Western Isles Factsheet

Western Isles

Situated at the most north-westerly edge of Europe, the Western Isles offer an astonishing diversity of film locations. An extensive road network allows easy access to the most remote locations; the roads are quiet and thus film-friendly. In a one-hour drive in the Western Isles, you will experience barren moorlands, spectacular, lunar-like landscapes, glorious sandy beaches, rugged mountains and ancient cliffs. Remote villages and isolated houses nestle in rocky bays; lighthouses stand majestic against powerful Atlantic waves. Bridges and causeways, thatched villages, imposing castles and mysterious standing stones...the list is endless, and with barely two hours of darkness around midsummer, the Hebridean skies are bright and spectacular, unblighted by urban sprawl and pollution. Being truly exposed to nature and the elements, these islands can give both a sense of peace and tranquillity, and a feeling of utterly wild remoteness.

For further information:

The Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission office for the Outer Hebrides can provide detailed information on services and facilities available in the islands, including a recently built 540sq. metre studio with full office, storage, parking and auxiliary facilities; high quality production, local crew, post-production and Avid facilities. Access to an extensive photographic library and free advice on locations, accommodation and sourcing crew are also available.

Contact:

Donna Campbell
Film Liaison Officer
Department for Sustainable Communities
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
E Mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01851 709226
Fax: 01851 709388

TRANSPORT:

Arriving by British Regional Airlines from Glasgow or Edinburgh via Inverness, it is possible to carry out a recce in the Outer Hebrides in the space of one day. Stornoway and Benbecula have full airport facilities while Barra utilises the Traigh Mhor beach as its runway. Large Caledonian MacBrayne car ferries connect the islands to Ullapool, Uig in Skye, and Oban. There are also inter-island ferries.

Climate:

Averages	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp(c) (High )	7	7	8	10	12	14	16	16	14	12	9	7
Temp (c) (Low)	2	1	2	3	6	8	10	10	8	6	3	2
Rain - mm	122	86	104	65	61	63	73	84	116	138	133	128