The Seaforth Hotel

An oasis

by daarth

It seems most pictures of the outer Hebrides are of a wild and naked nature. In Stornoway we discovered this forest that supprised me simply because I wasn't expecting it! Great people and very friendly. I hope to come back one day and really explore those islands.

closed Sundays

by margaretvn

The people of Harris and Lewis are deeply religious - so do remember that everything will be closed on Sundays. When we visited you could not get to the island or off the island on a Sunday. Also remember that dining out is VERY lmited on Sundays. We had the choice of the local Indian restaurant in Stornoway or nothing!

It is off the beaten track

by margaretvn

I guess the whole of the Outer Hebrides is off the beaten track for the most visitors to Scotland but it is a wonderful although sometimes bleak part of the world. It offers marvellous walking opportunities and wonderful empty beaches to laze on and beautiful views over the seas. it needs time to explore and can be easily combined with the other islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Stornoway

by Adelle123

So, you want to come to Stornoway! It's the only town in the Western Isles and a fantastic base to explore Lewis and Harris. Have a look through some of my tips before you come and visit.

"Is it true about Stornoway..."

That it rains 250 days a year and drizzles the rest?
Nearly, but most rain showers tend to pass quickly and there's plenty of sunshine in between.

That everyone speaks gaelic?
Although most people here speak Gaelic, everyone speaks english too. Its common for a local to start a sentance in english and finish it in gaelic.

That the swings are tied up on Sunday?
Not usually, although playing is discouraged by some of the more religious people.

That you can't even by petrol on a Sunday?
The BP garage on the road to point has recently opened for a few hours each sunday. I'm not sure if it will last through the winter though.

That Stornoway is a very safe place?
Yes, in general. The people here are very polite too... most don't even swear!

"Some gaelic sayings"

How are you? Ciamar a tha sibh?
I am fine. Tha mi gu math.
Do you speak Gaelic? A bheil sibh a' bruidhinn a' Ghàidhlig?
I speak English. Tha mi a' bruidhinn Beurla.
We like Indian food. 'S toil leinn biadh Innseanach.
How about going swimming? Dè mu dheidhinn a dhol a shnàmh?
It is very cold. Tha i glè fhuar.
It was beautiful yesterday. Bha e brèagha an-de.
I would give her the hundred kisses! Tugainn fhein dhi na ceudan pòg!
Who was that sheep I saw you with last night? Cò an caora sin còmhla riut a chunnaic mi an-raoir?
Will you give me a kiss? An toir thu dhomh pòg?

Circumnavigating Scotland - Part 10

by daarth

"Under construction"

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The tale begins on my homepage travelogue "the North Sea"
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Continue on my Kirkwall page -->>
http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/2a003/