations of breeding waders are also present, including redshank, dunlin, lapwing and ringed plover. The reserve is also home to greylag geese on the loch and in summer corncrakes on the machair. Otters and hen harriers are also seen. There has been considerable controversy over hedgehogs on South Uist. The animals are not native to the islands, having been introdued in the 1970s to reduce garden pests. They now pose a threat to the eggs of ground nesting wading birds on the reserve. In 2003 Scottish Natural Heritage undertook a cull of hedgehogs in the area. ArchaeologyThe SEARCH project (Sheffield Environmental and Archaeological Research Campaign in the Hebrides) on South Uist has been developing a long-term perspective on changes in settlement and house form from the Bronze Age to the 19th century. Organisation within Iron Age roundhouses appears to have been very different from 19th century blackhouses in which the dwelling was shared with stock. Stock sharing living space with people is often regarded as a traditional Hebridean arrangement reflecting Norse influence (Smith et al., 2001). The archaeological site of Cladh Hallan, the only site in Great Britain where prehistoric mummies have been found, is on South Uist. Missile testingIn the north west of the island at (57¡ã20¡ä00¡åN, 07¡ã20¡ä00¡åW), a missile testing range was built in 1957-58 to launch the Corporal missile, Britain and America's first guided nuclear weapon. This development went ahead despite significant protests, some locals expressing concern that the Scottish Gaelic language would not survive the influx of English-speaking army personnel. The British Government claimed that there was an 'overriding national interest' in establishing a training range for their newly purchased Corporal, a weapon that was to be at the front line of Cold War defence. The Corporal missile was tested from 1959 to 1963, before giving way to Sergeant and Lance tactical nuclear missiles. The 'rocket range' as it is known locally has also been used to test high altitude research rockets, Skua and Petrel, which despite their purportedly scientific remit, were operated by the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment in Aldermaston. The range is still owned by the MoD operated by QinetiQ as testing facility for missile systems such as the surface-to-air Rapier missile and Unmanned Air Vehicles. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Uist
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Post by andi on Mar 6, 2007 1:15:59 GMT 10
North Uist North Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a Tuath) is an island of the Outer Hebrides. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 1,657. It is connected by causeways to Benbecula via Grimsay, to Berneray, and to Baleshare. With the exception of the south east, the island is very flat, and covered with a patchwork of peat bogs, low hills and lochans, with more than half the land being covered by water. Some of the lochs contain a mixture of fresh and tidal salt water, giving rise to some complex and unusual habitats. North Uist is the tenth largest Scottish island and the thirteenth largest island surrounding Great Britain (excluding Ireland). It has an area of 117 square miles, slightly smaller than South Uist. The main settlement on the island is Lochmaddy, a fishing port and home to a museum, an arts centre and a camera obscura. Caledonian MacBrayne ferries sail from the village to Uig on Skye, as well as from the island of Berneray (which is connected to North Uist by road causeway), to Leverburgh in Harris. Lochmaddy also has Taigh Chearsabhagh - a museum and arts centre with a cafe, small shop and post office service. Nearby is the Uist Outdoor Centre. Other settlements include Carinish, Port nan Long and Scolpaig, home to the nineteenth century Scolpaig Tower folly. North Uist has many prehistoric structures, including the Barpa Langass chambered cairn, the Pobull Fhinn stone circle and the Fir Bhreige standing stones. The island is also known for its birdlife, including corncrakes, arctic terns, gannets, corn buntings and Manx shearwaters. The RSPB has a nature reserve at Balranald. The island is also famed for its extremely successful athletics club (North Uist Amateur Athletics Club). This club has performed exceptionally at local, regional and national athletics competitions - taking into consideration the island's lack of facilities and small population. The force-fire was last made in North Uist in about 1829. The island's main villages are Sollas, Hosta, Tigharry, Hougharry, Paible, Grimsay and Cladach Kirkibost. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Uist
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Post by andi on Mar 6, 2007 1:20:56 GMT 10
Benbecula Benbecula (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn na Faoghla, meaning "the mountain of the ford") is an island of the Outer Hebrides in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Scotland. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 1,249, the majority of which are Roman Catholic. It forms part of the area administered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or the Western Isles Council. The island lies between the islands of North Uist and South Uist, to which it is connected by road causeways. Travel to any of the other main Hebridean islands, or to the Scottish mainland, must be done by air or sea. Benbecula Airport on the island has daily flights to Glasgow, Stornoway, Inverness and Barra. There are no direct ferry services from Benbecula to the mainland, but a service operated by Caledonian MacBrayne from Lochboisdale on South Uist provides a five-hour crossing to Oban on the mainland, whilst another service from Lochmaddy on North Uist provides a two-hour crossing to Uig on the Inner Hebridean island of Skye, and hence to the mainland via the Skye Bridge. Ferry services from the islands of Berneray (linked by causeway to North Uist) and Eriskay (linked to South Uist) connect to the other Outer Hebridean islands of Harris and Barra respectively. Benbecula's main settlement is Balivanich (Scottish Gaelic: Baile a'Mhanaich, meaning "Town of the Monk") in the northwest. It is the main administrative centre for the three islands, and has the council offices and the administrative centre for the artillery deep sea firing range on South Uist, which is managed by QinetiQ. The village is also home to the airport and the island's bank. Other villages include Craigstrome, which lies on the eastern half of Benbecula. In contrast to the cultivated west coast of the island, the eastern half is a mixture of freshwater lochs, moorland, bog and deeply indenting sea lochs. Craigstrome is near Ruabhal, Benbecula's highest hill at 124 metres (407ft). The township of Lionacleit is also an important one, housing the Uists' main secondary school, which also doubles as a community centre containing a swimming pool, cafeteria, sports facilities, a small museum and a library. Next door to this is the Lionacleit campus of Lews Castle College. The RAF radar station RRH Benbecula monitors the northern Atlantic. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benbecula
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Post by andi on Mar 6, 2007 1:24:42 GMT 10
Barra Barra or Eilean Bharraigh (in Scottish Gaelic) is a mostly Roman Catholic and predominantly Gaelic-speaking island, and apart from the adjacent island of Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar) in Scotland. Geography and HistoryAt the 2001 census the resident population was 1,078. The area of Barra is 35 square miles, the main village being Castlebay (Bàgh a' Chaisteil). Barra is now linked by a man-made causeway to the neighbouring island of Vatersay (Eilean Bhatarsaigh). The west of the island has white sandy beaches backed by shell-sand machair and the east has numerous rocky inlets. Barra is abundant with stunning scenery, rare flowers and wildlife, which can be appreciated by coastal or hill walks, drives or cycle rides along the various small roads. Car and bicycle hire are available locally. The Clan MacNeil has strong ties to the Isle of Barra and can trace its lineage back to the O'Neills of Ulster who came to Barra from Ireland around the year 1000. Kisimul Castle at Castlebay is the hereditary seat of the MacNeils. It is located on an island in the bay, so giving the village its name. Other places of interest on the island include a Black house Museum, a ruined church and museum at Cille Bharra, a number of Iron Age brochs such as those at Dùn Chuidhir and An Dùn Bàn and a whole range of other Iron Age and later structures which have recently been excavated and recorded. TransportBarra's tiny airport, near Northbay, is unique in Britain in that the runway is a beach, Cockle Strand (An Tràigh Mhòr). Planes can only land and take off at low tide meaning that the timetable varies. As the name implies, the beach is also a source of cockles. Castlebay is the main ferry port from which ferries sail to Oban on the Scottish mainland and Lochboisdale (Loch Baghasdail) in South Uist (Uibhist a Deas). A vehicular ferry also travels between Ceann a' Gharaidh in Eriskay (Èirisgeigh) and Ardmore (An Àird Mhòr) in Barra. The crossing takes around 40 minutes. Apart from the ferries, boat trips to Mingulay and Eriskay are also available during the season, and a small boat can take visitors to Kisimul Castle. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barra
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Post by andi on Mar 6, 2007 1:28:51 GMT 10
Scalpay Scalpay (Gaelic: Scalpaigh or Scalpaidh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. In 2001, the island had a population of 322 people, whose main industries are fish farming and prawn fishing. Scalpay is around 2.5 miles (4 km) long and rises to a height of 341 ft (104 m) at Beinn Scorabhaig. Scalpay's nearest neighbour, Harris is just 330 yds (300 m) away over narrow Caolas Scalpaigh. The two islands were linked in 1997 by a bridge that replaced the ferry service. The main settlement on the island is at the north, near the bridge, clustered around An Acairseid a Tuath (North Harbour). The island is peppered with small lochans. The largest of these is Loch an Duin (Loch of the Fort) which has a tiny island in it with the remains of a fort still visible. Eilean Glas a tiny peninsula on Scalpay's eastern shore is home to the first lighthouse to be built in the Outer Hebrides. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalpay%2C_Outer_Hebrides
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Post by andi on Mar 9, 2007 1:11:52 GMT 10
Great Bernera Great Bernera, often known just as Bernera (Scottish Gaelic: Bearnaraigh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is linked to the west coast of Lewis by a road bridge. It is currently owned by Prince Robin de la Lanne-Mirrlees, a former Queen's Herald, who is currently residing in Kirkibost. The main settlement on the island is Breaclete (Scottish Gaelic: Breacleit), home to a small museum. Bernera is also known for its Iron Age (or possibly Pictish) settlement at Bostadh, discovered in 1992 and now covered by sand to preserve it. A replica Iron Age house matching those now buried is sited nearby. The island was also the location of the Bernera Riot, where crofters resisted the Highland clearances. The main industry on Bernera today is fishing and fish processing. There are still some weavers but it is no longer one of the main industries. The island now boasts a museum, a shop (with off-licence), a post office and also petrol pumps. The island should not be confused with islands called Berneray, nor with Little Bernera. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Bernera
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Post by andi on Mar 9, 2007 1:15:02 GMT 10
Grimsay Grimsay (Scottish Gaelic: Griomasaigh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, linked to both North Uist and Benbecula by causeways. In the 2001 census, Grimsay had a population of 201. The main settlements are Baymore (Bàgh Mòr) and Kallin (Ceallan) at the eastern end of the island. The island's main industry is fishing, mostly for lobster, prawns and scallops, although boat building was previously important. East of Grimsay lie several smaller islands including Ronay which was inhabited until the 1920s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimsay
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Post by andi on Mar 9, 2007 1:20:00 GMT 10
Berneray, North Uist Berneray (From Viking Bjorn's Isle) (Scottish Gaelic: Bheàrnaraidh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It should not be confused with Great Bernera, near Lewis, or Berneray (Barra Head, the southernmost isle of the Outer Hebrides). Berneray is one of two inhabited islands in the Sound of Harris. With an area of 10.1 square kilometres (2496 acres), Berneray rises to a height of 305 feet (93 m) at Beinn Shleibhe (Moor Hill) and 278 feet (85 m) at Borve Hill. There is strong evidence that points to Berneray being inhabited since the Bronze Age, and possibly before. The island is scattered with ancient sacred sites, stone circles, signs of Viking inhabitation and historical buildings, some several centuries old. In common with most islands in the Outer Hebrides, the population has declined over the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the past few years has seen a gradual rise; as of 20 October 2006, the permanent resident population of Berneray stood at 130. Most people on Berneray speak Scottish Gaelic, many as a first language. Berneray is known as the birthplace of the giant Angus MacAskill and for its sandy beaches backed with sand dunes. The west beach, a three mile stretch of wide, clean and often deserted sand, is widely acclaimed as one of the world's great beaches.[citation needed] The main industries are fishing, crofting (small-scale individual farming), media/IT and tourism. A key feature of Berneray is its machair. The machair is a coastal plain made up of windblown shell sand. Traditional crofting practice, which involves summer agriculture using seaweed together with dung from winter grazing animals as natural fertiliser, has, over time, bound together and stabilised the land. The machair is ploughed in rotation, giving a patchwork of crops and fallow of different ages which supports a wide range of flowers. Berneray has a particularly fine machair, a result of careful husbandry by the island’s crofters, helped by the absence of rabbits. The crofting practises also encourage a wide array of wildlife on Berneray. On early summer evenings you can sometimes hear snipe drumming, and even the rasp of a corncrake. Mute swans can be seen on Loch Brusda, and greylag geese are common. In the winter they are joined by barnacle, and a few brent geese. Ravens and buzzards are often to be seen. Golden eagles and hen harriers are rarer sights, usually in the winter. Wading birds on the shore include redshanks, sanderlings, turnstones, oyster catchers, dunlin, curlews, whimbrels, ringed plovers and herons. Further out, around the shores of Berneray, are mallards, eiders, red-breasted mergansers, and, more rarely, black-throated and great northern divers. Shags and cormorants fish in the seas around Berneray throughout the year, and in summer you can see gannets diving. Common seals often congregate at low tide on the rocks in Bays Loch, and can often be seen from the parking area a little way beyond the Post Office or by taking a boat trip out into the bay. Grey seals, which are larger and can be distinguished by the long 'roman' noses, also haul out there occasionally, but are more common off the West Beach. Though the otters of Berneray are out during the day more often than on the mainland, they are still elusive, and it takes patience and luck to see one. Possibly the greatest change in modern times occurred in 1999 when the causeway opened between Berneray and Otternish on North Uist. This has made travelling on and off the island, for example for employment, easier. The causeway contains culverts that allow the easy passage of otters and fish from one side of the structure to the other. In addition, broadband Internet provision became available in January 2006, providing another incentive to people wishing to relocate to Berneray and sustain the population and community. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berneray%2C_North_Uist
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Post by andi on Mar 9, 2007 1:23:43 GMT 10
Eriskay Eriskay (Scottish Gaelic: Eiriosgaigh, from the Old Norse for 'Eric's Isle') is an island of the Outer Hebrides in northern Scotland. It lies between South Uist and Barra and is connected to South Uist by a causeway which was opened in 2001. In the same year Eriskay became the ferry terminal for travelling between South Uist and Barra. The new vehicular ferry travels between Ceann a'Gharaidh on Eriskay and Ardmore on Barra. The crossing takes around 40 minutes. Despite its diminutive size, Eriskay has many claims to fame, that have made the island well-known far beyond its local Hebridean region. It is associated with the traditional Hebridean song, the Eriskay Love Lilt; with the Eriskay pony and the Eriskay jersey (made without any seams). It is the real Whisky Galore! island: it was just off Eriskay that the S.S. Politician ran aground in 1941 with its famous cargo. On August 2, 1745 the small frigate le Du Teillay landed Bonnie Prince Charlie with his "seven men of Moidart" on Eriskay to start the 'Forty-Five Jacobite Rising. An important early documentary film, Eriskay: A Poem of Remote Lives, made by a German traveller, Werner Kissling, was set on the island. There is a well-stocked shop in Eriskay, a community centre and the Politician Lounge Bar (named after the ship which serendipitously ran aground and famously provided the island with a generous supply of free whisky). The Roman Catholic church of St. Michael's sits on a hill overlooking the main village on Eriskay. It celebrated its centenary in 2003, having been built by Father Allan MacDonald in 1903. The site of the old church is marked by a memorial garden. Eriskay is traversed by a number of mountain paths and tracks, and has just a single motor road. The first stretch of that road was built in 1935, funded through proceeds from the first showing in London of the Werner Kissling film. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriskay
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