When I was younger, I tended to think of the Scottish Outer Hebrides as some god-forsaken, cold-ridden and brutal landscape, where life was tough. Most of that was wrong, although it has taken my leaving Scotland to come to appreciate the beauty of the western isles. While the Outer Hebrides are located a 6 hour ferry ride from Oban, and exposed to the brutality of the Atlantic winters, I came to understand the draw of these islands. I cannot comment on the realities of life here, but I can attest that it was an uplifting experience. I’m led to understand the residents are fiercely independent of mainland Scotland, and I do respect that. So while I can easily check any patriotism at the ferry slip, I will not deny that I felt fortunate that such stunning landscapes are “on my doorstep”.
