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Find Space to Wonder in Scotland’s Wild Atlantic Islands

Take time out and escape everyday life and immerse your mind in the fascinating history of the Outer Hebrides. Discover the unique history and mystery of our islands and enjoy exploring our intriguing heritage.

From Norse and Gaelic rulers to clan chiefs and crofting heroes of the past, our islands boast a rich and fascinating past just waiting to be uncovered. Explore Neolithic stone structures older than the Pyramids of Egypt, visit medieval churches and see how our proud Celtic history and heritage is still very much alive today.

Our islands are home to a network of local historical societies with museums and visitor centres up and down the islands (Comunn Eachdraich) where you can delve into our islands’ past (and present) to learn about our culture, heritage, language and lifestyle.

You’ll also find visitor attractions such as distilleries, arts centres, castles and much more.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can find the space to wonder and learn about the fascinating history of the Outer Hebrides.

A few ideas...

Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail

Retrace the steps of Bonnie Prince Charlie on this fascinating trail as he travelled through the Outer Hebrides, from his arrival in Eriskay in 1745 to his escape ‘over the sea to Skye’ (and thereafter to Uist) with Flora MacDonald in 1746.
Kisimul Castle

Hop on a boat across the bay to the ‘Castle in the Sea’ and explore the seat of the chief of Clan MacNeil. The only significant surviving medieval castle in the Outer Hebrides.
Kildonan Museum

Step back in time and gain an intriguing insight into the history of South Uist. With over 10,000 items related to the island’s social, domestic and cultural history to discover, you’ll learn all about its fascinating past.
1. 1st November 202431st December 2024
2. 1st April 202531st October 2025
Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre

Creative minds will enjoy a visit to this arts and heritage centre where you’ll find regular world-class contemporary art exhibitions, an award-winning museum, poetry and literary events, traditional music and even small festivals.
1. 1st January 202431st December 2024
Hebrides People Visitor Centre

Browse permanent and visiting exhibitions exploring the social and natural history of the Outer Hebrides and our island communities. Here you’ll also find “Co Leis Thu?” the fascinating genealogy research centre for the islands, home to over 30,000 family records.
1. 1st January 202431st December 2024
Kinloch Historical Society

Visit the Kinloch Historical Society and enjoy touring an exhibition covering the social, military and clan history of Kinloch. History fans will especially enjoy the chance to delve into the impressive archive of genealogy material.
1. 1st January 202431st December 2024
Uig Heritage Centre

Visit the local historical society in Uig to view museum displays, artefacts, maps and even a re-created blackhouse kitchen. Be sure to look through the photographs and stories that offer a unique insight into Gaelic culture and kinship.
Dun Carloway Broch (Dùn Chàrlabhaigh) and Visitor Centre

Visit one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland. Standing at nearly nine meters tall, and built in around 200 BC, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Lewis landscape. Found only in Scotland, this broch has had various uses over the centuries, including a pottery kiln, a shelter and a home as late as the 1870s.
1. 1st January 202431st December 2024
2. 1st April 202530th September 2025
Facilities at Calanais Visitor Centre from November 2024

Discover the spellbinding 5,000 year-old Calanais Standing Stones in the west coast of Lewis and enjoy learning about how they were built and used, and what they’ve meant to people throughout the centuries at the excellent Visitor Centre.
St Kilda

An isolated archipelago of volcanic islands located 50 miles into the Atlantic. Populated for over 4,000 years in extreme conditions, the islanders chose to leave in 1930. Visit the abandoned village and listen to stories and folklore about the unique life on St Kilda. It’s a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Nature reserve, and seabird sanctuary without parallel in Europe that is home to nearly one million seabirds.

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