STORNOWAY, OUTER HEBRIDES

Starting out from Stornoway, we drive to the Island of Great Bernera, which is joined to the main island by a narrow bridge. It is a rocky island, dotted with lochans, fringed by a few small lobster fishing settlements, owned by the Queen’s former herald.

This tour will take us to explore a remote but beautiful part of North Lewis, enjoying glorious views of golden beaches and getting a unique chance to visit an old Iron Age Fort that has been restored and reconstructed. Starting out from Stornoway, we drive to the Island of Great Bernera, which is joined to the main island by a narrow bridge. It is a rocky island, dotted with lochans, fringed by a few small lobster fishing settlements, owned by the Queen’s former herald. The coach will drop us close to the deserted village of Bostadh. Gale force winds revealed an entire Iron Age settlement here in 1992, perched above a precious little bay of golden sand. One of the ancient dwellings has now been completely restored – the Iron Age House. Inside, once our eyes have accustomed to the warm gloom and sharp smell from the real peat fire, a local guide describes the way of life of the ancient folk who lived here. Afterwards, there is a chance to explore the small graveyard nearby and go for a stroll on the wide beach of fine white sand with its gorgeous views out to the turquoise blue Atlantic. From Bostadh we return to the ship, after enjoying fine views en route of Carloway Broch to the North. Due to the grassy, uneven and sloping ground encountered, this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. The scenic drive to and from Bostadh will take approximately one hour each way. The quality of buses and the local road infrastructure are not comparable to mainland Scotland. Buses – which are often used for school runs as well as executive tours – do not usually have air conditioning or toilets.