Summary of Experiences

 Get a taste of the local lingo with our Gáidhlig taster lessons. Enjoy learning in our informal conversational lesson where you will learn 25 key conversational phrases in the traditional laid back island manner: over a hot drink and a biscuit. Long term lessons available on request.  

  Come and experience the traditional crofting event of sheep shearing. The sheep kept on the islands have been integral to life on the islands and to this day the wool is a key element in the islands economy with the wool often sold to make Harris Tweed or British wool. Please note the event is weather dependent and is liable to last minute cancellation. In addition as the event is held in the rural community the ground can be very uneven, and no toilet facilities are available. Instructions for getting to the event will be given on booking.

Join us in experiencing the age old tradition of peat cutting. Peat was once the main fuel source on the island with each croft receiving a peat bank to cut from on the common grazing. Nowadays crofters who still cut peats tend to do it as a top up to their main fuel source, and for most islanders nothing beats the nostalgic smell of a peat fire. Please note the event is weather dependent and is liable to last minute cancellation. In addition as the event is held in the rural community the ground can be very uneven, and no toilet facilities are available. Instructions for getting to the event will be given on booking.

Grasp the opportunity to taste the different local black puddings alongside a traditional tattie scone here in Stornoway. On offer will be: MacLeod & MacLeod, Charles MacLeod, W.J. MacDonald and Ness black pudding and a rogue generic shop bought black pudding (see if you can guess which one it is in our blind taste test). A black pudding enthusiast will guide you through the different types and a little of their history, and you will be provided with a tasting sheet where you can make your own notes to take with you which includes a map of the different locations in which the puddings can be bought in Stornoway.