Introduction

Tonight, I am posting information on the historic Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles, is an island chain off the west coast of mainland Scotland. The Isle of Lewis sits at the northern end of the island chain.

Location is Carloway, about twenty-five miles west of Stornoway which is the island’s principal town.

Information on the Gearrannan Village

The traditional stone built houses with thatched roofs date from the late 19th century. They housed a community engaged in traditional fishing and farming activities predicated on a basic, self-sufficiency lifestyle.

Electricity was first introduced in 1952 with piped water and regular milk deliveries in the next decade. However, the last residents were re-housed in 1974 after which the buildings fell into decline.

Restoration commenced following involvement of a local community trust using traditional methods.

Gearrannan is now  a visitor attraction with some cottages available for holiday/vacation rental. At this site is a craft shop, restaurant and Harris Tweed weaving demonstrations.

There is no agreement on the origin of the term ‘blackhouse’. Possibilities include:

• Colouration of the interior due to smoke rising from open fires.
• Similar pronunciation of the Gaelic words for thatch and black.
• Distinction between older houses (such as at Gearrannan) and subsequent modern houses with white facings.

A good spot to connect with the not-so-distant past.

Visiting Gearrannan Village

Ferries ply between Ullapool (mainland) and Stornoway, and Tarbert (Isle of Harris) and Uig on Isle of Skye. There is also an air link between Glasgow and Stornoway.

Other visitor attractions nearby include:

Carloway Iron-Age Broch

Callanish prehistoric stone circle

Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln.

Here is a video clip of the village

More information for the tourist

Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This includes information on Lewis and other islands in the Outer Hebrides chain.The publication is also available via Kindle.