Famous Visitors to the Islands - Luchd-tadhail Ainmeil
A steady stream of famous names have visited the islands in search of literary, artistic or explorative aims, or simply relaxation. It's not unusual to come across UK politicians, famous actors and actresses and sportsmen as you make your way through the Hebrides. From past and present, here are a few of the most memorable:
| Arthur Ransome | Uig on the Isle of Lewis was the setting of Arthur Ransome's book "Great Northern" the story of children protecting the eggs of the Great Northern Diver. The Castle of the Gaels was based on Uig Lodge, where he stayed in 1945 and 1946 whilst researching the Great Northern. He also took a particular fascination with the fishing, and famously wrote in "Mainly about Fishing", his theory as to why salmon may take a lure even when not feeding in fresh water. He wrote that they were "merely chewing gum." |
| HRH Prince Charles | His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has made a series of visits to the islands. On his first visit aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, a six-year old Prince Charles was allowed to press the button to inaugurate a new foghorn at Tiumpan Head lighthouse in Point, Isle of Lewis. The Crown Hotel in Stornoway has a plaque that commemorates a mischievous young Prince who notoriously ordered a cherry brandy there while on a school sailing trip round the islands. Aged only 14, the incident caused an uproar and he had to be smuggled back to Gordonstoun by car! However, in more recent years, it's been to the Isle of Berneray, off North Uist, that the Prince has turned for relaxation and peace, enjoying the chance to take part in the crofting lifestyle with local resident Donald 'Splash' McKillop and his family (Burnside Croft - see Accommodation section for more information.) |
| J.M. Barrie | In 1912, Barrie was one of three of the leading literary figures the time who took residence on the Isle of Harris. The other two were Anthony Hope (Hawkins) who wrote Prisoner of Zenda and E.V. Lucus, novelist, biographer, contributor to Punch and the best known essayist of his day. They were in Harris as Barrie's guests at Amhinnsuidhe Castle. Barrie had rented the castle as a holiday home for the orphaned Llewellyn Davies boys he was looking after. Barrie's future novel Marie Rose would contain distinct references to Harris, an island which obviously captured his imagination. |
| Sir Compton Mackenzie | Novelist Compton Mackenzie was working until half past three one morning as a cargo skipper, making his first screen appearance in night shots for Michael Balcons film version of his novel Whisky Galore! He commentated afterwards:"I cant wait for the next edition of Whos Who to come out. I want to add, 'Made film debut , aged 65.'" |
| James Boswell | In 1773, with Dr Johnson, Boswell toured the Scottish Highlands. Both men wrote of their experiences; Boswell's book is his "Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides" (1784). They were two of Britains premier explorers. |
| Neil Gunn | Famed Scottish novelist, based some of his most dramatic scenes in his novel, "Silver Darlings," on the Flannan isles. |
| Bonnie Prince Charlie | The Young Pretender and leader of the Jacobite Rebellion, Bonnie Prince Charlie sought refuge in the Outer Hebrides following the failed battle of 1745. He hid in caves, blackhouses and huts and the people of the Hebrides would not turn him in, despite substantial rewards offered by the crown. He later escaped the isles with the help of a local girl named Flora Macdonald, by dressing up as one of her female servants. |
| Dougie Maclean | Although a native of Dunkeld on the mainland, Dougie Maclean, who penned and made world famous the epic anthem, "Caledonia," has a home on the Isle of Lewis. |
| Peter Maxwell Davies | The internationally renowned composer based his 1979 opera, "The Lighthouse" on the mystery of the disappearance of the 3 lighthouse keepers from the Flannan Isles in 1899. |
| Sir Walter Scott | Sir Walter Scott was invited to accompany the Commissioners of the Northern Light Houses in their annual expedition; and as its programme included the Hebrides, and he had already made some progress in the "Lord of the Isles," the opportunity to refresh and enlarge his acquaintance with the region was very timely. Much of the content of his famed "Lord of the Isles" was influenced by this trip. |
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