The Minch, Scotland

The Minch is a stormy stretch of water in north-west Scotland, separating the north-west Highlands from Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. The Lower Minch is to the south and separates Skye from the lower Outer Hebrides. The administrative town for this area is Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

The scenery in the Outer Hebrides is beautiful. The landscape is rocky and mountainous, but also lush and green - due to the large rainfall. There are also some of the most spectacular beaches, not just in Europe but in the world. Much of the west side of the 130 mile long string of islands is one virtual long deserted and clean beach. Incredible beaches can be found on Barra, South Uist, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis.

Things to See and Do

* Stornoway on Lewis
* Tarbert on Harris
* Uig on Skye
* Mull
* Callinish Standing Stones on Lewis

General information

Cruise Season – March - Nov
Currency – Pound Sterling (£)
Language – English
Land Area – 3071 sq km’s Western Isles
Population – 26,370
Electricity – 2 vertical square pins and one perpendicular below British style
Time – GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 44

Port Location – The port of Oban on the mainland is the main transport hub for services to the Hebrides.

Transport Links – Caledonian MacBrayne is the national ferry service. Citylink coaches generally connect with the ferries on the mainland. there are airports in Stornoway in Lewis, Benbecula and Barra. These airports provide direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

There are rental cars and bicyles for hire for getting around the isles of the Outer Hebrides. There are also bus services and ferries between towns and taxis are available.