Portvoller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portvoller
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 Loch an t-Siumpain is in the centre of the picture, with the houses of Portvoller beyond |
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 Portvoller
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| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NB561366 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF LEWIS |
| Postcode district | HS2 |
| 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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Portvoller (called Port Mholair in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village in the northwest of Scotland. It's located on the northern tip of the Eye Peninsula, which is part of the Isle of Lewis. Portvoller is about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from Stornoway, the main town in the Outer Hebrides.
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Exploring Portvoller Village
The most famous landmark in Portvoller is the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse. This tall lighthouse stands proudly at the very northern end of the village. It helps guide ships safely along the coast.
Fishing Spots Near Portvoller
Portvoller is known for having some of the best fishing spots in the Western Isles. People especially enjoy rock fishing (fishing from rocks) or beach casting (casting a line from the beach).
Two popular fishing areas are called Billy Mor (Bilidh Mhor) and Foitelair (Foitealar). These spots are only a five-minute walk from the old, ruined Portvoller slipway. A slipway is a sloping ramp used to launch or land boats.
Shinega Beach
Near the slipway, you can find a small, quiet beach called Shinega (Sinigeadh). It's a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful visit.
The Name of Portvoller
The name Portvoller likely comes from an old language called Old Norse. The word voller in Old Norse means a hill that slopes up gently. This description fits the village of Portvoller very well.
Viking History in Portvoller
Between the 800s and 1100s, Viking raiders often visited the Isle of Lewis. For a time, Norway even controlled Lewis. During this period, Portvoller was probably a main landing spot for people arriving from Norway. This history shows how important the village's location was long ago.
Nearby Villages
Portvoller is surrounded by several other small villages. These include Portnaguran, Aird, Broker, and Flesherin.
All these villages share one local post office, a shop, and a place to buy drinks. The Western Isles Council provides public transport and other important services to all these communities.
Images for kids
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The Tiumpan Head lighthouse, a famous landmark in Portvoller.
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