Here's an interesting article on the WalkHighlands website, detailing calls from the Ramblers for a National Park in Harris.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/ramblers-call-for-national-parks-action/009856/

This is a campaign that has been going on since 2010, and which has overwhelming public support in Harris. A National Park would bring jobs to the island, act as a wonderful marketing boost to the area, and help protect its amazing landscape, wildlife and heritage for future generations. 

Unfortunately all attempts by the community to persuade the Scottish Government of its case have been in vain so far - the government have pleaded lack of cash, and Western Isles Council have been reluctant to come on board.

Perhaps we'll have better luck this time......?

Just trying to work out what was my wildlife highlight of the year. It's a tough call! 

We've just completed our first season and I have been astounded by the variety and frequency of our sightings of birds, cetaceans and flowers on our walks. By getting out day after day you cannot help but come across island wildlife, even when you're not looking for it.

Here are some of my favourite sightings from this year:

• 7 sea eagles, two golden eagles and a buzzard, all at the same time, at Cravadale in North Harris!
• The two basking sharks we watched for an hour off Tolsta Head.
• The peregerine falcon on the Carloway coastline.
• The red, black & great northern divers - seen everywhere, including from my front door!
• The mountain hares of North Harris.
• The cacophony of bird song on the Uist machair - redshank, lapwing, oystercatchers and dunlin singing their hearts out.
• Merlin scooting low over the moor at Ness.
• Minke whales and dolphin off the Butt of Lewis.
• Red deer in the Harris hills.
• The otter swimming around sea stacks near Carloway.
• 30 grey seals hauled out on rocks near Finsbay, South Harris.
• Long tailed ducks in Broad Bay.
• Arctic skuas chasing arctic terns, also in Broad Bay.

Hi folks. Welcome to the Hidden Hebrides blog. Here we will keep you updated with highlights from the holidays and tours we've run, as well as posting some great photos, holiday tips and news about the company.