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Doune Braes Hotel,
Carloway, Isle of Lewis.
Scotland  HS2 9AA
Tel: 01851 643252
Fax:01851 643435
 

Wildlife | Virtual Tour

Images of the Whale Bone Arch at Bragar and a peat cutter

The Isle of Lewis

The Isle of Lewis is the most northerly of the Western Isles and stretches from the Butt of Lewis to Loch Seaforth - the border with Harris. Mostly consisting of ancient gneiss rocks, which are some of the oldest in the world, much of the interior of the island is peat moor land, except in the hilly south. 

The west coasts have lovely sandy beaches backed by machair, with some low cliffs. The west of Lewis has much dramatic coastline ranging from the beautiful Uig Bay to the smaller beaches at Dalmore and Dalbeg to the sweeping sands at Swaibost in the north.

Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis and is also the home of the Western Isles Council.  Just over 6,000 people live in the town, which represents about a third of the Islands total population.  The economy is a mix of traditional businesses like fishing, Harris Tweed and farming, with more recent influences like Tourism, the oil industry and commerce brought about by the digital revolution and communications.  The rest of the Isle of Lewis is more traditional and relies on a lot of the old industries of fishing, crofting, and weaving of Tweed.  Peat is still a main heating fuel source for many and during the summer months it can be seen being cut and harvested.

The charm of the island is its quiet peace and calm.  The local people speak with a quiet lilt and charm in their voices.  Gaelic is often heard spoken and the people value their traditions and heritage, giving the island its special atmosphere.

The Doune Braes Hotel is situated on the Western Coastal area close to most of the best Beaches and sites of historical interest.  It is also close to some of the best Salmon and Trout fishing in the U.K.  Wildlife is abundant and coastal walking and surfing is superb.

Places of historic interest in the area.

For more information on Lewis and other Hebridean islands click here.

Email: hebrides@doune-braes.co.uk

 

Last edited 14/02/2008