sailscotland 2020

OUTER HEBRIDES The Outer Hebrides are home to some of the finest beaches in the world on their exposed west coast and host a wealth of sheltered ports and anchorages in the east for cruising yachtsmen. The island chain is approximately 120 miles long north to south and consists of five major islands along with numerous smaller ones. The northernmost islands of Lewis and Harris are the same landmass divided by a narrow isthmus, while to the south of the Sound of Harris lie North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra. The islands share stunning

scenery, a strong sense of community and the cleanest air in Europe. As the largest town in the Western Isles, Stornoway on Lewis provides full provisioning services and warm hospitality. There is an 80-berth marina and the town hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, including the Hebridean Maritime Festival in July. In addition to a rugged coastal landscape and beautiful beaches, Lewis has many world-famous archaeological sites, including the Iron Age Carloway Broch and the Neolithic Callanish stones.

remote island of Rona on the other side of the Sound of Raasay. Here, the most popular anchorage is Acairseid Mhor (Big Harbour) which has moorings available and a dinghy pontoon. Ashore there are modest facilities and some stimulating walks. Some sailors will choose to head for the mainland and the eastern side of the Inner Sound, perhaps visiting Loch Torridon, where there are several interesting anchorages and a dinghy pontoon at Shieldaig, or Loch Gairloch, which has pontoons available in Flowerdale Bay and a sheltered anchorage and visitor moorings at Badachro. From there, sailors have the choice to either continue north along the mainland shore, perhaps as far as Cape Wrath, passing places such as Ullapool (moorings), Lochinver (upgraded pontoons) and Kinlochbervie (pontoons) before seeking shelter at Loch Eriboll en route to Orkney and/ or Shetland, or to venture west once more. Sailors heading west could cross the Minch to the outer isles, possibly heading for Stornoway on Lewis, or continue down the west coast of Skye. WEST COAST OF SKYE The west coast of Skye is deeply incised with a number of spectacular lochs. The scenery is awesome, with cliffs that rival those of St Kilda and every loch offering views of the Cuillin as well as wildlife-spotting opportunities. The ferry port of Uig lies at the north- west end of the island and south of this there are limited harbours and facilities. Although this area should still be approached cautiously in unsettled weather, a number of locations in the area now offer moorings and other facilities: Loch Dunvegan (moorings and limited pontoon facilities), Loch Bay (moorings), Loch Harport (moorings and pontoons) and Loch Scavaig are all worth exploring, as is the island of Soay. Visitor attractions in the area include Dunvegan Castle, the award-winning ancestral home of the Clan Macleod, at the head of Loch Dunvegan; the pinnacles which guard Loch Bracadale called Macleod’s Maidens; the Talisker Distillery, which is situated at Carbost in Loch Harport; and Loch Scavaig, considered as being one of the most spectacular anchorages in the world.

 Arisaig Sunset © Hope Blamire

sail scotland 2020

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