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Visit Harris Tweed Manufacture, Visit Isle of Harris

May 23, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Weaving Harris Tweed, Tarbert, Harris

This evening, I am focusing on the manufacture of Harris Tweed cloth which takes place on the islands of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. This product is trademarked and protected under the auspices of the Harris Tweed Authority which was established by Parliament in 1993. The Act specifies that Harris Tweed must be:

“Handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides.“

Additionally, ancillary processes such as dying, spinning and finishing must all take place in the Outer Hebrides.

A trip to Harris will enable visitors to witness weaving and various other manufacturing processes and, of course, make purchases from a wide range of finished jackets, coats and other products made on the islands. A first class experience!

Dyed Wool, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Finished Harris Tweed Cloth, Tarbert, Harris

Clothing, Culture, Harris Tweed, Hebrides, Islands, Islands, Lewis, Locations, Scotland tour, Tours none

Tour Highlands, Tour Scotland

May 20, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Cairngorm Mountains, Aviemore, Scotland

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Ballifeary Guest House, Inverness after breakfast and drove south to our first stop at Aviemore. This small town is located in the Cairngorm mountain region and is popular with hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. We had coffee at a high elevation restaurant which offorded superb views over the snow-capped mountains. Our visit coincided with the scheduled departure of the Strathspey Steam Train from Aviemore which was an added bonus.

Next we drove down the A9 to our next stop of Dunkeld with a photo stop for Blair Castle en-route..At Dunkeld tour guest played his Scottish Small Pipes in the Taybank Pub which itself is a popular music venue. We also had a light lunch here. After a short walk around the centre of Dunkeld we continued south to our next destination of Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions.

We visited all main aspects of Stirling Castle including Great Hall, Royal Chapel and Kitchens. The recently restored Royal Apartments were of particular interest with assistance from actors in period costume.

After departing Stirling Castle, we continued south to our final destination of Edinburgh but first availing of a light meal at the Granary Pub on Leith’s popular waterfront.

Final drop-off was neraby where we exchanged fond farewells at conclusion of a fascinating 10 day round Scotland tour with emphasis on the Outer Hebrides.

Strathspey Steam Train, Aviemore, Scotland

Blair Castle, Perthshire, Scotland

Piper, Taybank Pub, Scotland

Atholl Fountain, Dunkeld, Scotland

Main Entrance, Stirling Castle, Scotland

Period Reenactment at Royal Apartments, Stirling Castle

Leith Waterfront, Scotland

Blair Castle, Buildings, Castles, Culture, Edinburgh, Highlands, Inverness, Locations, Mountains, Music, Scotland tour, Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire, Tours none

Tour Wester Ross, Tour Scotland

May 18, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Common Seal, Dunvegan, Scotland

This morning we depaerted our Tarbert, Harris lodgings early tro connect with the 7.30am ferry to Uig Skye. On arrival at Uig we proceeded as follows:

To Dunvegan Castle on Skye. Here we visited the excellent garden and joined a short boat ride to view a colony of basking common seals. Latter was a great expereince allowing close-up access to the animals.
To Portree, capoital of Skye. Here we explored the town and colourful harbour and then availed of lunnch at a harbour restaurant.
To Broadford, south Skye via some stunning snow-capped mountainous scenery.
At Broadford we viisted art and craft outlets and an interesting second hand bookshop.
Next, acroos the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh and then north up to Ullapool vioa Loch Carron via superb West Highlands scenery. Arrived Ullapool at 5.30pm.

Overall,weather was dry and reasonably sunny permitting some good photo opportunities. Tonight we are in Ullapool before commencing the tour’s penultimate day. Superb sunset over Loch Broom this evening-see final pic below.