Harris and Scalpay
Eilean Glas Walk and Shorewatch
Eilan Glas, Scalpay, HS4 3YG
Monday 24th June, 10am - 12pm
Hosted by Maor-dùthcha na Hearadh / North Harris Ranger
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Join the North Harris Ranger on a guided walk to the Eilean Glas lighthouse and a shorewatch. Learn about the local area, its culture and wildlife, and seek the whales, porpoises, and dolphins who inhabit our waters.
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Shorewatch is a citizen science effort in cooperation with Whale & Dolphin Conservation.
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Attendees need to have a decent level of fitness and be capable to walk several kilometres over irregular terrain. Apologies, there is no wheelchair access and the event is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
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Meeting at the Outend Car Park, Scalpay, HS4 3YG.
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Booking not required.
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Donations welcomed.
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Contact details: ranger@north-harris.org
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[Fully booked] Listening and Looking (Out) for Whales through Art, Music, and Science
Talla na Mara, Pairc Niseaboist, Isle Of Harris, HS3 3AE
Monday 24th June, 7pm - 8:30pm
Hosted by Natalie Sinclair (Marine Biologist), Sam Gare (Artist) and Alex South (Musician/Researcher)
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How do we listen and look(out) for whales? Join us as we dive into this question through Art, Music, and Science.
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Part1: Songs of the Scottish Humpbacks: Unlocking the Secrets of Whale Communication in the Outer Hebrides
Marine Biologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr Natalie Sinclair will share her analysis of humpback whale songs recorded off the coast of the Outer Hebrides – the first such study conducted in Scottish waters in collaboration with Marine Scotland, SAMS and the University of St Andrews. The presentation will delve into the world of whale communication, highlighting the significance of these songs for conservation efforts."
Part 2: Keening; The song of the stranding
Artist Sam Gare, and Musician/Researcher Alex South will introduce their upcoming work responding to the mass stranding of 55 long-finned pilot whales that occurred at North Tolsta in July 2023. Sam will describe how art can be a powerful tool to share stories of our natural world, offer a place to come together and help to process complex emotions. Alex will talk about how his ‘multispecies musicking’ is shaped by the sounds and structures of the vocalisations of other animals, including humpback and pilot whales.
The talks will be followed by a Q&A.
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Suitable for all. Wheelchair accessible venue.
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Suitable for all. Wheelchair accessible venue.
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Free. Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/918882711927?aff=oddtdtcreator ​​
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Eagle Observatory Sit-in
Eagle Observatory, Gleann Mhiabhaig, Isle of Harris
Tuesday 25th June, 1:30pm - 4pm
Hosted by Maor-dùthcha na Hearadh / North Harris Ranger
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Gleann Mhiabhaig is one of Harris' most scenic glens, and home to the Eagle Observatory. The North Harris Ranger will be at the Observatory over the afternoon, ready to answer your questions about the local area and helping you look for golden eagles and other wildlife in the glen.
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No need to book, just pop in.
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Access to the Observatory requires ability and willingness to walk 2km inland over a gravel path. People should have appropriate clothing and boots. The event itself is suitable for everyone present on site.
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If you have binoculars, feel free to bring them.
Free. Donations welcome.
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Contact details: ranger@north-harris.org ​
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Image (c) Nigel Puttick
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Eagle Walk
Gleann Bhiogadail
Wednesday 26th June, 10am - 1pm
Hosted by Maor-dùthcha na Hearadh / North Harris Ranger
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Join our Ranger for a walk into the North Harris hills in search of golden eagles and other wildlife. The walk will take you through Gleann Bhiogadail to a beautiful viewpoint over Loch Langabhat, and you will learn about our local culture, wildlife, and history.
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This event is suitable for people who are fit enough for hiking over several kilometres and on irregular terrain. Weather appropriate clothing is required, as well as proper hiking shoes, and water. The use of wheelchairs is not appropriate to the terrain.
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Meeting at Bogha Glas Car Park (HS3 3AD).
Booking not essential. Donations welcome.
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Contact details: ranger@north-harris.org ​
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Image: Golden Eagle (c) Nigel Puttick
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Niseaboist Nature: Scribble and Scrawl
Talla na Mara, Pairc Niseaboist, Isle Of Harris, HS3 3AE
Tuesday 25th June, 1pm - 3pm
Hosted by Louisa MacDougall, writer
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Join local children’s author Louisa MacDougall for a stroll through the machair and along the shore at Niseaboist, followed by an informal creative writing (drawing if you prefer) workshop inspired by the wildlife we encounter.
Louisa is the author of the Great Auk’s Great Escape, a picture book (with illustrator Joceline Hildrey) set in the Hebrides about an extinct seabird, which is launching as part of the Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival. Her other books are Rory and the Snack Dragons and the Highland Cowgirl.
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This event is aimed at adults, but children are welcome. Stout shoes advised as the terrain can be uneven.
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The session will go ahead in bad weather, but we may limit/cancel the walk element.
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Talla na Mara will be open for refreshments to purchase.
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Free. Please book by emailing: louisa.author@outlook.com ​
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Image (c) Louisa MacDougall
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Harris Surf Safari
Niseabost Surf Beach in Harris
Thursday 27th June, 10am or 1:30pm
Hosted by SurfLewis
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Join us on a surf session as we celebrate the Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival. The breathtaking scenery of West Harris hosts many opportunities to spot wildlife from sea birds and seals in the water to eagles in the sky.
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Suitable for anyone aged 8 and above. Participants must be able to swim 50m unaided. Please bring swimwear, a towel, something to eat or drink after the lesson and any relevant medication eg inhaler/epipen.
Meet at Talla na Mara, Niseabost.
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Cost: £45
Contact details: contactsurflewis@gmail.com ​
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Sealg nam Muc sna Hearadh
Talla na Mara, Isle of Harris
Thursday 27th June, 7pm - 8:30pm
Hosted by Maor-dùthcha na Hearadh / North Harris Ranger
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Tha tobhtaichean Stèisean nam Muc rim faicinn fhathast anns na Hearadh - an stèisean mu dheireadh sa Rìoghachd. Ach saoil, dè an eachdraidh a tha air a chùlaibh? Nach tig sibh dhan òraid a tha seo airson barrachd ionnsachadh mun ghnothach eachdraidheil a tha seo, agus mu shealg nam muc sna h-Eileanan.
This Gaelic language talk will present a bit of the history of whaling in Harris, and in particular the history and legacy of the whaling station.
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The event will be held entirely in Gaelic, and should be suitable for people with an intermediate to fluent level in the language. Talla na Mara is accessible for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.
Donations welcome.
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Booking essential.
Contact details: ranger@north-harris.org​
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The Great Auk's Great Escape: book launch with games, crafts and storytelling
Scalpay Community Centre
Friday 28th June, 2pm - 3:30pm
Hosted by The Islands Book Trust
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Join author Louisa MacDougall and illustrator Joceline Hildrey to celebrate the release of their new children's picture book about one of Scotland's last great auks.
The Great Auk's Great Escape is based on the true story of a rare seabird which was captured on St Kilda, and brought to Scalpay en route to an Edinburgh Museum. Find out how the clever bird escaped its captors and learn more about this remarkable species and its legacy. The event will include games, crafts and storytelling.
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Suitable for: all ages, especially ages 5 to 12.
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Free.
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Booking not necessary.
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Wild Harris Snorkelling at Huisinis
Huisinis Gateway
Wednesday 26th June, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hosted by Wild Harris
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Explore the enchanting underwater world at Huisinis Beach with snorkel leader and marine biologist Daryll Brown. All kit is provided, but if you have your own warm wetsuit, please do bring it! We a have limited number of wetsuits in various sizes for people to borrow.
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Suitable for couples, singles, & families with children aged 10 or above. Participants must be able to swim, but do not need to be strong confident swimmers.
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Please bring swimming costume, towel and £1 coin for a shower afterwards
Snorkelling sessions last about 1.5 hours including time to change. Back up date in case of bad weather: Saturday 29th June.
5 people per session. Booking is essential. Please book through our booking system.
Type in the number of people and choose 26th June to book on either the morning or the afternoon session. You may also book snorkelling on any available day that comes up, but there is usually a minimum charge of £100, which covers two people. The special price for Wildlife Festival snorkelling on 26th June is £30pp.
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Contact details: Wildharris@outlook.com
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[Fully booked, join waiting list for any cancellations]
Birds and Beasties Needlefelting Workshop
Holmasaig Gallery, Quidinish, Isle of Harris HS33JQ
Wednesday 3rd July, 11am - 2pm
Hosted by Margarita Williams, Artist
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Introduction to Needle-felting workshop using Harris tweed, dyed fleece, wooden threads to create artwork with Birds and Beasties as the theme.
Bring your own tweed if possible (or other pure woollen material). Please also bring pictures of birds or insects and scissors if you have them. All other materials will be supplied. Please bring a packed lunch; tea and coffee will be supplied.
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£20 donation to local charity Crossroads, Harris.
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6 places maximum. Booking essential via email to margaritawilliams@yahoo.co.uk.
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Contact details: margaritawilliams@yahoo.co.uk
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Image: Margarita Williams
Guided Walk: Àird Grothadanais
Àird Grothadanais, meeting at the Luskentyre Car Park.
Thursday 27th June, 10am - 12pm
Hosted by Maor-dùthcha na Hearadh / North Harris Ranger Service
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Everybody comes to Losgaintir for the sandy dunes and the beach, but the area is home to other rich habitats. Come and discover these with the North Harris Ranger, who will guide you away from the sands towards Àird Grothadanais to look at coastal bogs, ancient ruins, and local wildlife. A few steps from the beach, you will discover carnivorous plants, old agricultural landscapes, and the history of our islands.
The walk will go between Tràigh Rosamol and Àird Grothadanais, meeting at the Luskentyre Car Park. Proper walking boots are required, as well as weather-appropriate clothing. The walk is mostly on flat ground but with irregularities and some slippery spots, and a good level of physical fitness is required. The walk is not appropriate for people with limited mobility.
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Free. Donations welcome.
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No maximum number of people. Booking not essential.
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Contact details:​
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The Harris Whaling Station
Tigh an Urrais, an Tairbeart, Isle of Harris, HS3 3DB
Friday 28th June, 7pm - 8:30pm
Hosted by Maor-dùthcha na Hearadh / North Harris Ranger
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The ruins of Stèisean nam Muc, the Harris whaling station, are the last visible remnants of a whaling station in the United-Kingdom. The humble site of Bun Abhainn Eadarra is a witness to a hundred years of history connecting Na h-Eileanan Siar to Antarctica. Come to learn about the connection between the Gaels and whaling, and how Norwegian industrial whaling left an imprint on our landscape.
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The event will be held in English and is suitable to all. Whaling and processing of carcasses will be mentioned, and while nothing gruesome or disturbing will be shared, some people may feel more sensitive to the topic. People with limited mobility can access the room.
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Spaces are limited to six people, and booking is essential. A university group has already booked spots for this event, a handful of seats are left, which is why booking is necessary. People who come without a booking may be turned away.
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Free. Donations welcome.
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Contact details:
Bumblebee Safari
Northton Machair, Isle of Harris
Tuesday 23rd and Thursday 24th July, 11am - 12:30pm
Hosted by University of Glasgow Remote Scotland Expedition
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Join us on an adventure to find bees in the stunning Northton Machair. With interesting facts about bees and a scenic walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Your guides will be our very own Torri and Cristina, the expedition’s bumblebee experts! This event is suitable for families and anyone able to walk on paths and firm ground. Pace will be adjusted to suit the group.
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The event will be held at Northton Machair in the Isle of Harris. Meet at the gate to Northton Machair. Parking is very limited in Northton. Please park at Seallam Car Park and walk to the meeting point and/or consider car sharing.
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Please wear clothing suitable for the weather.
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Free. No booking required but please email remotescotland2024@gmail.com to let them know you intend to join in and to be kept informed about the event (eg in case of poor weather).
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Contact details: remotescotland2024@gmail.com​
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Kayaking, Coasteering, Gorge Scrambling
The Scaladale Centre, Isle of Harris
Monday 1 July onwards please check The Scaladale Centre website for dates and times:
https://www.scaladale-centre.co.uk/book
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Scaladale Centre will be hosting a range of outdoor adventures throughout July. Sessions will be pitched at your level.
Loch or sea kayaking: Qualified sea kayak guides will lead you on a journey exploring rocks, beaches, islands, observing the abundant wildlife such as sea eagles, seals, otters, puffins, arctic terns, great skuas, sea urchins, star fish, jellyfish and sometimes even dolphins!
Coasteering: Experienced staff will guide you along a set course, which is never the same twice, due to the tides and the wildlife! You will be invited to explore the transition zone between the land and sea. You will be taught lots of skills and encouraged to complete jumps, swim sections and explore the species of flora and fauna.
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Gorge scrambling: The gorge is an amazing environment and there will be several challenges to overcome and features to play in. There will be sections to climb and pools to jump into. There are amazing plant species growing around the gorge and if you’re lucky you may see a sea eagle fly overhead.
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Book: https://www.scaladale-centre.co.uk/book​
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