And so to the Outer Hebrides.
Once again ashore by tender, a quick trip around the Town and bought
a couple of things (including a 2012 Calendar of the Scottish Isles)
then back on board for lunch and to get ready for our next tour (Wonders
of the Western Isles).
 
Isle of Lewis and Isle of Lewis Chessman
First stop was the Callanish Standing Stones, 3500 years
old and laid out in the form a Cross (1500 years before Christianity).
More accessible than Stonehenge (but not, to be honest, as impressive),
it is a bit strange to wander among them. Edna mentioned to one of our
number that she'd love to see them by moonlight but the lady shuddered
and thought it would be spooky!
 
Callanish Stones and Black House
Then on to the "beautifully remote coastal settlement
of Gearrannan" (it says in the tour blurb). This is a wonderful
restoration of "typical black houses". Saw a video about weaving
of Harris Tweed and another about Peat Cutting - doesn't sound it but
it was fascinating. Then we were given a talk by a local lady who obviously
loved her subject and, therefore, enthralled us all with tales of the
people who had lived there (until quite recently) and the general history.
Another wonderful trip.
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