At the edge of Europe, with next landfall the Americas, you’ll find that the magical, mysterious Hebridean islands are an area of great contrast.

There are vast tracts of moorland, some virtually unvisited and occupied only by flora and fauna, thousands of freshwater lochs and lochans, and mile after mile of soft shell-sand beaches, where tropical plants and seeds are often washed ashore by the Gulf Stream.

Wide open space is everywhere, so it’s hardly surprising that visitors come to find peace and quiet. Some arrive in the hope of seeing rare and wonderful creatures at close hand - sea eagles, otters, corncrakes, whales, puffins or dolphins, while some are content to sit on a deserted beach, with a good book to read.

With so much space, there’s more than enough room for a new kind of visitor, too.

Those who seek thrills and adventure from responsible exploitation of the powers of nature; those who come to the islands to experience some of the most consistent surf in Europe; those who climb the sea-stacks; those who harness the power of the wind, for kite surfing and land-sailing; those who cycle the islands’ quiet roads.

With so much space, neither disturbs the other.

Art - Birdwatching - Boat Trips - Ceilidhs - Crafts - Culture - Cycling - Dining Out - Fishing - Golf - Guided Tours - History - Just sitting, admiring the view - Music - Nature Reserves - Photography - Pony Trekking - Swiss Ball - Tennis - Theatre - Touring - Walking - Whisky tasting - Wildlife - Yoga