Latest news with #Hebridean
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Enjoy 'one of the best places in the world' with Hebridean Hopscotch
Happily, the Lewis-based travel agency, Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays, has the inside knowledge to specialise in bespoke trips with a range of options on offer including fly-drive, self-drive and cycling tours to make the most of any island adventure. They are able to plan your Hebridean getaway from mainland Scotland and book the necessary ferries or flights, along with the inter-island ferries and a variety of accommodation types from bed and breakfasts to hotels needed for the trip. They also have select collections options that offer something special. The fly-drive option is perfect for those with limited time and want to make the most of their island adventure without having to drive to the mainland ferry ports. Travellers can fly directly from Glasgow, then pick up a hire car for a carefully crafted itinerary which takes in the scenic landscapes and rich heritage of the islands from Barra to Lewis or vice versa. This also offers the unforgettable experience of landing or taking off from Barra beach, as the island airport is the only beach in the world accommodating scheduled flights. Five nights minimum is recommended for this trip but it is possible to build the holiday around the time available. The price includes return direct flights from Glasgow Airport with a checked bag included, a hire car with fully comprehensive insurance for the entire trip on the islands, accommodation in a selection of bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, hotels or a mix of properties on a bed and breakfast basis and inter-island ferries. There are pre-set itineraries for self-drive holidays, with options for those who are unsure what islands they want to visit and the routes, or an itinerary can be tailor-made for those looking for something more bespoke. The five night Island Experience holiday covers the island chain from Barra to Lewis in holidaymakers' own cars. Cyclists and those taking their own car are booked onto the ferries from the mainland, with Skye an option for a start or end point for those preferring shorter ferry trips. As the accommodation ranges from small B&Bs to four star hotels there are packages to suit most budgets. 'There's a good variety for everybody and we can mix and match if you want a mix of family run bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and hotels and maybe somewhere special for one night,' said Marie Campbell of Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays. 'It's very flexible.' Around eight nights are recommended for cycling holidays to allow plenty of time to enjoy island life to the full and, while most cyclists opt to take their own bikes, it is possible to hire them directly from the company's bike hire partners. Hebridean Hopscotch would then arrange accommodation and ferries and flights if required. Whether the holiday is by car or bike, it is advisable to allow enough time to experience all that the islands offer, from the amazing scenery to the historic sites and delicious food and drink. In Barra, take time to explore the history of Kisimul Castle, perched on a small island off Castlebay and don't miss Vatersay Beach, where white sands meet turquoise waters. Boat trips from the island give the opportunity to see seals, dolphins and puffins and other sea life, while the Uists are renowned for their bird life such as eagles, hen harriers, peregrine falcons, merlin, black-throated, red-throated and great northern divers, corncrakes, red-necked phalarope and other seabirds. The famous Uist machair teems with wildflowers and wildlife, while the Kildonan Museum showcases the region's heritage and there are exhibitions at Taigh Chearsabhagh, a cultural hub in North Uist, that reflect the islands' deep-rooted traditions. Harris is particularly noted for wonderful white sand beaches like Luskentyre but another attraction is the Isle of Harris distillery and its highly recommended whisky and gin. The distillery is part of the official food and drink trail developed by Outer Hebrides Tourism to showcase some of the island specialities such as Stornoway Black Pudding which is now protected by similar legislation to champagne and is exported throughout the world. Still on the food front, there are renowned fish smokers on the Uists and Stornoway and those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample some of the tablet made at the Hebridean Toffee Company on Barra. There's a wealth of history, too, with restored Blackhouses at Arnol and Gearrannan, which give a fascinating glimpse into life on the islands in the last century. A little further on, holidaymakers can find the ancient Carloway Broch and the 5000 year old stone circles of Callanish. At Carloway, there's the Harris Tweed mill and a weaver in the village who welcomes visitors. Continuing along the Atlantic coast into an even more remote area of the Outer Hebrides, the re-created iron age fort at Bosta dominates a beautiful, almost white, shell-sand beach at the north of Bernera. Based in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Hebridean Hopscotch has been operating for over 25 years and there are four holiday advisers who have all grown up on the islands and are best placed to help holidaymakers make the most of their Outer Hebrides adventure. They have local expert knowledge, can advise best routes to suit individual requirements and find accommodation to suit individual budget and taste which takes the stress out of booking and matching up accommodation and ferries. There is also an on-call service for evenings and weekends, so if any issue crops up out of hours there is always someone on hand to help. 'Visitors come to the Hebrides looking for something different, space to breathe, time to slow down and landscapes that stop you in your tracks,' said Ms Campbell. 'They come for the views, but they return for the people as the warmth of the Hebridean welcome leaves a lasting impression. 'By completing the online Holiday Planner, we can understand what interests you about the Hebrides so we can tailor your itinerary to create the very best holiday experience for you.'
The National
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The National
Decline in sales of Tesla cars was to be expected
In the early 1930s, Ford were the dominant car maker there and worried about coming up against the USA 's anti-trust laws because of this dominance. READ MORE: Hebridean shop owners ordered to remove sign calling out Donald Trump Henry Ford himself unintentionally solved the problem with his views on eugenics and support for Adolf Hitler. Once his views became publicised, this resulted in a collapse of sales and allowed others like Chrysler and GM to expand. Drew Reid Falkirk
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Hebridean shop owners ordered to remove sign calling out Donald Trump
Lewis Revival owners Peter and Sarah Venus put up the banner which reads "shame on you, Donald John" after feeling 'powerless" watching Trump's treatment of Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House. The vintage and house decor business is just miles from where Trump's mother, Mary Anne, was born. Sarah, who was born in the United States, has now revealed a letter she has received from Comharile nan Eilean Siar asking her to remove the banner within the next two weeks, having concluded "the banner is an advert". READ MORE: Meet the Hebridean shop owners taking a stand against Donald Trump The letter stated: "We have been considering the matter to ascertain whether development has been undertaken from a planning perspective. The content of advertisements and signage is not covered under planning legislation, but the physical sign/banner etc is. "We have now determined that our view is that the banner is an advert under the relevant regulations. This would require advertisement consent which has not been sought or granted in this instance." The letter further argued the "scale and position" of the sign "is in a prominent position within the Stornoway Conservation Area". Sarah told The National: "A vocal minority of individuals in my Scottish community are calling for me to take down the 'shame on you, Donald John' banner on my shopfront, calling it a 'foolish vendetta' and afraid that it might offend a few of our tourists, and that politics in the land of my birth have nothing to do with the Isle of Lewis. "I am a naturalized UK citizen but I am very concerned about the global effect of an authoritarian regime in the US. It goes beyond the threats and intimidation of judges, the contempt of court rulings, the kidnapping and disappearances and terrorizing of communities by groups of masked thugs, the deportations without due process, the harassment of travellers at borders. "It even goes beyond the tariffs that cripple the world economy, the abandonment of allies, the belittling of world leaders, and the sudden withdrawal of global aid programs that have led already to the deaths of many thousands from AIDS, malaria, polio, etc. It goes beyond the affinity to dictators like Putin at the expense of allies. READ MORE: I visited Donald Trump's ancestral homeland. This is what I learned about him "It goes beyond the arming and funding of attacks that have killed untold thousands of civilians in the Middle East and the support for starvation of children. "It counteracts everything we should stand for as human beings. If my banner offends a small minority of the American tourists to our island, then it has hopefully drawn to their attention that our values are not theirs." In response the the council, Sarah has asked for copies of planning permission applications received for the "multiple" other banners in the conservation area. The shop continues to offer islanders are being offered free signs which also say the statement. The Western Isles council has been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two castles and a prison on best buildings list
Eleven buildings have been named as winners of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards. The buildings include two restored castles, a road bridge, a whisky distillery and Scotland's newest prison and young offender institution. The 11 winners will now become the "longlist" for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award. The shortlist will be announced in July ahead of the winner being revealed in November. The Category A-listed Aldourie Castle has been conserved and all the surrounding estate buildings restored as well as new ones added, including farm buildings, an energy centre, a boathouse and a pedestrian bridge. The judges admired how the project reconnected the disparate buildings to their romantic setting. The stone-clad building blends into the rugged Hebridean landscape, giving the home the appearance of a modern-day blackhouse. The judges described the project as a testament to what can be achieved through patience, skill and a profound respect for place. Ellengowan Regeneration replaces 124 deteriorating flats with 130 affordable homes. It is a mix of housing including accessible flats, cottage flats, family terraced houses and a corner shop. The judges praised the project's inclusive approach which balances modern needs with heritage preservation. Built in the 16th Century and added to in the 17th, this remote Category A listed structure had fallen into a ruinous state. The judges described Fairburn Tower as an exemplar project, where restoration and reconstruction are beautifully accomplished, while also delivering characterful holiday accommodation. The Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge provides a new route over the River Gairn, eliminating the lengthy detours and delays caused by frequent structural damage to the 18th Century crossing as it was no longer suitable for modern-day traffic. The judges described the project as a fine example of how to integrate a modern vehicular bridge into a sensitive landscape. The building is billed as a "fundamental rethinking of custodial environments in Scotland". It supports women in custody through spaces that are intended to promote dignity, equality and meaningful rehabilitation. The judges praised it as a model of how public buildings can be both operationally robust and deeply humane. Kinloch Lodge is a "light-touch" conservation project which aims to maintain the charming and idiosyncratic nature of the original mid-19th Century lodge and its outbuildings. RIAS said each has been lovingly, painstakingly and respectfully restored exactly as they were found, using traditional methods and materials. The judges said the architects' involvement is refreshingly understated and thoroughly respectful of the original buildings. The building is described by RIAS as a new heart for the University of Edinburgh which unites teaching, learning and social spaces. The judges described the Nucleus Building as a deftly executed piece of civic architecture. Riverside Primary School is the first Passivhaus-certified school in Scotland. The judges described it as an exemplary project, which will serve as an inspiring model for the design of schools in Scotland and across the UK. The Rosebank Distillery had been considered lost but it has been carefully restored. The jury was impressed by the design team, who navigated complex constraints including contamination, conservation, coal mining risk and listed structures. They said the retention and restoration of the chimney, lockkeeper's cottage and red-brick buildings reflect a commitment to memory and place. RIAS said this transformation of a long-neglected civic space reclaimed Union Terrace Gardens as Aberdeen's green heart. The judges praised the project as a benchmark in public-realm regeneration, demonstrating the power of sensitive, people-centred design to transform a city's sense of place.
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Hebridean whisky and gin distillery to play starring role in BBC global film series
'We're doing things that nobody in the history of whisky making on Islay has done before - that's a privilege' – Adam Hannett, head distiller Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A remote Hebridean whisky and gin distillery's efforts to go green have been rewarded after it was selected as the only spirits producer to appear in a new global film series. Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery is one of a select group of certified B Corporations to feature in the series presented by B Lab Global and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. The films explore how businesses around the world are redefining success to include positive environmental and social impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bruichladdich, which is already known for its pioneering sustainability efforts and commitment to the local community, was selected as the only spirits producer to appear in the series. Founded in 1881 and revived in 2001, Bruichladdich Distillery achieved B Corp certification in 2020. The seven-minute film, which will be available to audiences outside the UK and debuts this month, provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at the distillery - from its Victorian-era stills to its partnerships with Islay farmers and foragers - and highlights how the venture is tackling global challenges from its small island base. Founded in 1881 and revived in 2001, Bruichladdich became the first Scotch whisky distiller to achieve B Corp certification in 2020, joining a global movement of businesses committed to high standards of transparency, accountability and sustainability. The distillery was re-certified in 2023 with an improved B Impact Score of 100.7, placing it among the highest-scoring spirits producers globally. Bruichladdich's head distiller, Adam Hannett, who was born and raised on Islay, and is the focus of the new film, said: 'Our location is both a privilege and a responsibility. We've always believed we could make exceptional whisky while protecting our environment, supporting our community, and being open about the challenges that come with that.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the central themes of the new film is the distillery's focus on regenerative agriculture. More than half of the barley used in its whisky production during 2024/25 was grown on the island - a figure the business is working to increase through long-term partnerships with local farmers. Adam Hannett is the head distiller at Bruichladdich, on the island of Islay. Among them is Andrew Jones, of Coull Farm, who also appears in the film. The long-standing farming partner grows rye for the distillery, which was first bottled as limited-edition The Regeneration Project, with the crop grown using chemical-free methods that are aimed at improving soil health and carbon retention. Jones said: 'Farming here isn't easy - the climate, the terrain, the remoteness - but working with Bruichladdich has opened up new possibilities. It's farming that gives back to the land, not just takes from it. 'Rye restores nutrients in the ground that the barley removes. Every crop of barley that goes in after has consistently been the best crop of barley on the farm. It's the essence of regenerative farming,' he added. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With a workforce of more than 100 people - many of them islanders - Bruichladdich has implemented a real living wage and living hours policy, alongside care-giver support and cost-of-living allowances for local employees. Exterior of Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery. Picture: Anton Suckdorff Photography Chief executive Douglas Taylor said the film was an opportunity to show the world that small businesses can have a big impact and drive positive, substantial change. 'This film provides a platform to share our story on the global stage,' he said. 'We don't do things because they're the cheapest, easiest, or most efficient way to operate, but because they're the right way, and produce the best spirits. 'Since reopening our Hebridean site in 2001, we have set out to prove that a whisky business could be about more than what's in the bottle. Focusing on our raw ingredients, making informed environmental choices, and putting Islay at the heart of our decision making has been imperative over the years, and we remain passionate about connecting land, community and dram today.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Filming took place across the island, capturing its rugged coastline, croft land and the distillery itself. The film also features scenes from The Botanist Gin foraging programme, with island-based forager Kate Hannett, Bruichladdich head distiller's sister, hand-picking the 22 Islay native botanicals including meadowsweet and wild mint that go into the spirit while preserving local biodiversity. The film series is presented by B Lab Global and produced by BBC StoryWorks, the commercial content division of BBC Studios. It aims to highlight how B Corps around the world are challenging the traditional 'profit-only' model by integrating environmental and social purpose into their core operations. Earlier this year, Bruichladdich Distillery was named a finalist for B Corp of the Year at the 2025 British Business Awards. The business has pledged to eliminate fossil fuels from its distillation process by 2030 - 15 years ahead of Scotland's current net zero target. It already uses a renewable heating oil and recycles waste heat from production. The firm's Classic Laddie bottle has reduced its packaging carbon footprint by 65 per cent. Sustainable The distillery's inclusion in the B Lab series shines a spotlight on sustainable practice within the traditionally conservative whisky sector. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Head distiller Hannett added: 'We're doing things that nobody in the history of whisky making on Islay has done before - that's a privilege. Coming from the island and to be involved in its heritage, that's a really nice moment. 'This film is a moment for the whole island. It showcases Islay's farming, foraging and distilling traditions, that are all so deeply interconnected. Being able to tell that story on a global stage is incredibly powerful.'
