Space for you to growThe Western Isles, also known as the OuterHebrides, is a chain of islands which lie55km off the west coast of Scotland,stretching 160 miles from the Butt of Lewisin the north to Vatersay in the south. Themain islands are Lewis, Harris, North/SouthUist and Barra. These are inter-connectedby a system of roads, causeways, ferriesand planes which enable you to travel thelength and breadth of the islands,discovering beautiful coastlines, coves,beaches and sea-lochs. Many of the roadsare narrow; some are single track whichhave bends and chicanes. This can leavesome vulnerable in poor weather.

These islands provide some of the mostbeautiful scenery in the world, each islandholding its own unique features rangingfrom wild rocky peaks, moorlands andmachairs to long stretches of golden sandybeaches. Some of the tranquil un-spoiltbeaches of the Western Isles are world-famous and rival beaches in the world’shotter climates. Luskentyre beach, situatedon the spectacular west coast of SouthHarris, has been voted Britain’s best beachand has also been said to be one of the topten beaches in the world.

Hosta B

each, North U

istPhotography: Sandie M

aciver

Room for you to breatheThe temperate climate and position of theWestern Isles gives home to an unusualselection of plants, wildlife and rare birds.The islands provide a unique opportunity towatch the wildlife. Otters, seals, insects andbutterflies, rabbits, deer, whales, dolphins,porpoises, jellyfish, crabs, and much more,can be seen throughout the isles. The un-spoilt natural beauty of the islands providesa great backdrop for the many species ofwildlife that can be observed.

The Western Isles has a population ofaround 27,000 people and the islands areaccessed from mainland Scotland by ferriesand planes, both services can be affected in

the winter. Sea transport is crucial to theislands, and a variety of ferry services servethe Western Isles. Air services offer directlinks to a number of mainland locations.

Barra Airport (Scottish Gaelic: Port-adhairBharraigh) (also known as Barra EoligarryAirport) is a short-runway airport situated inthe wide shallow bay of Traigh Mhòr at thenorth tip of the island of Barra. The airport isunique, being the only one in the worldwhere scheduled flights use a beach as therunway. Barra Airport opened in 1936 and in2011 was named the world's mostspectacular place to land.

Maraig Loch S

eaforth, Isle of Harris

Photography: Sandie Maciver

Come and make some historyThe Western Isles have been inhabited forover 6000 years.The Vikings invaded in the9th century and today still many placenames remaining are of Norse origin.Gaelicand English are both spoken and schoolchildren have the option of being taught inGaelic Medium classes in their local schools.

People in the Western Isles are very proudof their history and culture, which containsmuch hardship and human cost, duringwhich time the islanders fought with greatdetermination to carve out their future.

Many of these historic sites have beenpreserved, such as the famous CallanishStones and the Garenin Blackhouse Village.

On a Sunday, particularly in Lewis andHarris, virtually all commercial activityceases and a large proportion of thepopulation attends church. This makes thecharacter of the islands very different fromthe hustle and bustle of most mainlandareas on a Sunday.

Inspired, whatever the weather!The Western Isles has a maritimeclimate dominated by ‘NorthAtlantic Drift’ or ‘Gulf Stream’;climatically the dominant featuresare wind and rain. In contrast to thewinters, when the days are quiteshort, in the summer the actualdaylight hours are extremely long,with lots of daylight and barely twohours of darkness at midsummerdue to the northerly latitude ofthe Islands.

Kisim

ul Castle, Isle of B

arraPhotography: Sandie M

aciver

Making it all work for youMany people move to the Western Isles forthe quality of life and the ability to regain abetter work-life balance. As well as beingwell known for the safety of its communities,the pace of life is slower, with much lesstraffic to navigate to get to work and goabout daily life.

The picturesque town of Stornoway is thehub of the Western Isles; it is home to avariety of sporting, media and socialestablishments and is where the majority ofshops and local headquarters are located.

Modern technology offers workers theopportunity, across many different sectorsthroughout the islands, for home working.Video/teleconferencing is often used to linkinter-island and mainland partners, reducingthe need to travel.

Stornoway H

arbour, Isle of Lewis

Photography: Sandie Maciver

Health & Social CareThere are three main hospitals situated on the main islands,Western Isles Hospital (Ospadal nan Eilean Siar) inStornoway, the Uist & Barra Hospital (Ospadal Uibhist agusBharraigh) in Benbecula which is located in the centrebetween North and South Uist, and St Brendan’s Hospital inBarra. There are a number of GP and Dental Practicesacross the Western Isles. Community nursing servicesoperate out of general practice premises and at communityoffices in key locations.

Community Care Services are available across the WesternIsles for people with a range of needs. The serviceprovides high quality support to individuals, their familiesand carers. The Comhairle provides support at home, inresidential care and in resource centres. There are also anumber of local organisations that provide support andservices to the community such as lunch clubs, support forcarers, Dementia Services and advocacy.

Register with a doctorRemember you should register yourself/family with a doctorat your local practice as soon as possible. The MedicalPractice will advise you on specific documentation requiredto register.

Moving homeLooking for the right property can be somewhat of achallenge. If you are moving from the mainland, it isimportant you are well informed about the area prior toyour move. There is a good selection of Estate Agents andSolicitors available locally to help you with the process,whether you are buying, selling or wanting to rent property.

Schools and EducationAfter a £70 million investment by the local government,children across the Western Isles are now being taught insome of the most modern schools in Scotland.

Lews Castle College campus is part of the University of theHighlands and Islands. There is a wide range ofprofessional development courses and further educationcourses available for study. This gives students more

reasons to stay in the islands (rather than leaving to study in the cities of mainland Scotland), contribute to the localeconomy or even build their own business. There is aUniversity of Stirling campus based at the hospital inStornoway. Students can undertake a range of healthstudies leading to qualifications in nursing and health andsocial care.

Arts, culture & heritageThe Western Isles is home to a good range of restaurants,take-aways and pubs, accommodating all tastes andbudgets. Live music is on offer in a variety of pubs andclubs, mainly at the weekend.

No matter where you live in the Outer Hebrides, you willfind a wealth of authentic experiences to engage with - the rich culture, the outstanding natural heritage, food,music, art and craft culture - all ways of enjoying the livingGaelic culture.

There is a selection of museums and art centres situatedacross the islands. Among them is the award winning TaighChearsabhagh in North Uist and An Lanntair Centre in theheart of Stornoway. These are multi-purpose venues,hosting exhibitions and workshops, live music, theatre and cinemas.

Many communities hold an annual Agricultural Show, agreat showcase for the crofting community and fun for allthe family, with craft stalls, displays and demonstrations,highland dancing and music.

MusicThe Hebridean Celtic Festival is a four day award winningfestival which takes place annually in July and bringstogether a variety of traditional and contemporary music.This event attracts visitors from around the globe to theCastle Green in the centre of Stornoway.

Smaller musical events are also held where adults and children are given the opportunity throughout the Isles to learn to play musical instruments. The localchildren’s Gaelic Mod is held annually, usually at thebeginning of June.

Sports facilitiesThe Outer Hebrides offers a superb range of outdooractivities including surfing, kite surfing, hill walking andmountaineering and cycling. Horse riding is an increasinglypopular sport with many inland trails and long beachesproviding the perfect setting. The Hebridean EquestrianCentre is only a 10 minute drive from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. It caters for both children and adults from the age of 4 upwards and no experience is necessary totake part. There is a smaller community riding school basedin Benbecula.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sport and Health Sectiondelivers and supports a wide range of services across theWestern Isles. Outdoor activities and multi-sports areparticularly popular in the Western Isles. The main sportscentre in the Western Isles is located in Stornoway. TheIonad Spors Leodhais (Lewis Sports Centre) has a full range of sports facilities both indoor and outdoor, whichprovides an excellent facility for school children and thegeneral public.

A range of smaller, local community facilities is alsoprovided throughout the Isles and a whole host of sportingactivities is pursued through clubs and organised eventsheld throughout the year; covering sports such as rugby,football, shinty, fishing, riding, canoeing, golf, athletics and10 pin bowling. A minimum of four half marathons are runevery year, plus various cycling events and a range ofcharity focused events.

ShoppingThe town of Stornoway is the main town in which most ofthe shops are located and is the only place in the OuterHebrides where you will find a mix of small high streetshops, and local independent shops, of which many selllocally produced goods, such as traditional Harris Tweedand jewellery. The local fishing fleet provides fresh fish andshellfish to local fish shops and restaurants.

Useful links and numbersLocal council (CnES)www.cne-siar.gov.uk/contact.asp

NHS Western Isleswww.wihb.scot.nhs.uk

Traveline Scotlandwww.travelinescotland.com

Caledonian Macbraynes Ferry Timetableswww.calmac.co.uk/timetables

Flybewww.flybe.com

Visit Scotlandwww.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/outer-hebrides

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Harris

NorthUist

SouthUist

Benbecula

St Kilda

Barra

Lewis