Sailing the Hebrides

The Hebrides is known as one of the greatest places on earth for sailing. The mysterious Flannan Isles..., the beautiful, unspoilt World Heritage Site of St Kilda..., the sea cliffs at Mingulay..., the world's second largest Grey Seal colony on the Monarch Isles..., Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise, Rosso's Dolphin, White beaked Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Killer and Northern Bottlenose Whale..., significant archaeological remains..., diving in clear, clean waters warmed by the gulf stream..., sea-bird colonies of kittiwakes, fulmar, great skua, gannets, guillemots, puffins and razorbills..., the majestic golden eagle...

We have some really beautiful mooring havens, going from South to North, here are some of the best places to moor...

Castlebay, Isle of Barra: this sheltered bay was the setting for the wonderful 1949 film, Whisky Galore, and is home to the seat of the Clan MacNeil, Kismul Castle. Local hotels, one of which offers an extensive, mouth-watering seafood menu, shops, fuel and tourist attractions, are all within walking distance. 12 public moorings owned by the local authority are available free of charge for use of up to 7 days.

Acarsaid, Eriskay: the island where the whisky galore ship the SS Politician came to its watery grave, this island has recently been linked to the mainland of South Uist by a causeway. Visit the Politician pub and restaurant, or just enjoy the beautiful wildlife and scenery. Two public moorings.

Lochboisdale, South Uist is the ferry port for South Uist, and the Lochboisdale Hotel, a wonderful old fishing hotel with character to suit, is just a short walk from the harbour. 6 public moorings, fuel available locally.

Also in South Uist, there is one public mooring to be had at Loch Carnan. Nearby is the wonderful Orasay Inn, with its extensive Taste of Scotland menu and warm and friendly staff.

Kallin is a bustling little harbour on the Isle of Grimsay, linked to North Uist by a causeway. One public mooring is available.

The main town in North Uist is Lochmaddy, with good food and company to be found at the Lochmaddy Hotel and in the fantastic Taigh Chearsabhagh Arts Centre and café, shops, fuel and unique attractions like a wonderful natural camera obscure and adventure activities at Uist Outdoor Centre. 9 public moorings available.

Isle of Berneray: Prince Charles' favourite island, Berneray's thriving community is now linked to mainland North Uist by a causeway, and to South Harris by ferry. 3 public moorings and fuel on hand.

With its unique harbour and anchorage, the newly renovated hotel at Rodel, Isle of Harris offers a warm bed for the night for the weary sailor, as well as a slap up meal in the hotel's local produce restaurant, and a nightcap in the cosy bar. 3 moorings in a sheltered and picturesque bay.

Miavaig at West Loch Roag, Uig on the west coast of Lewis, is a perfect little harbour, that never has any waves and is very sheltered from every direction. A brand new set of pontoons is being installed by the local authority, and these will be free for yachts to use for up to seven days at a time.

Last but not least, the main port of the Hebrides, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. Stornoway offers all the facilities of a mainland harbour town, as well as chandlery, fuel, engineering and electrical repairs. The Cromwell St Quay has pontoon berthing for yachts up to 12m length, 2m draught, and there are anchorages available in both the inner and outer harbour. Enquiries should be directed to Angus Mackenzie, the Harbour Master, on +44 (0)1851 702688, e-mail: sphc@sol.co.uk

The remaining moorings listed above are all maintained by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (The Western Isles Council.) For enquiries about availability and facilities, please contact Calum Macleod, the Harbour Master on +44 (0)1870 602425 or +44 (0)1870 604294.

Sail Hebrides Maritime Festival

The people of the Hebrides have long understood the sea: it has been our livelihood and sustained us for centuries. The Sail Hebrides Maritime Festival is a celebration of our maritime experience and culture, and appeals to keen seafarers and beginners alike, with sailing tasters, a regatta, windsurfing, canoeing, the "Sail Hebrides Challenge", raft races, training voyages the East End Endeavour, and a wide range of entertainment, ceilidhs and even a traditional carnival.

If maritime Hebrides appeals to you, and you enjoy a traditional carnival atmosphere, then this year, plan to be in Lewis from the 1st - 3rd of August. Watch this space for further information www.sailhebrides.co.uk!