The Isle of Harris is a small island in the group of islands Andrew Shaw Youth Jersey , off the west coast of Scotland, known as the Western Isles (which are also widely known as the Outer Hebrides). Many people will be familiar with the material called "Harris Tweed" which is hand made on the Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis (which is joined to Harris). Incredibly hard wearing the tweed has been popular since Victorian times when the upper classes of Great Britain became the first Scottish tourists.
The pretty village of Tarbert is the main village on the Isle of Harris. It is also the island's ferry port and prior to the building of an access road to the ferry which is close to sea level and features a large queuing area Artturi Lehkonen Youth Jersey , the village would become very congested at ferry times. The main road is set higher up the steep mountain side and features some lovely older buildings but, as it is rather narrow Victor Mete Youth Jersey , can still become congested at times. Set in a steep green valley at the narrow point where North Harris changes to South Harris, the more modern houses of Tarbert can be seen up on the hillside on terraces.
North Harris is rather rocky with huge jagged mountains that dominate the skyline and prove popular with many hill walkers. There are a number of challenging walks which usually take about an hour. Driving around North Harris you may find yourself a little confused as you approach Amhuinnsuide Castle (pronounced rather like 'avan-soo-ee'). As you approach the castle you get the feeling that you have somehow ended up on a private road. Strangely the public highway passes right through the main entrance and passed the front door.
About 15 minutes drive from Tarbert is the small island called the Isle of Scalpay which is joined to the Isle of Harris by a narrow single track bridge. Scalpay once had a population of well over 800 and was an incredibly busy fishing community. Today the population is less than 300 but there is still a small but active fishing fleet. The north harbour is where you will find the pier but one of the best places to visit involves a trek across open moorland. Eilean Glas lighthouse was the first built in Scotland erected in 1788. Now automated the buildings and surrounding grounds are both beautiful and interesting.
