Scalpay
In 1998, the Isle of Scalpay received a big boost brought about by the opening of a bridge linking them to larger neighbours.
Covering a compact 2.5 square miles in total, this little island is a hotbed of Hebridean industry – playing host to fisheries and fishing fleets across the centuries as well as being home to generations of artisanal makers producing items from Harris Tweed to Scalpay linens and even the traditional Scalpay jersey – knitted using only Harris wool.
Cross over to the island to see a thriving Hebridean community in action, and explore the land that these islanders love so much that they have managed to put up a strong resistance to the ever present problem of depopulation – with numbers holding steady and continuing to match those of more than a century ago.
Follow the circular walk through machair and moorland past the Eilean Glas lighthouse at the island’s eastern tip, taking care to watch out for wildlife such as seals, otters and even eagles along the way.
The lighthouse site itself is one of the original Northern Light Houses and as such dates back to 1788 and was the only lighthouse in the western Isles for many years. A new granite tower was built in 1824 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, with 121 steps inside and rising forty three meters above sea level. Now painted in the traditional red and white stripe that has come to be known and loved equally by seafarers and lovers of seascapes. There is a boat trip that provides a sea tour around the lighthouse and several other areas of interest on the island where seals and a variety of sea birds can be seen.
If you prefer your exploration with less exertion, choose a scenic drive round the Scalpay roads, not missing the manse (now Two Harbour’s Guest House) built on the site of the home that one provided shelter to Bonnie Prince Charlie as he fled after his defeat at Culloden.
Other highlights include the sheltered North and South Piers, which make the island so popular with fishing fleets and were once the preferred place to put ashore for many herring men of the Hebrides during the heyday of this island industry. Recently new pontoons have been installed in North Harbour.
When you’ve discovered all that the great outdoors has to offer in the Scalpay area, don’t forget to sample the delights of the award winning North Harbour Bistro, where a warm welcome awaits.
