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.

Over the centuries the Western Isles have been known under various names and the name Outer Hebrides has stood the test of time and the name most people associate with these islands found off the west coast of Scotland. There are over 200 islands in the archipelago with only a very small percentage being populated. The Isle of Lewis is the largest of the islands and the island with the largest population. Across the islands the native language is Gaelic but most have English as their second language.

Because of the fact that, over the centuries, massive numbers of Hebrideans (as people who live in the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are known) have left the islands to settle elsewhere, such as Canada and America, many folk from around the globe can trace their families roots back to the islands. With the massive increase in interest in genealogy there has been a corresponding increase in interest in the islands.

One famous person who can trace his roots to the Western Isles is Donald Trump who is currently in the headlines for his interest in creating a Scottish golf resort. Golf is played all over Scotland and is considered the home of the sport and golf tourism is an important part of the Scottish economy. Another important sport to Scotland is fishing, especially fly fishing and some of the finest fishing is in the islands of the Hebrides. The golf courses in are also something special and other sports such as surfing and cycling attract more and more visitors each year.

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.

Many of the place names of the Western Isles are derived from the original name given by the Norse (who once ruled the islands). Originally the Vikings raided the islands just to pillage and on each trip they would visit the islands twice, once on the outward journey and again when they were returning home. Eventually many settled which had a profound effect on the area’s culture.

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.

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