Travelling to Scotland is always a enthralling Journey,
The Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) of Scotland is the very center of Gaeldom. The Gaelic language is spoken in places around the globe but it is most widely spoken in the Hebrides where it is the native language. Incredibly poetic the language contains the most amazing phrases for things such as the sound of the sea which is “Ceol Na Mara” (the closest English translation of Ceol na Mara is “the music of the sea”).
The Isle of Harris located off the west coast of Scotland divided from the Isle of Skye and the Scottish region by a ruthless stretch of water known as the Minch. Once part of the Norse and Manx kingdoms, the Isle of Harris has a strong culture based upon its Celtic and Nordic past. The islands of the Hebrides have a strong bond with the sea and there have been many Gaelic songs written about the sea and sea journeys.
Harris is a truly astounding place to visit and it is very well known for its beauty. Along the southwest coast of the Isle of Harris can be found a number of incredibly beautiful beaches. Long tracts of silvery shell sand backed by sand dunes lead onto land known as machair.
Part of the charm of the Isle of Harris is the Gaelic culture of the Hebrideans. Rich is songs and poetry to this day the National Mod (a Gaelic singing competition), is still one of the most important events of the year). Visiting a local church or walking by one during a service you will hear the Psalms sung in Gaelic to a most unusual, but highly pleasing tune. While the songs of Harris have been heavily influenced by Ceol na Mara and the beauty of the island, it is also the sea that has, over thousands and thousands of years, had the most major role in shaping the islands we see today.
There are a number of places on the Isle of Harris that are worthy of a visit. North Harris is where you will find the main town of Tarbert but there is little there to keep you occupied for more than an hour. A short drive around North Harris is well worth the time and, at one point, the main road passes directly in front of the entrance to a castle (through the garden). South Harris has the beaches to visit but also take time to visit Rodel at the southern end of the Island, where you will find a beautiful medieval church which you are free to explore.
One of the best places to enjoy Ceol na Mara is on the Isle of Harris and, luckily, the island is far more accessible than it was in the past. The most popular mode of transport used to get to the Isle of Harris is the ferry which comes into the main town of Tarbert from the Isle of Skye. Another ferry travels between the small village of Leverbrugh and the Uists.
Ceol na Mara is usually used as a name for a guest house on the Isle of Harris, especially if it is near the shore, if you are lucky enough to stay in a guest house near the shore you will find the sounds of the sea incredibly soothing. Sometimes it is possible to hear the sea from your room and drifting off to sleep to the sound of the waves is something to be experienced.
Of course, there are other ways to stay on Harris. There is only a very small selection of Harris Hotel accommodation but it is some of the friendliest accommodation available. Ardhasaig House near Tarbert is one of the best hotels on Harris and has the advantage of some of the best views. Camping and caravanning are also very popular and there is a campsite on South Harris that is almost on the shore. Basically just a field it is the perfect place to hear Ceol na Mara.
