The following article appeared in one of our national newspapers a wee while ago
which gave a very favourable comparison as a holiday destination between the islands of
the Outer Hebrides and another nine islands dotted around the world.

I have reproduced the complete article below in the hope that it will generate some interest
resulting in more visitors coming to our islands.
A map of the area is shown on my The Future page.

WHY SHELL OUT FOR THE SEYCHELLES

The Hebrides beat paradise islands
in new top ten survey

They may not have the endless sunshine of the Seychelles or the warm, azure waters of the Caribbean.

But the Hebrides, lying off the west coast of Scotland and famed for their outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the north Atlantic ocean, have rocketed into the world's top ten island holiday venues.

A new survey says the Scotland's west coast islands provide the ultimate escape from the rigours of urban life without having to leave for more exotic locations.  It may be hard to believe but islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides are now classed along with the Seychelles, Capri, the Canaries and the Bahamas as being among the best holiday isles in the world.  Our Hebridean beauty spots are being sought after by more and more misty-eyed tourists suffering from travel experts call "island-itis".  And they are not deterred by gale-force winds, stormy seas, midges or anything else Scottish island life can throw at them in summer or autumn.  Many of the inner Hebridean islands are touched by the warm Gulf Stream attracting many species of sea life.

The world's top 10 island destinations, according to House and Garden, are:
1. Harbour Island -in the Bahamas with its pink sand beach;
2. The Hebrides - low in sunshine but high in outstanding natural beauty;
3. Mauritius - direct flights with minimal jet to reach its fantastic beaches:
4. Majorca - perfect for a long weekend;
5. Canary Islands - a British haven for sunseekers;
6. Lizard Island - off Australia's Barrier Reef and one for intrepid travellers;
7. Seychelles - exotic and romantic beaches;
8. Capri - the enchanting island with mouth watering menus in famous restaurants;
9. St Barts - white beaches and gourmet hotels in the Caribbean;
10. Crete - stunning views of the White Mountains, beaches and rugged landscape.

This survey of the world's top 10 holiday islands has been compiled by Pamela Goodman, travel editor of prestigious House & Garden magazine.  On January 24 she said: "I spent most of my school summer holidays on Tiree and I've since travelled the world."

"So I know what I'm talking about when I refer to the unrivalled beauty that is special to the Hebrides.  The colours are breathtaking with scenery that can be dramatic and romantic.

"No one compiling a list of the world's top 10 holiday islands can ignore what the Hebrides offer.  "There are worries about air travel since the atrocity of September 11 in New York and our holiday trade has suffered.  "I hope the elevation of the Hebrides gives Scotland's tourist trade a much needed boost."

Ecosse Unique, which caters for island tourists, says its clients are spellbound at the thought of being isolated somewhere in the Hebrides.

Mark Breed, island adviser, said: "Islands provide a sanctuary of sheer peace for those who literally want to get away from the hustle and hassle of town life.  "Visitors can walk freely among wild land and sea birds as well seeing roving deer herds and all kinds of natural wildlife from foxes to otters.  "There is the sheer romantic aspect of being on an island and I think many of our customers go for that in the Hebrides."

One favourite is Eilean Shona - a two-and-a-half miles by one-and-a-half mile wooded island - off Mull.  It has stunning views of the mainland and Mull but has no cars or even bicycles to disturb its tranquility.

Other Hebridean islands that get a special mention in the magazine are Mull and Skye.

A spokesman for VisitScotland said: "The Hebrides certainly deserve to be included with the best of the best for island holidays.  Too much is made about midges and rain.  Many foreign countries have mosquitos - far worse than our mozzies - and visitors must take medication to ease the effects of malaria from the mosquito bite.  And besides, the odd squall or two in the Hebrides add to their allure."