Reflecting on a Remarkable Year on the Isle of Harris, Scotland
It’s hard to believe that we’re almost at the end of January already, and the weeks are passing at the same lightning speed as they did last year. 2024 was another great year here on the Isle of Harris, Scotland, and we’ve shared a few highlights below.
Welcoming Guests from Around the World
We welcomed over 421 guests to our lovely self-catering properties in 2024 from all around the world. Just over 62% stayed for a week or longer, while other guests took advantage of our short stays in the Rock House and The Broch. Our brilliant housekeepers facilitated over 151 changeovers – it’s hard to imagine the amount of laundry and eco-friendly cleaning products that entails!
Celebrating Scotland’s Greatest Escape Success
The year started with some excitement as we waited for BBC Scotland’s broadcast of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Escape.’ The Broch appeared in the first episode in the Unique and Unusual category. The team tuned in to see our brilliant housekeeper Chris put Grado through his paces to get everything ready for the arrival of the judges. We were all so proud when we were named the winner of the category, which meant we went through to the Grand Final in April. The owners were invited to Edinburgh for filming with the other category winners, and we all tuned in to hear the result. We were jumping with joy when we were named overall winners. It meant so much to our small, hard-working team to receive this recognition and shine a spotlight on the Isle of Harris, Scotland.
Recognised at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards
Scotland’s Greatest Escape was closely followed by the Visit Scotland Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2024. We were surprised and thrilled to receive an email advising us that we had been nominated for this award. After providing detailed information for the award panel and completing a series of interviews, we were notified that we had reached the Final, which was held in November. Although we weren’t named as overall winners, we were extremely proud to have been nominated and to make it to the final – another accolade for the Isle of Harris Scotland.
Spotty the Cat’s Adventure
In July, the team went on a mission to help locate Spotty – a Bengal cat belonging to one of our guests. Spotty, who had enjoyed a long stay in one of our cottages, absconded on the day of their departure, clearly keen to extend her holiday on the Isle of Harris, Scotland! Spotty was eventually found and reunited with her owners, thanks to a fantastic team effort over a couple of days.
Supporting Climate Science on the Isle of Harris
In August, we welcomed Dr. Rui Seabra, a Portuguese climate scientist establishing a network of sensors around the Atlantic Ocean to monitor changes in sea temperature. Fourteen small sensors were attached to rocks on the Isle of Harris, Scotland, including Borve Beach and two locations in Taransay. This ambitious, long-term project aims to collect real-time data over 15 years, contributing to research on ocean temperature changes and marine biodiversity. Pupils from Leverhulme Memorial School even followed in Dr. Rui’s footsteps in October, visiting the estate to help download data from the sensors. Read more about Rui’s important work here: www.coastalwarming.com/cctbon.
Farewell to Tarasaigh House
As 2024 closed, we began preparations to say a fond farewell to Tarasaigh House, which has now been sold. Managing the self-catering properties on the Isle of Harris, Scotland, is labour-intensive and expensive, so the owners are consolidating the business around Borve Valley and fishing at Laxdale while continuing to focus on regeneration and conservation projects on Taransay.
Looking Ahead to 2025 Scotland
Exciting Plans for Taransay
Looking ahead to 2025, Taransay remains a major focus for the estate, with plans for island regeneration and conservation alongside day trips, ecotourism, and adventure holidays.
Book Your 2025 Hebridean Holiday
We already have many forward-planning guests booked to stay with us in 2025, but there is still availability across the summer season. It’s the perfect time to book your own unforgettable experience on the Isle of Harris, Scotland, and enjoy the unique blend of natural beauty, history, and Hebridean hospitality that our estate offers.
Don’t Miss These Key Events
Visitors can also look forward to major events, including the HebCelt Festival on Lewis, the South Harris Agricultural Show in July, and the Sheep Dog Trials. The Lewis and Harris Trail Facebook page offers lots of information to help plan your stay, and our Facebook page is regularly updated with all the latest news from the estate.