A GUIDE TO WEST HARRIS
Fiosrachadh mu Thaobh Siar na Hearadh
WEST HARRIS TRUST –
A COMMUNITY CHARITY
The West Harris Trust was formed when the crofting townships of Losgaintir, Seilebost, Horgabost, Na Buirgh and Sgarasta Mhor were purchased by the local community from the Scottish Government in January 2010. We believe after a long history of declining population, we can work together to develop a sustainable future for our 170 strong community.
OUR AIMS
Enhance the education of the community of West Harris about our culture, heritage and history.
Revitalise the community by attracting new residents and creating new housing and employment opportunities.
Create environmentally sustainable energy for the community via small hydro and micro-wind projects.
Conserve and increase understanding of our stunning natural heritage.
THE STORY SO FAR
• Ten affordable rental and shared equity houses at Pairc Niseaboist with further plots sold to permanent residents.
• As a result, the population of West Harris has increased from 116 in 2010 to 170 in 2022, with the pre-school population increasing
from 1 to 6.
• Electric hook-ups, three at Talla na Mara with another seven at Pairc Niseaboist and four at the Old Seilebost School.
• Six idyllic camping spots around the estate identified to protect roadside erosion.
• Ownership and management of three business space locations:
Talla na Mara, The Cliff and the Old Seilebost School.
• Community garden.
• Three Wind Turbines with a joint capacity of 158 kW.
TALLA NA MARA
Overlooking the golden sands of Niseaboist beach and the Sound of Taransay, Talla na Mara is an arts and entertainment centre owned and operated on behalf of the West Harris community.
Talla na Mara is home to a community of artists, a restaurant, space for exhibitions, open studios and campervan hook ups.
We regularly host events and workshops, and are available to hire for conferences, events and weddings; it is the Hebridean ‘venue with a view’.
Find out more: www.westharristrust.org or on Facebook.
CAMPING
Talla Na Mara & Pairc Niseaboist
Pitches with stunning views across the Sound of Taransay. Facilities include: Electric hook-up, toilets. shower, laundry, water and chemical waste disposal.
Old Seilebost School
Pitches located within the old Primary School grounds, with views across the rich machair and a short walk from the beach. Facilities include: Electric hook-up, toilets, showers, laundry water and use of Talla na Mara’s chemical waste disposal.
Camping Spots
There are six idyllic spots around the estate, identified to protect from roadside erosion while providing motorhome users a safe base for adventuring.
ATTRACTIONS & PLACES
MACHAIR
Machair is a rare fragile grass habitat found only on the West Coast of Scotland and Ireland.
1. Losgaintir Dunes
(Grid Ref: NG 060991)
At Losgaintir Dunes you’ll find a spectacular, ever-evolving dune system. Winter storms blow up sand from the beach creating a dynamic landscape of ridges and troughs. Marram grass, the only plant that can grow in pure sand stabilises the dunes and enables other plants to colonise. Behind the dunes lies the machair.
2. Seilebost – Flowers / Orchids / Corncrakes
(Grid Ref: NG 060970)
Seilebost boasts a profusion of multihued flowers through the summer season. In late June many orchid species can be found. The neighbouring saltmarsh is carpeted in flowering pink seathrift. Seilebost is also one of the few places corncrake still breed on Harris.
VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
1. Harris Golf Club
(Grid Ref: NG011936)
For further information please visit www.harrisgolf.com
2. Talla Na Mara
(Grid Ref: NG 037962)
ARCHAEOLOGY
(All directions from Talla Na Mara)
1. Losgaintir – Aird Ghrodanais
(Grid Ref: NB 069011)
Turn right and carry on to Losgaintir, approximately 8 miles drive. Park at the cemetery car park next to the beach, follow signs for the beach and make a right turn to the Aird Ghrodanais Peninsula where you will find the ruins of a blackhouse, a fort and an Atlantic roundhouse, with stunning views to North Harris.
2. Niseaboist – Clach Mhic Leoid
(Grid Ref: NG 041972)
Cross the road at the entrance gate, turn right and walk until you reach the beach access gate. From here you will see MacLeod’s Stone on the slope where you will find a Neolithic/Bronze Age standing stone and site (circa 2000BC). This was a very large settlement during its peak. Under almost every dune in this peninsula lie roundhouses and other enclosures – look for sunken semi-circles of stones just breaking the surface of the ground.
*Cattle may be present so consider walk with care.
3. Na Buirgh – Dun Bhuirgh
(Grid Ref: NG 033940 & NG 030949)
Turn left and carry on down the road for approximately 1.3 miles until you reach a brown sign pointing to Dun Bhuirgh. There is parking on the right across from the entrance to the Iron Age (800BC-800AD) fort which was used as a lookout. Fifty metres behind the dun is a large outcrop of rock showing Bronze Age (1800BC-800BC) cup marks.
4. Sgarasta Mhor – Clach Steineagaidh
(Grid Ref: NG 021938)
Turn left and carry on down the road for 2.2 miles. Parking is 0.1 miles south from the access gate to the Neolithic (4000-1800BC) standing stone and collapsed stone circle.
For further information on these sites visit portal.historicenviroment.scot
BECOME A FRIEND
West Harris is a special place for many who have visited the area or who have a historical family link. We have therefore founded Friends of West Harris to enable those with an interest to work with us to build a sustainable community, capable of taking care of this beautiful place for generations to come.
By becoming a friend, your subscription will enable activities and projects to take place that would otherwise not be achievable. As well as supporting a sustainable future you will receive regular newsletters, invitations to special community events and a car sticker!
For some, relocating to Harris is an achievable dream. To find out more as to how we can help please contact 01859 503900.
Keep up to date on our website at www.westharristrust.org or follow us on Facebook.
For more information on joining contact us on 01859 503900 or email admin@westharristrust.org.
You can also donate online at www.westharristrust.org
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR VISIT
Please act responsibly, respect others and the environment in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Please ensure all dogs are kept under control at all times.
Locations within West Harris have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Scenic Areas (NSA) status.