Western Isles

Island Group in Inverness-shire / Argyllshire

Scotland

Western Isles

Oitir Mhòr
Oitir Mhòr Credit: Mick Garratt

The Western Isles, located in the Inverness-shire and Argyllshire regions of Scotland, is a stunning island group consisting of around 100 islands, with the largest and most populated being the Isle of Skye. The islands are known for their rugged landscapes, picturesque coastlines, and rich cultural heritage.

The Western Isles are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The islands are also steeped in history, with ancient ruins, medieval castles, and traditional Gaelic culture still prevalent throughout the region.

The climate in the Western Isles is typically mild and wet, with cool summers and mild winters. The islands are also known for their unique wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and otters.

Visitors to the Western Isles can explore charming villages, sample fresh seafood, and immerse themselves in the local traditions and folklore. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, the Western Isles offer a truly unforgettable experience for those looking to explore this remote and enchanting corner of Scotland.

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Western Isles Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.493233/-7.3127027 or Grid Reference NF8157. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Oitir Mhòr
Oitir Mhòr
Gramisdale stone circle Rather mutilated prehistoric stone circle. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10186/benbecula-gramisdale" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10186/benbecula-gramisdale">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Gramisdale stone circle
Rather mutilated prehistoric stone circle. LinkExternal link
Causeway between Grimsay and Benbecula
Causeway between Grimsay and Benbecula
North Ford Causeway On the north edge of Benbecula, the modern causeway leads across the Oitir Mhor to Grimsay and North Uist.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.isle-of-benbecula.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.isle-of-benbecula.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
North Ford Causeway
On the north edge of Benbecula, the modern causeway leads across the Oitir Mhor to Grimsay and North Uist. LinkExternal link
North Ford Causeway Looking towards Benbecula along the causeway, which has recently been strengthened and widened to take a double lane road.
North Ford Causeway
Looking towards Benbecula along the causeway, which has recently been strengthened and widened to take a double lane road.
Shoreline at Rubha nan Ròn Standing on a small area of grass and rock that juts out into this square and the channels between North Uist and Benbecula. In the distance is Ruabhal, the only hill of any note on Benbecula.
Shoreline at Rubha nan Ròn
Standing on a small area of grass and rock that juts out into this square and the channels between North Uist and Benbecula. In the distance is Ruabhal, the only hill of any note on Benbecula.
Old marker post by the shore This decaying item looks as though it once served to indicate the landward end of a cable linking the islands.
Old marker post by the shore
This decaying item looks as though it once served to indicate the landward end of a cable linking the islands.
Gramsdale: postbox № HS6 40 and phone One of several postboxes which seem to have a prefix misnomer - being on Benbecula, this box is actually in the HS7, not HS6, postcode district. It stands alongside a red telephone box and this may be evidence that the post office, which opened in the summer of 1935 and closed on 5 October 1974, was in the adjacent house.
Gramsdale: postbox № HS6 40 and phone
One of several postboxes which seem to have a prefix misnomer - being on Benbecula, this box is actually in the HS7, not HS6, postcode district. It stands alongside a red telephone box and this may be evidence that the post office, which opened in the summer of 1935 and closed on 5 October 1974, was in the adjacent house.
Gramsdale: North Ford Causeway The A865 crosses from the island of Grimsay to Benbecula by way of this causeway, which has recently been upgraded from a single-carriageway road with passing places.
Gramsdale: North Ford Causeway
The A865 crosses from the island of Grimsay to Benbecula by way of this causeway, which has recently been upgraded from a single-carriageway road with passing places.
Grimsay: view alongside the North Ford Causeway Looking alongside the causeway linking the islands of Benbecula and Grimsay.
Grimsay: view alongside the North Ford Causeway
Looking alongside the causeway linking the islands of Benbecula and Grimsay.
Gramsdale: view across Grimsay towards North Uist The hills of the southeast corner of the ise of North Uist, Eaval being the highest, are viewed across a narrow inlet at the northern end of the isle of Benbecula. Grimsay is sandwiched between the two islands.
Gramsdale: view across Grimsay towards North Uist
The hills of the southeast corner of the ise of North Uist, Eaval being the highest, are viewed across a narrow inlet at the northern end of the isle of Benbecula. Grimsay is sandwiched between the two islands.
Kyles Flodda: a thatched croft An attractive little building by the head of an inlet, across which we look, on the north coast of Benbecula.
Kyles Flodda: a thatched croft
An attractive little building by the head of an inlet, across which we look, on the north coast of Benbecula.
Gramsdale: Welcome to Benbecula A bilingual welcome to motorists travelling southward on the A865 as they arrive on the isle of Benbecula on the causeway from Grimsay.
Gramsdale: Welcome to Benbecula
A bilingual welcome to motorists travelling southward on the A865 as they arrive on the isle of Benbecula on the causeway from Grimsay.
Sand Dunes View from the east of beach and sand dunes to the north of Benbecula airport.
Sand Dunes
View from the east of beach and sand dunes to the north of Benbecula airport.
Traditional cottage by the road to Caolas Fhlodaigh Although an old building, there are some concessions to modern living such as a power supply.
Traditional cottage by the road to Caolas Fhlodaigh
Although an old building, there are some concessions to modern living such as a power supply.
North Ford, Benbecula Bridge over the North Ford between Benbecula and North Uist, not safe for swimming!
North Ford, Benbecula
Bridge over the North Ford between Benbecula and North Uist, not safe for swimming!
View from the Causeway View from the causeway over the North Ford between Benbecula and N. Uist
View from the Causeway
View from the causeway over the North Ford between Benbecula and N. Uist
Northern End of Loch Olbhat Ruabhal (124m) is the hill in the distance.
Northern End of Loch Olbhat
Ruabhal (124m) is the hill in the distance.
Show me another place!

Western Isles is located at Grid Ref: NF8157 (Lat: 57.493233, Lng: -7.3127027)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

Also known as: Outer Hebrides

What 3 Words

///desire.enclosing.roses. Near Balivanich, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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