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Hushinish facts for kids

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Hushinish
Hushinish is located in Outer Hebrides
Hushinish
Hushinish
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
  • Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Scottish Parliament
  • Na h-Eileanan an Iar
List of places
UK
Scotland
57°59′42″N 7°05′37″W / 57.99492°N 7.093499°W / 57.99492; -7.093499

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.

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.

Hushinish slipway view of Scarp in distance
Hushinish slipway with view of Scarp across the water, September 2006
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