The island of Harris

Lewis and Harris are combined like Siamese twins at the northern end of the Western Isles, otherwise known as the Outer Hebrides. Yet although they are geographically linked, they each have their own individual characteristics.

HARRIS is mountainous, with the highest point at An Clisham reaching 799 metres. These hills offer excellent challenges for climbers and hill walkers. The rocky east coast contrasts sharply with the more fertile western shores which have, for thousands of years, met the demands of the Atlantic waters by the forming of many superb beaches, some of which literally stretch for miles.

Later history is represented by the many religious buildings found in the islands, particularly St. Clement’s church at Roghadal (Rodel) in Harris. This church is one of the finest in the west of Scotland, and contains the magnificent sculptured tomb of Alasdair Crotach Macleod, prepared for himself nineteen years before his death in 1547.

A visit to Lewis and Harris is not complete without seeing the famous Harris Tweed cloth being woven. Have a tour round a Harris Tweed mill to see the wool being spun and the tweed being finished, then go to the weaver’s home to see the hand weaver at work. Under the Harris Tweed Act the cloth is only "Harris Tweed" if it has been handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the islands, finished in the islands, and if it also complies with the quality requirements in the Regulations which apply to the famous Orb trade mark.

Closing days and Sundays

The deeply held religious beliefs on all the islands are one of the features that make life here in the Western Isles so different from mainland Britain.

Most of the shops, petrol stations, etc are closed and there is no scheduled public transport on Sundays. In Lewis and Harris, most hotel bars, public houses, and restaurants are also closed on Sundays, though some hotels are open to non-residents for meals.

Some bed and breakfast landladies and self catering proprietors also prefer it if guests do not arrive or depart on Sundays so please check to avoid offence being taken. Some shops also close on Wednesday afternoons, and there is a restricted bus service on Wednesdays.

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