How Westend B&B promote Gaelic language and culture

Magaigh is a Gaelic speaker and historian who enjoys facilitating cultural events for her visitors. “We cater for adventurers, artists and culture enthusiasts who are looking to explore the landscape of Lewis and Harris.” 

Magaigh wants to offer her guests a taste of her home with warm hospitality. “We provide a personal welcome, as much local information as possible for our guests' stay, and then are present when they leave. We’re flexible and offer informal arrangements with a healthy self-service breakfast, including eggs from our croft's hen house.”

As a native Gaelic speaker and Hebridean cultural enthusiast, Magaigh is always happy to share her knowledge and language with both visitors and locals. As well as running the B&B, she works as a tour guide, researcher and performer of Hebridean cultural word and song.

She has found that there is a growing interest from visitors in local history, heritage and culture.

“The natural environment of the Outer Hebrides offers many unique experiences related to our indigenous culture and traditions. The exquisite quality of light, the beaches, the otters, the golden eagles, unique land ownership patterns, access to sea mammal habitats, archaeological sites and traces of ancient customs are all part of the experience of visiting the Hebrides.”

She began offering online Gaelic learning sessions which became a feature of the business during lockdown. And for Magaigh’s guests she has produced a leaflet “Gaelic Matters for Visitors” that teaches basic Gaelic phases.