Exploring the Hebrides, Scotland tour 

This evening, I am at Tarbert, Harris and back in touch with internet so am combining yesterday's missed blog with today's.

Yesterday, Aug 4th.,we experienced persistent rain which did not clear until evening. However, this did not detract from the quality of the tour which commenced at Benbecula. During a circular tour of North Uist we enountered a owl out hunting, a herd of deer on the road and extensive bird life. Sheep were everywhere, wondering along the roads and private property-but this seems to be a feature of Hebrides life.

We also saw/visited traditional thatched cottages, a prehistoric stone circle,many peat workings, remains of an iron age broch (high status dwelling) and Scalpaig Tower. Visiting some of these sites proved very wet underfoot.

In course of the tour we visited many remote communities and noted the traditional crofting and fishing activities in this predominantly Gaelic speaking area. An unusual feature of the landscape is the high incidence of derelict, abandoned houses some of which may be attributable to the Highland Clearances of the 19th century when many communities were forced to emigrate to North America and Australasia.

This morning we caught the 1030 am ferry from North Uist to Harris and then undertook a fascinating tour which encompassed:
- a prehistoric stone circle against stunning seashore location.
- the shop of a traditional Harris Tweed weaver where we made some good value purchases.
-Sheep shearing in process (see image)
- a Google Earth camera car in one of the remotest locations possible.
- a Castle.
-Lots of stunning scenery incoorporating lochs, mountains and white sand beaches which in turn led to many photo stops.

Overall, a good couple of days. Tomorrow we tour Lewis including the famous Callanish prehistoric standing stones. Should be good. Watch this space.

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