Island Of The Week: Scalpay, Outer Hebrides

Published on 25/10/2012 17:27

This week we take a look at Scalpay.

Location: Outer Hebrides

Population: 320

Gaelic name: Sgalpaigh na Hearadh

History: The Island is known to have been visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In 1997, the ferry service to the island finally became obsolete after then-Prime Minister Tony Blair opened the Scalpay bridge, linking it with neighbouring Harris.

The Island, which relies heavily on the fishing industry, was bought by the Taylor family in 1976, with current owner Fred Taylor offering to gift the island back to local residents in recent years.

What to do: Being a small island, Scalpay offers some short walks to take in the sights. A stroll to Eilean Glas to see the first lighthouse ever built in the Hebrides.

For those who sail, Scalpay has both north and south ports which offer respite from the seas.

How to get there: The bridge opened in 1997 provides access to Sclpay from neighbouring Harris. A regular ferry service to which is run by Calmac.

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