Amidst turquoise sea, white sand, dramatic mountains and shimmering lochs, Uig Lodge is set in one of the most spectacular positions in Scotland, overlooking the magnificent Uig Bay on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. 02
LODGE HISTORY Built in 1876, Uig Lodge was later owned by Lord Leverhulme who bought the island in 1918. It was his niece, Emily Macdonald, who fell in love with the lodge, describing it as a scene which surely has few equals in all Britain for sheer breathtaking loveliness. She joked with her uncle saying, If ever you think of selling Uig Lodge, give me first refusal. Little did she know he would later give her the lodge as a wedding present. Adored by many others since then, Uig Lodge has remained as a privately owned fishing lodge. Uig was also a favourite haven of the celebrated author, Arthur Ransome, and the breathtaking views are said to have inspired Great Northern, his last book of the Swallows and Amazons series. Since 1981 Uig Lodge has been owned and loved by the Green family, who let it to parties looking for a unique and unforgettable Scottish holiday. Originally only let in the salmon fishing season from May to October, the lodge is now available for hire throughout the year, including Christmas and New Year. The landscape and history of Lewis, together with its interesting people and charming pace, provide an unbeatable family holiday or an escape from the stresses of modern life. Right The view across the lochs from the Lodge 03
ACCOMMODATION Uig Lodge is a traditional and working sporting estate with a magnificent lodge reflecting this perfectly with a comfortable and homely atmosphere. The daily running of the lodge is overseen by the wonderful keeper, Kenny Mackay, whose family has been involved in Uig Lodge for over 50 years. The lodge sleeps 15 in three doubles, four twins and one single; nearly all of which have incredible sea or mountain views to rival anywhere in the world. Three of the bedrooms are en-suite and all bedrooms and bathrooms have been completeley refurbished. Downstairs includes a comfortable sitting room with an open peat fire, a large dining room, a second sitting room, a laundry room and a well equipped kitchen. The lodge can be let on a self catering basis or with an experienced cook, with an emphasis on fresh local produce such as lobster, scallops, prawns, salmon, venison and lamb. Right The sitting room and view across the bay Below The Lodge sitting room and dining room 04
This page The Lodge kitchen Right A view of the bay from the sitting room 05
A Lodge bedroom 06
WHITE SANDS You are spoilt for choice with this rugged coastline, peppered with spectacular white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Stroll down the hill onto the stunning sands of Uig Bay for some beach cricket and a barbecue, or take a short drive and discover some of Lewis s smaller but equally beautiful soft sand beaches. Whichever one you choose, you are likely to have it all to yourself. Uig Bay is ideal for power kiting, kite surfing and kite buggying, and kayaking is also popular off the smaller quieter beaches. The wilder beaches have fantastic year round surf and between September and April the waves offer the experienced surfer some of Europe s most supreme conditions. Tuition and equipment hire can be arranged locally. Left The white sands of Riof beach Below Beach cricket 07
GOLF Thanks to the recent discovery of a map detailing the original golf course of 1947, Uig Lodge has restored the small but enchanting 9 hole course, overlooking the bay in one direction and the Harris hills in the other. Solely for the private use of the guests. There is also an 18 hole parkland course in Stornoway, or head down to Scarista in Harris and play 9 holes on what Nick Faldo describes as the most beautiful course he has played. Right The Uig Lodge golf course Below Teeing off from the 1st & the 3rd 08
A scene which surely has few equals in all Britain for sheer breathtaking loveliness Emily Macdonald 09
W A L K I N G & WILDLIFE With miles of beautiful beaches, glistening hill lochs, empty glens and dramatic mountain views, the west coast of Lewis is a walker s paradise, brimming with wildlife from golden eagles and red deer in the hills, to seals and rare seabirds on the coast. Whales and dolphins can sometimes be seen and it s not unusual to spot an otter. In the summer the machair is amass with colourful wild flowers. BIRDLIFE The spectacular cliffs of Lewis are home to several species of seabird including fulmars, kittiwakes, shags, gannets and black guillemots. The fresh and salt water lochs are where you will find a large variety of waders and other shoreline feeding birds including redshanks, oystercatchers, curlews, ringed plovers and the elusive black throated divers. Take a trip to the Flannen Islands on the estate rib to see the puffins and storm petrels, or venture further afield to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda; home to the largest seabird colony in Scotland. Right The wild seas of Mangurstadh 10
SIGHT SEEING Lewis is steeped in both history and mystery, going back over 6,000 years since man is thought to have first inhabited the island. Experience traditional island life in the restored Blackhouse Village of Gearrannan and visit the ancient stone circles at Callanish and the Dun-Carloway Broch (Iron Age dwelling). Lewis is also home to the Trussel Stone, the largest single standing stone in Scotland. HARRIS TWEED See how the world famous Harris Tweed is made. Harris Tweed is one of the great surviving craft industries and is the only fabric in the world that is governed by its own Act of Parliament. By law, it can only be produced in the Outer Hebrides by weavers working in their own homes, using pure virgin wool. Left Callanish stone circles Below Uig Chessman & Harris tweed 11
PAINTING & PHOTOGRAPHY With the ever changing light, spectacular unspoilt scenery, dramatic weather conditions and a rich legacy of history and culture, Lewis is alive with opportunities for amateur and professional artists. The island has a thriving collection of galleries with art and photography courses available. The Bruton stream 12
A view from the lodge, across Uig Bay on a stormy evening 13
FISHING, STALKING & SHOOTING Uig Lodge has the wonderful advantage over other fisheries of being able to offer its guests an entire river system to fish. The Fhorsa system begins in Loch Suinaval, runs into Loch Slacsavat, and then meanders through pretty river pools, before flowing out into the sea via the Bruton Stream. It is here where one has the rare opportunity of catching a salmon on the fly in salt water, making Uig a unique fly fishing destination. Whether you prefer to fish from a boat in the loch or from the banks of the river, an experienced ghillie will be on hand to get you into the right place. Depending on the time of year, you can fish for salmon, brown trout, ferox trout and sea trout, or if you prefer sea fishing, take a trip on the estate RIB in search of mackerel, pollack and an adrenalin rush! With recent annual catches of over 100 salmon, 50 sea trout and 400 brown trout, Uig is a superb all-round fishery and has plenty to offer the experienced fisherman as well as the complete beginner. Stalking, walked-up grouse and woodcock shooting by arrangement. Right Fishing for salmon on the Bruton stream Below Sea trout stream below the Lodge 14
UIG LODGE SMOKERY Uig Lodge produces some of Scotland s finest smoked salmon and sea trout; both of which have won a gold star at the Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Awards. Left A few of the Uig Lodge Smokery team Below The smoking & packing process 15
HOW TO GET THERE Uig Lodge is on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, the largest island of the Outer Hebrides which lie off the north west coast of Scotland s mainland. By sea: Caledonian MacBrayne run daily car ferry services from Ullapool to Stornoway and from the Isle of Skye to Tarbet. Private yachts can be sailed into Miavig which is less than five miles from Uig Lodge. By air: there are daily flights to Stornoway from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen. Car hire: cars can be hired from Stornoway Airport. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING CONTACT Uig Lodge is available to let from 2,750 per week. Please contact Dickon Green for availability and more information. Dickon Green Uig Lodge, Nr Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Scotland HS2 9ET Phone/Fax: +44 (0)1851 672396 Mobile: +44(0)7946 382373 Email: dickon@uiglodge.co.uk Website: www.uiglodge.co.uk 16
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