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submitted: 2008-04-06 04:37:40 | by: FrancisMacDonald
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If asked where we are planning to visit for this year's annual vacation few of us would reply "the Western Isles of Scotland" but to be fair the Western Isles of Scotland have, in the last ten years or so, seen a noticeable increase in tourism. Each year there has been an increase in the number of visitors from elsewhere in the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. Below we examine some of the reasons for this apparent increase in popularity.

You will find the Western Isles just out from the western Scottish mainland across an area of sea called the Minch. Consisting of around 100 islands the archipelago is also known as the Outer Hebrides where the main language is Gaelic. The largest and most densely populated island is the Isle of Lewis which is where you will find the main town of the region, Stornoway.

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.

Many rich and important people can trace their origins to the Western Isles. Donald Trump famously can trace his roots back to the islands and this has played a role in his choice of Scotland as a venue for the development of a new golf resort. Of course Scotland is the home to golf and nearly everywhere in the country has one or two courses nearby. In the Hebrides there are a number of unique golf courses and along with other sports, such as fly fishing, cycling and surfing, the islands are becoming increasingly popular with folk looking to enjoy their favorite sports in places which offer unique challenges.

Everyone who visits the Western Isles comments on the amazing scenery however those who visit to enjoy their favourite sport often find themselves the closest to nature. It is not uncommon for an angler to witness a family of otters at play not far from where they are standing. Cyclists riding in the early morning or at dusk often see deer and stags at the roadside as they pass and golfers often see Golden Eagles hovering in the sky above. All of which you are unlikely to be able to enjoy in the city.

One thing that the Western Isles are widely known for is the stone circle found at Calanais. Second in importance to Stone Henge these spectacular stones are a "must see" tourist attraction. All across the islands it is possible to find any number of historic sites ranging from further smaller stone circles, monoliths, iron age houses, duns and much, much more.

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.

And now we arrive at one of my most favourite things about the Western Isles that, for me, is one of the most important reasons for visiting the islands as often as I can. The Western Isles have the best beaches in the United Kingdom, not only are they spotlessly clean, they are void of the crowds of folk that you are forced to endure elsewhere. Often you will find that you are the only people enjoying the sun on a long stretch of soft silvery to golden shell sand being gently washed by the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Words can not describe such a blissful place.

About the Author

If you plan to visit the Outer Hebrides you will find accommodation listed at Western Isles bed and breakfast and Harris bed and breakfast

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