The Isle of Harris
Discover the History and Heritage of The Isle of Harris
Discover the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, with its majestic mountains, crystal-clear blue waters, unique cultural heritage and sandy beaches.
The southern-most part of Lewis and Harris, the Isle of Harris is a landscape rich with natural beauty and stunning wildlife. From the windswept north-west settlement of Hushinish to the sandy beaches of the south, it’s an island waiting to be discovered.
Located on the dramatic west coast of the Isle of Harris, Òran na Mara’s unique views to Scarista beach and the Chaipaval peninsula offer a real opportunity for adventure.
An Isle of Contrasts
The mountainous north offers a wilderness to explore. The western beaches are among the best in the world.
Geological and Historical Wonders
With mountains scoured by the shifting of the glaciers, the Isle of Harris is rich with geological wonders. Neolithic and Norse settlements sit alongside medieval churches and extraordinary natural features.
freshwater lochs
km² to explore
Òran na Mara
A Unique Cultural Heritage
Harris is rich with traditional arts and crafts such as painting and sculpture too. And with 60% of the native population being Gaelic speakers, the unique cultural heritage of the island continues to thrive.
Local Harris shop
Traffic Jam in Harris
Traditional Peat Stack
The Macleod Stone, Harris
Local Harris Tweed Weaver
Harris Gin
Òran na Mara – At the Heart of Harris
Stay In Our Luxury Beach Cottage with Stunning Views Across an Epic Landscape
Sandy Beaches on your Doorstep
Scarista Beach is undoubtedly one of the finest on the Isle of Harris and is easily accessible from the house. A vast, open expanse of white sand facing into the turquoise shallows of the Sound of Taransay, this is Harris at its glorious best.
Travel a little north towards Borve and you’ll find more pristine beaches with endless views. To the south is the stunning Toe Head peninsula with an array of white sand bays lapped by turquoise seas.
The view from Òran na Mara is extraordinary. Take in the glorious sight of the iconic Toe Head peninsula, framed by the hills of North Harris to the right. Revel in dazzling sunsets and enjoy the uninterrupted views of a star-laden night sky.
Walk for miles on Scarista beach and take in the views across to the Isle of Taransay. Venture further and discover the views from Bagh Steinigidh’s rocky, windswept shore.
Breath-Taking Views
Beautiful Hebridean Wildlife
Harris is home to an abundance of wildlife. Iconic species including mountain hares, otters and red deer are found here, as are many species of birds. Golden plover and snipe are seen inland, with majestic golden eagles soaring in the coastal thermals.
Harris is rich with marine life too. The Atlantic waters are home to seals, basking sharks and several whale and dolphin species. Sea birds such as arctic terns and plovers abound, with gannets dramatically diving into the sea.
We had the most amazing time. Married on Scarista beach in glorious sunshine! We have the most fabulous memories of the Isle of Harris to last a lifetime. We have seen eagles (golden and white-tailed) on four of our seven days here.
A beautiful house in a spectacular setting. We had glorious sunshine and the views! We watched the sunset almost every evening. A fabulous week, with the best weather we’ve ever had in Scotland.
It’s so soothing and uplifting here. The views are breath-taking and are a privilege to experience. Truly wonderful! We had a week of warm, sunny weather and the beach to ourselves. A beautiful house on a beautiful island. Bliss!
Recent News
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Mo Thompson Photography
This blog is written by Mo Thompson, a brilliant photographer who loves Harris and has stayed at Òran na Mara a number of times. We hope you enjoy learning a bit more about how to take photos of the night sky. Imagine a dark winter night, arriving at the ferry port...
Island Light
The Autumn heralds the longer nights for stargazing as well as fantastic light for photographers. Dramatic seascapes, rainbows, clouds and shafts of light abound, bringing an ethereal beauty that will stir your soul and moments that you will remember for ever....
Creating Òran na Mara
To us, Oran na Mara is a very special place – and we hope that you agree. To create a house in this location, to take advantage of the views, and to blend into the landscape took years of painstaking planning, ideas, challenges and uncertainties. We first came across...