Stuff to See and Do
Here are a few suggestions of things to do and places to visit.
Galleries
There is a choice of art galleries mainly on the east side of the island, including Finsbay, Skoon, Holmasaig, and the Mission House. On the west side is the Harris Art Gallery in Northton.
Talla na Mara
A Community Enterprise Centre overlooking the golden sands of Niseaboist Beach, Talla na Mara offers art exhibitions, artisan workshops and a shop selling the local Flavour Chocolate. The restaurant is also open for lunches and dinners. Get in touch on 01859 503 905.
History
Bill Lawson’s genealogy centre Seallam! is a fascinating place to learn about the diaspora of Harris and St.Kilda.
Whisky and Gin
You can book tours of the Isle of Harris distillery, it’s a very personal tour led by local guides, who will tell you about the distillery’s story as well as the spirits it makes (shameless declaration of interest!). The distillery has a cafe serving great coffee and home baking, open 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Borrisdale Tweed
Borrisdale Tweed designs, manufactures and retails beautiful homewares and accessories based on Harris Tweed locally woven by our neighbours in Borrisdale. Visit their shop in the centre of Leverburgh.
Outdoors
Angus and his team offer a variety of boat trips around Harris and out to nearby islands such as the Shiants.
Of course the ultimate experience is the legendary visit to St. Kilda, with both Sea Harris and Kilda Cruises departing Leverburgh when weather allows. An absolute must-do if time permits.
Kenny at Eilan Glas Sea Tours also offers excellent trips from Tarbert and Scalpay to nearby islands and the East Coast of Harris.
If you want to explore the hills of Harris and discover the wildlife, the North Harris Trust ranger service offers guided walks from May to October.
If you are interested in guided cold-water swimming, contact Immerse Hebrides who offer groups for both beginners and more experienced sea swimmers on Harris.
