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Western Isles — Outer Hebrides

The Edge of Europe

The Outer Hebrides — from Lewis and Harris in the north to Barra in the south — are among the most remote and culturally distinct communities in Britain, where Gaelic remains a living language and machair grasslands and Atlantic beaches are unrivalled in Europe.

Development

Development in Western Isles — Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides has an exceptional renewable energy resource — highest wind speeds in Europe, significant tidal potential, and community-owned wind farms that generate income for Hebridean communities. Broadband connectivity has improved dramatically via R100 programme.

Key Sectors

  • Offshore & Onshore Wind Energy
  • Harris Tweed (global brand)
  • Aquaculture
  • Tourism & Eco-tourism
  • Gaelic Language & Arts
  • Fisheries

Funding & Grants

Western Isles Community Energy grants, Gaelic Language Plan support, HIE Outer Hebrides, Islands Growth Deal (Lewis & Harris).

Planning development activity in this region?

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Other Highland Regions

Inverness & Central Highlands Cairngorms National Park Isle of Skye & Lochalsh Ross-shire & The Black Isle Sutherland Caithness & John O'Groats Argyll & Bute Orkney Shetland Moray & Speyside Lochaber & Fort William