The Doune Braes Hotel
News: We now have a
new chef, click here to find
out more
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out more
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The Doune Braes Hotel extends a personal welcome from
your host, Eileen MacDonald, and her staff. The hotel
offers comfortable accommodation, fine food and
spectacular surroundings. Part of the hotel’s charm and
tranquil feeling is accentuated by the beautiful lochan
that fronts the hotel. Seen from the dining room and
almost every guest room, the colours and views from
early morning to dusk provide a beautiful setting during
your stay. The Doune Braes Hotel is situated in the
township of Carloway on the west side of the Isle of
Lewis in the Western Isles and is within minutes of
lovely beaches, excellent fly fishing, world class
archaeological sites and breathtaking walks. The hotel’s
location makes it the perfect base to explore all of
Lewis and Harris. (Click
here for a map)
The Isle of Lewis is the most
northerly of the group of islands known as the Hebrides,
or the Western Isles. Also known as the “long islands”,
these Isles stretch for 130 miles from the Butt of Lewis
to Barra Head. Lewis is steeped in a history and culture
which ranges back thousands of years. Ancient stone
circles stand on the same land as the modern town of
Stornoway, while most of the inhabitants speak Gaelic as
their native tongue.
Gaelic is indeed still vibrant and one of the most
distinctive features of the Outer Hebrides is the
prevalence of this ancient Celtic language. It is still
widely spoken alongside English, just as eagles and
otters live alongside people. The contrast of the ages
and different cultures — both in the towns and out in
the hills and mountains — can be experienced all over
Lewis and Harris, which are in fact part of the same
island. In the summer months, local people can still be
seen on the moors cutting the peat and during the
winter, the distinctive dry smell of peat fires drifts
in the wind.
The name of MacLeod (son of
Leod) is seen regularly in the phone books and on the name
boards of shops throughout Lewis and Harris. Moreover, the
ending of ‘bost’ on a number of place names bears witness to
the Viking past of the Isles. The culture in the Western
Isles continues to be very strong, particularly in its
religious beliefs. Sunday remains a special day, with many
people observing strict compliance to the traditional values
of the Free Church of Scotland.
Email:
hebrides@doune-braes.co.uk |
