June 20, 2024

Lewis and Harris

The journey continued to Harris with a stop at the famous Standing Stones at Calanais – I had been before and would still like to go at sunset (when there is sun!!).  From there we headed to Tarbert and drove through some of the most spectacular country you can imagine.  Luskentyre Beach takes your breath away.  While I photographed, Lisa flew her kite – in pretty stiff wind! Luskentyre is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris.  Definitely worth finding a holiday cottage and spending a few days!  We explored the single-tracked road through South Harris, reaching Leverburgh, a village that was once planned to be the centre of a massive fish-processing enterprise. This is also where we caught the ferry to Uist.  Just beyond Leverburgh is the village of Rodel with its beautiful 15th century St. Clements Church built by the 8th Chief of Clan MacLeod.  This period of time was the tail end of the rule of the Lords of the Isles and the MacLeods were a part of this vast kingdom. An intricately carved wall tomb of Alasdair “Crotach” MacLeod,can be found inside.

The most famous export from the Isle of Harris is Tweed, a hard-wearing fabric that has become a modern-day fashion icon.  Fell in love with a Harris Tweed vest and found myself wearing it right away! Also on Harris is the Harris Distillery known especially for Harris Gin and now for their Hearach whisky. The distillery was founded to provide jobs and industry for the region and currently employs 52 people and exports its gin and whisky around the world. I can vouch for the quality of both spirits!!

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