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Everything you need to know for a visit to the Outer Hebrides

Our guide to these extraordinary isles.

View out over the water on the beautiful island of Barra
Isle of Barra's beach. Image: Shutterstock

There’s a world of wonders to discover in the Outer Hebrides and we’ve got just the thing to open it up to you.

Our Hello Outer Hebrides supplement showcases these remarkable islands and the warm, welcoming community that inhabits them.

We’ll tell you about the delicious food and drink you can sample and the fabulous local produce that inspires it. You’ll learn about the rich vein of creativity that runs through the isles and the art and how to ensure you get to experience all of it.

There’s also the opportunity to look at what makes the islands of Barra and Vatersay so very special. And if all this makes you want to go and grab your own little bit of paradise then we’ve even got advice on how to move there.

So if you’re looking for information ahead of a visit to the Outer Hebrides then click on the image below and subscribe to the Press and Journal.

Front page of Hello Outer Hebrides supplement

If you’re already a subscriber then simply click here.

Keep this in mind on a visit to the Outer Hebrides

One of the things that sets the Outer Hebrides apart is its extraordinary sense of community.

A large proportion of the islands is owned by Community Trusts and 2023 sees the centenary of The Stornoway Trust, Scotland’s oldest community landlord. It was established when the then-owner of the isles, Lord Leverhulme, gifted the town to its people.

Our guide details how residents have set up a code to help protect the islands’ infrastructure and services which are so vital to their livelihoods.

So if you’re on a visit to the Outer Hebrides, look out for P.L.A.C.E.

  • P for parking – don’t park in passing places, avoid road-verges and don’t block gates. Whenever possible leave your car in a designated area when you go exploring.
  • L for litter – Bin it or take it home. Reduce, reuse and recycle.
  • A for animals – Keep your dog on a lead, pick up after them and keep them away from livestock. Also stay a reasonable distance from wildlife.
  • C for campers – Park motorhomes in campsites or designated overnight spots. Whenever possible use organised campsites for tents. But if you do wild camp, only stay in a single place for a single night before moving on and don’t camp too close to your car, houses or the road. Bury all solid toilet waste at least 30 metres from waterways. and leave no trace.
  • E for engagement –  Before arriving familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, show respect to islanders and their way of life and support local businesses.

Keep that in mind and you’ll have the greatest time of your life on these wonderful isles.

The businesses that made it all happen

This guide was only possible thanks to help of Harris Tweed Hebrides, W J Macdonald, Flavour, Ordnance Survey LtdAn Lanntair, Cabarfeidh Hotel, Two Sea Hebrides, Store 67,  Stòras Uibhist, Askernish Golf Course, Grogarry Lodge & SportingASk Car Hire, Bùth Bharraigh, Uist Beò, Outer Hebrides Tourism, Lewis long house.