Isle of Scalpay, Harris: Self Catering and Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

Isle of Scalpay, Harris: The Isle of Scalpay is a small island attached to the Isle of Harris (via the Scalpay bridge) in the Outer Hebrides (also called the Western Isles) off the West coast of Scotland. Scalpay has an incredible history, especially when you consider the island's small size. Associated with several important historical characters including Bonnie Prince Charlie, Scalpay's history is also highly amusing. Scalpay is an extremely popular destination for divers with many folk traveling great distances to explore the crystal clear Hebridean waters. Geologists are also frequent visitors to the island to investigate the ancient stone (Lewisian Gneiss).

One of the most memorable stories to be found in the history of Scalpay is about Campbell the tacksman. A tacksman was a representative of the land owner from whom he rented the land from. At one time the Scalpay population only consisted of Campbell and a small number of men employed by him. One day Campbell noticed that a French man of war (part of the French Armada) was just off Scalpay and had sent a small detachment of soldiers ashore to collect fresh water and any other supplies they could find. Campbell and his men ran around shooting upon them, from hidden locations, until they fled. Of course the French report stated that they had been driven from the island by a 'great force'.

Thankfully, today's visitors to Scalpay are made extremely welcome and the island's hospitality is legendary. Scalpay is now connected to the larger island of Harris, by a single track bridge, making it an ideal place to stay when touring the Hebrides. Tarbert, the main town on Harris, is just over fifteen minutes drive away, and just a little further and you reach some of the finest beaches in Europe. While many folk who visit the Hebrides choose to stay in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis some visitors take the wise decision to spend some time on the Isle of Scalpay or the Isle of Harris. Some of the best bed and breakfast establishments in the Western Isles can be found on Scalpay or Harris and some of the best, and most interesting, self catering accommodation is also available (follow the links top left).
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