What does the name Tarbert mean?
Tarbert is a fairly common name across Scotland and, here as elsewhere, it comes from the Norse tairbeart meaning draw-boat. These days, Tarbert is a community of some 500 people still tightly gathered on the north side of Loch Tarbert and on the isthmus between it and West Loch.
Can you stay on Isle of Harris?
At the heart of Harris hospitality are our traditional Bed & Breakfasts, Guesthouses and small family-run hotels. Stay with an island family and enjoy a taste of crofting life. Tarbert has a choice of two hotels offering a mix of history and boutique style, only a short walk from the ferry.
What is the capital of Harris?
Tarbert
With a population over 500, Tarbert is the capital of Harris. The village only dates back to 1779 when it was established as a fishing settlement. Gradually it took over from Rodel which had always been the historical capital of Harris.
Are there 2 Tarberts in Scotland?
There are a number of Tarberts (and Tarbets) in Scotland, and each is characterised by a narrow strip of land, usually where two lochs nearly meet. The name comes from the Gaelic Tairbeart.
How many places in Scotland are called Tarbert?
Tarbert sits at northern head of the Kintyre peninsula, on the banks of Loch Fyne. The name is given to narrow strips of land, perhaps where two lochs meet – and is a popular place name in Scotland (no fewer than 13 places take this name), so make sure you’re headed for the right one!
How long does it take to drive around Lewis and Harris?
Isle of Harris – a circular tour You can drive round south Harris’s circular road in around three hours, but it’s sure to take you longer, as you won’t resist frequent stops to take in the stunning land and seascapes.
How long is the Isle of Harris?
The Hebrides are known as the “long island” as they stretch for 100 miles.
Are Lewis and Harris the same island?
Lewis and Harris, largest and most northerly of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides islands, lying 24 miles (39 km) from the west coast of the Scottish mainland and separated from it by the Minch channel. Although the island forms one continuous unit, it is usually referred to as two separate islands.
Why is Harris called an island?
The island is the ancestral homeland of the Highland Clan MacLeod, with those individuals on Harris being referred to as from the Clan MacLeod of Harris or MacLeod of MacLeod, and those on Lewis being referred to as from the Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Lewis is also the ancestral home of Clan Morrison.
What is Tarbert famous for?
Tarbert is famous for its seafood and hosts a seafood festival every year. In addition to the Seafood Festival, Tarbert also plays host to the Scottish Series, which usually takes place in the last weeks of May every year.
Is Tarbert a nice place to live?
Tarbert is great. Tarbert looks good, the harbour authority have improved our surroundings drastically over the years. The local town (Tarbert) remains an interesting harbour vicinity. People always manage to park there, even in the holiday season.
Where is Tarbert on Harris?
The ferry port of Tarbert is the hub of Harris, a dramatic island of mountains and beaches. The mountains form a grand backdrop to the town, situated in a valley that slopes down to the port. In fact, Tarbert lies between the two ‘islands’ of North and South Harris.
What is there to do in Tarbert?
In fact, Tarbert lies between the two ‘islands’ of North and South Harris. The ferry serves Uig on Skye. Tarbert is home to a selection of shops including Harris Tweed and Knitwear, where you can browse a variety of Harris Tweed clothing and accessories. The Harris Hotel serves a range of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
What is the history of Tarbert?
Tarbert lies on the shores of Loch Tarbert, and South Harris avoids becoming an island by just a few hundred yards of land over which the Vikings would drag their longboats into West Loch to avoid sailing around via the Sound of Harris. Little existed here until Tarbert was founded as a fishing settlement from 1779.
Where are the cottages in Harris and Lewis?
Built in the 19 th century, they were originally used as village shops before being converted in the early part of this century into self-catering cottages. Centrally located, for both Harris and Lewis, they are situated on Main Street in Tarbert, the main port of entry to Harris.