This beautiful archipelago, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides and stretches the length of Scotland's west coast. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Islay, home to prolific whisky production, is another gem. Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra.
Restaurants in The Hebrides
4.5 based on 1,010 reviews
The abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Find out more about our reopening plans at restarthistory.scot. The Abbey Church at Iona Abbey will be inaccessible to visitors from 7 January to 17 March 2019. Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites. Located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull, it was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship. The abbey church was restored at the beginning of the 20th century, whilst work on restoring the living accommodation began in 1938, following the foundation of the Iona Community. Today, the Iona Community continues the tradition of worship first established by St Columba 1,450 years ago.
It was a stunning day in August last year whilst on a bus tour, that I got to fulfil a lifelong ambition to visit Iona. THe island is small, but with lovely gardens and ruins that were well worth the effort to see. THe Abbey is amazing - old yet vibrant and so windswept, the stone building having stood since around 800BC, it is one of the oldest Christian churches in western Europe founded by St Columba with 12 other Irish pilgrims. There is a nunnery, but this is in ruins but reasonably well preserved. Worth the trip and hsirotically, very important for me.
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Kilnave is a pretty little chapel, set on the shore of Loch Gruinart, as you head along the road to Ardnave. Well worth the two minute walk down the track from the road (accessed via a gate opposite a discrete pull in with no sign for it), it’s a pretty distinctive place with a magical view. Free as well, with fresh sea air built in to boot. A pleasant ten minute diversion from the Barnacle Geese!
4.0 based on 20 reviews
The current St Moluag's chuch is at least 800 years old and a church was original built on the site in the 560's. It is associated with the Maelrubha, the patron saint of the Morrison Clan. Both Maelrubha and the small church are associated with healing, in particular, of mental illness. One amazing thing in the church that I have not seen before is a little side room with a large "squint", basically, a hole in the wall that allowed people with communicable diseases (like leprosy was presumed to be) to view the service without coming into contact with worshippers.
4.0 based on 97 reviews
En route to the Iona Abbey you come to the Nunnery which is very interesting to see and although a ruin it is very picturesque
4.0 based on 19 reviews
My husband and I had the privilege of visiting this sweet little church on the hill on our last vacation to Islay. The congregation was welcoming and the service was moving. The message was straight from the Bible and right on point. We are so glad we made time to experience our Lord with such lovely people.
3.5 based on 20 reviews
This out-of-the-way spot was worth the drive. The highlight is the cross (rivals Kildalton High Cross), but there's also a ruined chapel with gravestones, a military cemetery, beautiful scenery, & a lovely beach a mile further along.
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