Life in the Western Isles

Yes there is life in the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) but it seems  like it would be fairly bleak for much of the year. Today was spent visiting the western part of Lewis and there are lots of Pics.

Marion, I got your comment but too late I am afraid, the closest we got to a McNeil was last night in McNeils pub for a Guinness.

Here are the Pics (and  one video)

These are taken a few miles out of Stornaway this morning, it seems a harsh land, but the colours are great and it easy to see how they get incorporated into the Harris Tweed cloth.

Next stop was a Tapestry Weavers studio that Joy wanted to visit, Her name is Sallie Tyszo and her studio was located at Tobsen, Great Barnera on the western side of Lewis. Unfortunateley she was not home, but her Studio was left open with a note on the table saying, "Sorry, popped over to Poland"

Next stop was the Standing Stones at Calarnish, these are real Standing Stones, not like those poor imitations in Sweden.

A model of the Standing Stones

My new Harris Tweed Cap

Scale Measure

Next stop was the Broch at Dun Carloway

Nearby and next stop was the Gearannen Blackhouse Village, showing how islanders lived in the not so distant past.

A working loom

Locally cut peat stacked to dry and burn in fireplaces.

Sheep on the road everywhere

The Port  of Ness at the top of Lewis, below, the Butte of Lewis.

The Butte of Lewis, not far from the Port of Ness. Graeme, I am sure you emailed me a pic of The Butte of Lewis from when you visited here, so here is my version.

 A lazy morning tomorrow in Stornaway and then off to Ullapool on the afternoon ferry.