Frequently Asked Questions - Culture
To find out more about Culture, Fishing, Golf, Walking, Cycling, Outdoor, Film, Roots (genealogy) and Wildlife in the Hebrides, run your cursor over the logo menu at the top of this page to link in to nine websites dedicated to each! You'll find specific FAQs for each topic within each of the web sites.
Do you live in Blackhouses and do you have any modern amenities?
So what happens on a Sunday?
Does everyone speak Gaelic? Where can I hear Gaelic spoken?
What is a ceilidh?
What is Harris Tweed and where can I get some?
What are peats?
Where can I find out more about the Norse/Viking influence on the Hebrides and the Lewis Chess Men?
What important historical sites are there in the Hebrides?
Do you live in Blackhouses and do you have any modern amenities?
A common misconception about the Hebrides is that we are living in a time warp, and that we all cut peats, don’t have televisions or electricity and live in thatched houses. Although our Gaelic culture is strong, we live in a thoroughly modern and fast moving environment. The town of Stornoway has a population of over 6000 and the islands as a whole hold over 26,000 people. Our islands are at the forefront of telecommunications with some very successful businesses relocating here for the peaceful environment, dedicated workforce and great technological facilities.
So what happens on a Sunday?
Sunday observance is an important aspect of the Hebridean culture. On this day people take time to relax and reflect in their peaceful surroundings. The ferries don’t sail to the islands of Lewis and Harris and most shops throughout the islands remain closed. In the Southern Isles of the Hebrides and in the main towns of Tarbert on Harris and Stornoway in Lewis, hotels and some restaurants are now open for meals on Sunday evenings, and locals and visitors alike are free to enjoy the great outdoors any day of the week.
It is courteous to respect the importance that Sunday has to many of the locals here and they in turn will respect how you choose to spend it. Local churches welcome visitors to their congregations and you may be able to hear the beautiful sound of Gaelic psalm singing.
Does everyone speak Gaelic? Where can I hear Gaelic spoken?
At the last census 70% of islanders were Gaelic speakers and it is used throughout the islands everyday. For many of the older generations it was their first language when they were growing up and they had to learn to speak English at school. Everyone is fluent in English in the islands but there are plenty opportunities to hear Gaelic spoken. Firstly, the numerous feis (Gaelic music festivals) and the local mods (Gaelic singing competitions) provide a great chance to hear the very best of Gaelic talent that the islands have produced. If you are learning to speak the language and would like to immerse yourself, then you could stay in a Gaelic speaking Bed and Breakfast, and chat to your host in the native tongue. If you would just like to hear the Gaelic lilt in passing then you are guaranteed to experience it as the fishing boats come in, in many local shops and at community events such as ceilidhs and the summer agricultural shows. Gaelic is generally more widely spoken in the rural areas of the islands than in the capital, Stornoway.
What is a ceilidh?
Traditionally a ceilidh was an informal social gathering in someone’s cottage, with storytelling, poetry and Gaelic singing. Now ceilidhs refer to dances or musical gatherings which take place in village halls and pubs throughout the islands. The largest ceilidhs are during the summer, often on the evening of each village’s Highland games, gala day or agricultural show. A ceilidh band usually consists of fiddles and accordions, but some also have a Clarsach (Scottish harp), guitar, drums and singer. The dancing usually centres on traditional Highland dances such as ‘Strip the Willow’, ‘The Military Two Step’ and the "St Bernard’s Waltz." These dances are great fun and can be for couples or groups. They are not hard to pick up and there are bound to be lots of locals who are more than willing to teach any beginners!
What is Harris Tweed and where can I get some?
One of the world’s most desirable wool textiles in the world, Harris Tweed, is produced in the Outer Hebrides. Often associated with the country lifestyle of shooting, fishing and hunting, Harris Tweed has evolved into a fashionable and modern material which is very popular with fashion designers at the moment. Traditionally the wool was gathered from the sheep and dyed using a number of natural sources found in the islands, such as lichen, which gave the tweed its unmistakable palette. The wool was then cleaned, spun and woven in the islanders by trained weavers and their family. To obtain the prestigious mark of the Harris tweed orb, the wool must be woven in the Outer Hebrides or else it can not be called ‘real’ Harris Tweed. This material is said to last forever and you are sure to get a lifetime friend in any Harris Tweed garment you might acquire. If you would like to purchase Harris Tweed products, the following suppliers can oblige:
You can buy tailor made Harris Tweed garments at the following:
What are peats?
Peats are the traditional fuel used in the Hebrides, although coal is now more common. This fossil fuel was formed when the islands were densely covered in trees and it offers a economical fuel source to the islanders. Every house in the villages has their own peat ‘bank’ to cut. It is a great social affair to cut, stack and gather your peats, with many neighbours and friends helping out and lots of celebrations once they are home. The peat gives off a beautiful and distinct aromatic smell when they are burned and many households still stack them in a unique, meticulously well-built, structure outside their house.
Where can I find out more about the Norse/Viking influence on the Hebrides and the Lewis Chess Men?
The Western Isles Museum on Francis Street in Stornoway has a great historical exhibition on the islands. It tells the story of the dramatic Norse invasion which has impacted upon the cultures and the environment of the Gaels. The phone number of the museum is +44 (0)1851 709305. To find out more about our exciting history look at www.culturehebrides.com.
What important historical sites are there in the Hebrides?
The islands are full of ancient historical sites which date back to Neolithic times, some discovered and some partly uncovered. The standing stones of Callanish are world famous and are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids. There are many standing stone circles throughout the islands as well as Brochs (circular forts) Mills and chambered tombs and many others. To find out more have a look at www.culturehebrides.com.
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