Hidden Treasures

Discover where the true magic of the Hebrides lies... all thanks to a little help from some friends

- by COINNEACH MacLEOD

ON the north-west of Scotland lies a mosaic of islands, communities and seascapes known by many names: the Outer Hebrides, Western Isles, Suŏreyar, Na h-Eileanan Siar, An t-Eilean Fada - our islands have been called many things throughout history.

One of my favourite names for the islands that stretch from Vatersay in the south to Lewis in the north is Na h-Innse Gall, the Islands of Strangers. This is how the Gaelic-speaking islanders referred to the settlement of the Norse Vikings in the Outer Hebrides in the 10th century.

Over the years, many have arrived on the islands as strangers and left with friends, spouses and new families.

While sites like the Callanish Stones, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and the Lewis Chessmen at Museum nan Eilean draw visitors, the true magic of the Hebrides lies in its hidden treasures. From moors and machair to beaches, bothies and cèilidhs, these islands hold secrets for everyone who visits. In case you're planning a trip to the islands this summer, I asked some friends to share their special Hebridean spots - just between us!

Julie Fowlis, award-winning Gaelic singer, cherishes Berneray, an island near her native North Uist.

She says, "Growing up, the CalMac ferry took us there before the causeway was built in 1999. Now when I'm home, I love cycling over to Tràigh Ear to swim in its clear, green-blue waters. A hike to the highest point on the island, on Beinn Shlèibhe, is my next stop, before a stroll down to the stunning white beaches of Tràigh lar, which offers stunning views of Harris, Pabaigh and the surrounding islands. Rather than feeling like the edge of the world, it feels like the centre of the universe."