Isle of Lewis
Wildlife Festival Art Exhibition
An Lanntair Café Foyer, Stornoway
Monday 15th June - Friday 3rd July
An Lanntair opening hours
Come along and marvel at the works of local artists showcasing the beauty, character and diversity of our local landscapes and species. Through painting, sculpture and photography, artists bring our native wildlife to life - inviting us to pause, look closer, and reconnect with the natural World around us.
Free.
Image by Marina Matheson
Wildlife Storytime with Louisa MacDougall
Stornoway Library
Saturday 20th June, 2:30pm
Hosted by Louisa MacDougall
Join author Louisa MacDougall for an afternoon of storytelling and craft inspired by island wildlife.
Free event.
This is a family event aimed at children aged 3+ who must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: louisa.author@outlook.com
Image: Great Yellow Bumblebee (c) Lorne Gill NatureScot
Beach Clean for Nature: You can make a difference on our shores!
Ramadal (Swordale) Beach
Saturday 20th June, Tide dependant - from 1.30pm
Hosted by Clean Coast Outer Hebrides
Ramadal (Swordale) beach needs its marine litter removed. This cracking little beach has terrific rock pools at low tide, is good for swimming, and we've seen otters and birds of prey when holding previous clean ups.
Clean Coast Outer Hebrides will provide all necessary kit and some refreshments. Volunteers will need to listen to our safety briefing before hitting the beach, but we don't need everyone on the shore - we need volunteers to help hand out kit, then sort, weigh and log what we collect, recycling what we can. This can be a great way for people of lesser mobility to help.
Free event.
Location: Ramadal (Swordale) Beach - 4 Miles East of Stornoway
What 3 words: ///originals.resembles/deserved
Tide dependant - from 13:30 onwards (Check with host)
Contact: janet@cleancoastoh.com
Get to know your castle grounds: a guided wildlife walk
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway
Monday 22nd June, 10am - 12pm
Hosted by Atlantic 58
Join us on a guided wildlife walk around the Lews Castle Grounds.
We will explore the flora of woodland habitats, bogs and invasive plant species, as well as mammals, birds found in the trees and by the water, and common invertebrates. Our ecologists will share survey tips and demonstrate some of the technology they use when in the field. There will also be conversations about how to enjoy being around wildlife whilst minimising disturbance.
Meet at the bridge by the bridge centre at Bayhead, at 10am.
Ability to walk over uneven terrain around the castle grounds (wear appropriate footwear). Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is a free event. Booking required. Book your place by emailing: office@atlantic58.co.uk. Max 15 people.
Ness Corncrake Evening Walk
Lionel, Ness
Monday 22nd June, 7pm - 9pm
Hosted by RSPB
Join Tim Wallis, RSPB warden for an evening walk around the Ness Corncrake recovery area. An opportunity to hear more about Corncrakes
Meeting at the car park at Spors Nis, Lionel. HS2 0XB. What3Words: motivate.equipment.furnish.
Cost: FREE.
Booking: Not required, just turn up.
This is an easy walk. Please note that there is no wheelchair access to the hide.
Contact address: outerhebrides@rspb.org.uk
Image: Corncrake (c) Lorne Gill / NatureScot
Empower
Growth
Tiumpan Head Evening Whale Watch
Tiumpan Head, Lewis
Tuesday 23rd June, 19:00-21:00pm
Hosted by Clean Coast Outer Hebrides
Join well-known local whale watcher and artist Janet Marshall for some sea-gazing from this stunning site.
Here in the islands, we have some of the best places in Europe to see the widest range of whales and dolphins from land. You'll learn about the incredible marine species that frequent the coast, the changes that are happening now environmentally, and how you can support conservation efforts by logging sightings for different conservation bodies.
Meet: Tiumpan Head, 11 miles east of Stornoway near the lighthouse. Please note that car parking is at the bottom of the hill, with a short walk up tarmacked road to the spotting area. Parking is very limited and not permitted in the turning circle. Go through the gate and up the hill to the top, however if visibility is limited, we shall stay at the bottom of the hill. What 3 words location: ///flattered.poetic.verve
This is a free event, no need to book.
What we see is weather dependent; the cetacea are likely to be there but become difficult to see when the sea is rough.
All are welcome. Please be aware that access requires a short uphill walk. The route is not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users due to limited parking and terrain.
Bring binoculars if you have them – a limited number are available to borrow.
Contact address: janet@cleancoastoh.com
Loch na Muilne Guided Walk
Loch na Muilne, Arnol, Lewis
Tuesday 23rd June, 10am - 12pm
Hosted by RSPB
Join the warden to find out more about Loch na Muilne and the red-necked phalaropes that breed here. .
The walk will be on rough, sometimes boggy terrain; not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.
FREE. No need to book, just turn up.
Meet at Loch Na Muilne Reserve car park (What3Words: wordplay.coconut.user)
Contact address: outerhebrides@rspb.org.uk
Image (c) Paul Macklam
Empower
Growth
Guided Birdwatching Walk
Bragar Machair
Wednesday 24th June, 9:30am - 11:30am
Hosted by British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) volunteers Simon & Emma Niederberger
Join BTO volunteers Simon and Emma Niederberger for a walk through the Bragar machair, spending some time at Loch Ordais and Port Mhòr Bhràgair.
Depending on the weather and what wildlife we find, we may head past Bragar Cemetery to the headland to look for seabirds.
Terns are often spotted feeding their young this time of year, and we’re likely to see common plover, dunlin, and redshank. The area often brings surprises, so we’ll see what turns up!
Emma is the BTO's Regional Representative for Lewis and Harris and she will share some information about the BTO's citizen Science schemes.
Meeting point: Parking area at Port Mhor, Bragar. What3Words: scrubbing.lectures.moons.
This is a free event, booking not required.
Not suitable for dogs or very young children (Quiet and patience required).
Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Terrain includes uneven ground and shoreline walking. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Any enquiries, please email: simon.niederberger@gmail.com
Image: Dunlin (c) Lorne Gill / NatureScot
Whale & Dolphin Tour
Depart Stornoway Inner Harbour
Wednesday 24th June, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Hosted by Immerse Hebrides
Departing Stornoway, join us for a 2 hour fast boat tour heading into the Minch in search of marine mammals and seabirds. Regular sightings of minke whale, dolphin, porpoise, seals, gannets and, if lucky, humpback whales or orca!
Cost: £75 Adults, £60 Children (under 16yrs)
Max Capacity: 12
Booking essential: Book online
All weather clothing supplied.
Accessibility information: Must be physically able to climb onboard a RIB. Minimum height 130cm.
Image (c) Immerse Hebrides
2 Hour Pabbay Boat Tour
Departs Miavaig, Uig
Thursday 25th June, Tuesday 30th June, Thursday 2nd July, 10am - 12pm
Hosted by Seatrek
Leaving the jetty at Miavaig, in Uig, the boat trip heads out Loch Roag and past the village of Reef, then entering Little Loch Roag to look for otters which are often seen foraging on the shoreline.
Sea Eagles frequently patrol this area and we regularly spot them on this trip - magnificent birds of prey, larger and darker than golden eagles. They are also known as White Tailed Sea Eagles.
From there we head for the sweeping length of Traigh na Berie towards the island of Siaram, then on to Pabbay Mor. We slow down to explore the amazing depths of the sea-caves and continue round the North end of Pabbay to see its impressive natural arch and spectacular Lagoon surrounded by sandy beaches. This relaxing trip is suitable for all ages.
Cost: Adult £65, Child (under 12) £55
Booking required: www.seatrek.co.uk/book
Please note that sailings are dependant on weather and sea conditions.
Image: Otter (c) Lorne Gill / NatureScot
Natural Bird Pod Workshop
29 Coll, Back, Isle of Lewis
Friday 26th June, Saturday 27th June, Friday 10th July, Saturday 11th July, 1pm - 5pm
Hosted by Alpacan
Come along and make a beautiful organic, natural felted bird pod from our fabulous alpaca fibre.
On arrival we will walk down our family croft overlooking Coll sands and its turquoise waters to meet our alpacas. As we walk down the croft you'll see a variety of native flowers on the croft growing naturally around the ditches and stream, and hear the birdsong that signifies summer is here.
Once you've met the alpacas (lots of photo opportunities) we'll return back to the barn to learn about the alpaca fibre and how to card it to start producing your own felted pod. You can choose to make your pod out of your favourite alpacas fibre, or card your own to make a unique blend, so everyone will have their own unique pod.
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Cost: £40
Book: https://booking.bookinghound.cloud/fe/booking?og=5f4e3594-950a-4085-a4f6-e33026153af2
Tea/Coffee/Juice and cake provided. All equipment supplied
Please dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Anyone with allergies must inform the host so that precautions can be taken.
This will be a fun, relaxed workshop, no experience necessary....just bring a sense of humour, and an understanding that it is going to get wet and soapy before your creation is created!!!
We use olive oil soap as it is gentle on hands.
Contact address: Kate@oorhoose.co.uk
Guided Bat Tour
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June, 10:30pm - 11:30pm
Hosted by Outer Hebrides Bat Group
Come and join the Outer Hebrides Bat Group on a guided bat walk around the Lews Castle grounds in Stornoway. We'll meet just before sunset and take a walk around the castle grounds looking for bats. As we walk, we'll talk about all things bats: their biology, behaviour, conservation and more. We'll even have bat detectors on hand to let you try them out!
We'll be walking around the castle grounds (approx. 2.5km), walking woodland paths of varying quality and degrees of undulation (it will also be dark). This event may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
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16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
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Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions (remember it's late so it may begin to get colder as the walk goes on).
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Wear appropriate footwear for walking on mixed terrain with good ankle support.
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Bring along a torch and/or head torch if you have one.
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Smidge spray recommended!
Free but donations to the Bat Conservation Trust welcome (collecting on the night).
*BOOKING REQUIRED* Book by emailing outerhebridesbatgroup@gmail.com.
Lews Castle Grounds. Meet in the car park at the main entrance to the castle itself (what3words - ///earlobes.deploying.emerge)
Image (c) Hugh Clark / Bat Conservation Trust
Call of the Loon: A Multimedia lecture
An Lanntair, Stornoway
Saturday 27th June, 7pm – 9pm
Hosted by An Lanntair ft. Roland Arnison, Film-maker and Expedition leader
Join sea kayaker Roland Arnison for an evening of immersion into the world of seabirds and adventure sea kayaking as he recounts his tales from the Call of the Loon expedition – his solo quest to record the calls of all of Scotland’s seabird species, spending two summers exploring remote Hebridean islands by sea kayak.
He will reveal the highs and lows including his ambitious paddle alone out to St Kilda and what to do - and not to do - when you lose your kayak to the sea. Roland will share his seabird recordings and videos and give some insights into the lives of our fascinating seabirds – and what their future may hold.
Roland's stories from his seabird adventures have featured on Radio 4 and he has delivered his popular lectures to audiences across the UK including at the Royal Geographic Society.
More info about the Call of the Loon expedition: https://rolandarnison.co.uk/call-of-the-loon-expedition/.
Cost: £10
Booking Required: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mallimakmedia/2170411
Event info: https://lanntair.com/events/event/the-call-of-the-loon/
Location: An Lanntair, Community Room, An Lanntair, HS1 2DS
Moths & Butterflies Creative Workshops
Multiple venues: An Lanntair, Ionad Stoodie, Clan Macquarrie (Borve), Grinneabhat, Loch a Tuath Community Hut (Back), Balallan Village Hall
Multiple dates from Monday 29th June to Friday 10th July
Hosted by An Lanntair
Let young imaginations take flight this summer with our enchanting Moth and Butterfly themed art workshops.
Inspired by the delicate beauty of nature, these hands-on sessions invite children aged 5 – 12 to explore the natural world through music, movement games & making.
Workshops will be delivered in English, except in An Lanntair where there is the option of Gaelic or English.
Wear clothes you can move around comfortably in and bring your water bottle.
Cost: £10 / £8
Booking is essential: Book online
An Lanntair can make tickets available free of charge for children who would benefit from the activities, but for whom cost would be a barrier. Contact moira@anlanntair.com for details.
Sessions:
Education Room, An Lanntair (English)
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Monday 29th June, 10am – 12pm, age: 5-8
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Monday 29th June, 1pm – 3pm, age: 9-12
Ionad Stoodie
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Tuesday 30th June, 10am – 12pm, age: 5-8
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Tuesday 30th June, 1pm – 3pm, age: 9-12
Clan Macquarrie, Borve
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Wednesday 1st July, 10am – 12pm: Age 9-12
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Wednesday 1st July, 1pm – 3pm: Age 5-8
** Book these sessions directly via Ploigh***
Due to generous supported from Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, tickets are £1 to children resident in the Galson estate area.
Grinneabhat
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Thursday 2nd July, 10am – 12pm, age: 5-8
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Thursday 2nd July, 1pm – 3pm, age: 9-12
An Lanntair Education Room (Gaelic)
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Monday 6th June, 10am – 12pm, age: 5-8
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Monday 6th June, 1pm – 3pm, age: 9-12
Loch a Tuath Community Hut, Back
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Wednesday 8th July, 10am – 12pm, age: 5-8
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Wednesday 8th July, 1pm – 3pm, age: 9-12
Balallan Village Hall
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Thursday 9th July, 10am – 12pm, age: 5-8
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Thursday 9th July, 1pm – 3pm, age: 9-12
Abhainn Lagsaigh (The Laxay River)
Kinloch Community Hub, Balallan
Sat 20th June - 31st July, 10am - 4pm, Monday - Sat
Hosted by Kinloch Historical Society
From February to March 2026, supported through the Species on the Edge programme, pupils from Sgoil nan Loch worked with the Kinloch Historical Society to learn about the various species living in and around the Laxay River.
Individuals from The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, RSPB, NatureScot, Atlantic Salmon Trust, the Soval Estate, and local crofters and tradition bearers shared their knowledge and expertise.
This FREE exhibition showcases our learning journey through sensory eco-cultural maps which provide information on the biodiversity of the Laxay River and our cultural connection to it over the past 150 years.
Location: Kinloch Community Hub, Balallan, Isle of Lewis
Contact address: gemma@kinlochhistoricalsociety.co.uk
Shaping Our Shores Screening
Uig Community Centre
Saturday 11th July at 6pm
Hosted by Scottish Islands Federation & Scottish Coastal Cleanup
Join us for the Lewis premier of Shaping Our Shores, a documentary about beachcleaning around Scotland, part of which was filmed here in Uig. Entry free, with an option to make a donation to Scottish Coastal Cleanup.
email: v.fraser.uig@gmail.com
From shore to dam, walk Giosla Glen
Shoreside, Giosla, Uig
Saturday 18th July, Saturday 25th July, 2pm - 4pm
Hosted by artist Rupachitta
Giosla glen is a unique environment. Walk on a paved road from Shoreside up to Giosla Hydro Dam and Loch Coirceabhat. The steep sides of the glen are a haven for native plants and wildlife. We will touch on the geology, history and life of the glen. The walk will end back at the carpark with the option of visiting Rupachitta's garden and art studios and watching a screening of the short film ‘Raven’ by Dalziel&Scullion mainly shot in the glen.
Location: Shoreside, Giosla, Uig, HS29EW. What3Words: ketchup.history.failed
Free event - donations welcomed.
Image (c) Rupachitta Robertson
SurfLewis
Lewis
Location and dates to be confirmed. Check with event host.
Hosted by SurfLewis
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Waves & Wildlife, Surf Adventure
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Waves & Wildlife: SUP Adventure
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Waves & Wildlife: Snorkel Safari
Contact address: contactsurflewis@gmail.com
Image (c) Eilidh Ross
Artistry on the Edge
Art Room, An Lanntair, Stornoway
Saturday 27 June, 2pm - 4pm
Hosted by Outer Hebrides Climate Hub
Discover the fragile beauty of the Outer Hebrides’ most vulnerable wildlife in this unique, hands-on workshop. Connect science with creativity as artist Janet Marshall guides you through mindful sketching to translate climate vulnerability into powerful art.
This is a free event. Booking required. Email Sarah to book: sarah@climatehebrides.com
Port of Ness Evening Whale Watch
Port of Ness
Friday 10th July, 19:00-21:00
Hosted by artist Clean Coast Hebrides
This is a free event, no need to book however what we see is weather dependent; the cetacea are likely to be there but become difficult to see when the sea is rough.
Meet: Port of Ness, travel North on the A857 towards the Butt of Lewis, but instead of turning off to the Butt continue on the A857 all the way to Port of Ness, park by the harbour and walk back up the road and take the road on your right, go through the gate and before the end of the road turn right on a faint path in the field towards the headland and we watch at the highest point at the end of the headland.
What 3 words location: ///airliners.flying.formation.
All are welcome. Please be aware that access requires a short uphill walk. The route is not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users due to limited parking and terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them – a limited number are available to borrow.
Botanical Illustration for the Terrified
Uig Machair, Lewis
Wednesday 15th July, 11am
Hosted by Janet Marshall Illustration
Relaxed outdoor drawing / sketching for beginners and anyone curious about slowing down and really looking at the plants and wildlife of the Machair.
We'll wander gently through the wildflowers and grasses, learning simple ways to sketch shape, texture and colour without pressure or perfection.
Expect observational drawing, loose botanical illustration and plenty of encouragement in one of the Outer Hebrides most beautiful landscapes.
Materials provided - just bring weather-appropriate clothing, your own chairs or groundsheets and something to to put your things on. Suitable for adults and older children accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary. Max 8 participants.
Meet at What3Words:///satin.cloud.eclipses
This outdoor event is weather dependant - indoor location may be required.
Contact: Janet Marshall janet@claddach.com
Image (c) Janet Marshall
Beach Clean-up for Nature, Stornoway
Stornoway
Saturday 18th July, time tbc - contact host
Hosted by Clean Coast Outer Hebrides in association with Newton Ward Community Association
Meet at the corner of Newton Street and the road to Goat Island.
Clean Coast Outer Hebrides provide all necessary kit and some refreshments. Volunteers will need to listen to our safety briefing before hitting the beach, but we don't need everyone on the shore - we need volunteers to help hand out kit, then sort, weigh and log what we collect, recycling what we can. This can be a great way for people of lesser mobility to help
Beach clean event. Free, no booking required.
Meeting point: What 3words ///year.refrained.gossiped
Contact: janet@cleancoastoh.com
Film Screening: 'Telling Hopeful Stories of Herring and People of the Scottish Minch'
Location to be confirmed, check with host
Date and time to be confirmed, check with host
Hosted by Lydia Martens
Contact: lydia.martens60@gmail.com
