Hushinish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hushinish
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OS grid reference | NA990119 |
Council area | |
Lieutenancy area | |
Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | ISLE OF HARRIS |
Postcode district | HS3 |
Dialling code | 01851 |
Police | Northern |
Fire | Highlands and Islands |
Ambulance | Scottish |
EU Parliament | Scotland |
UK Parliament |
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Scottish Parliament |
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Hushinish (also known as Huisinish, or Hùisinis in Scottish Gaelic) is a very quiet and beautiful place located on the west coast of Harris. Harris is one of the islands that make up the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. This remote spot is known for its stunning white sand beach and amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Only about four houses make up this small settlement.
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Discovering Hushinish
Hushinish is truly off the beaten path. It sits at the very end of a 12-mile (about 19-kilometer) long single-track road. This means the road is only wide enough for one car at a time, so drivers often have to pull over to let others pass! The journey to Hushinish is part of the adventure, offering incredible scenery along the way.
Getting to Hushinish
Because Hushinish is so remote, getting there requires a bit of planning. There is a bus service that runs from Tarbert, Harris, which is the main town on Harris. However, this bus service doesn't run very often, so it's important to check the schedule if you plan to visit. Many people choose to drive to experience the scenic route.
The Name's Meaning
The name Hushinish has a cool history! It comes from Old Norse, which was the language spoken by the Vikings who explored and settled in parts of Scotland many centuries ago. In Old Norse, "Hushinish" means "house headland." This name likely describes the area as a piece of land sticking out into the sea where houses were built.
The Island of Scarp and Rocket Mail
Just north of Hushinish, across the water, lies the uninhabited island of Scarp. This island might be empty now, but it has an interesting story from the 1930s. Scarp was once the location of a very unusual experiment: a rocket postal service! Imagine sending letters by rocket. This was a unique attempt to deliver mail quickly to remote islands.