Tarbert, Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tarbert
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.jpg) The MV Hebrides at Tarbert pier |
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 Tarbert
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| Population | 503 (1981) |
| Demonym | Tairbeartach |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NG154999 |
| • Edinburgh | 191 mi (307 km) |
| • London | 515 mi (829 km) |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF HARRIS |
| Postcode district | HS3 |
| Dialling code | 01859 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Tarbert is a small but important town in the Western Isles of Scotland. It is the main community on the island of Harris. The name Tarbert comes from the Gaelic word "An Tairbeart". This means "isthmus", "crossing point", or "portage".
An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land areas. Tarbert is located on an isthmus that links south Harris to north Harris and Lewis. This narrow strip of land is found between two sea lochs: West Loch Tarbert and East Loch Tarbert. In 1981, about 503 people lived in Tarbert.
Places of Worship
Tarbert has a Church of Scotland parish church. This church was built in 1862. It is part of the larger Harris parish. There is also a Free Presbyterian church in Tarbert. A well-known minister, Mackintosh MacKay, served at the Free Presbyterian church in the 1860s.
Getting Around Tarbert
Tarbert is an important place for travel. It has a car ferry terminal. From here, you can take a ferry to Uig on the Isle of Skye. A short road, the A868, connects the ferry terminal to the main north-south road, the A859.
The ferry service is run by Caledonian MacBrayne. It provides a vital link for people and goods traveling to and from Harris.
Local Economy
Tarbert has some interesting businesses that help the local economy.
Harris Distillery
The Harris distillery is located right in Tarbert. This distillery makes both Scotch whisky and Gin. It is a popular spot for visitors to learn about how these drinks are made.
The Harris Hotel
The Harris Hotel is a very old and famous hotel in Tarbert. It was built in 1865 by the 7th Earl of Dunmore. He originally called it the Tarbert Hotel. It was meant to be a special place for people who enjoyed fishing. The same family has owned the hotel since the early 1900s.
A famous writer, J. M. Barrie, visited the hotel in 1912. He was on his way to the Amhuinnsuidhe estate. While at the hotel, he even carved his signature into a dining room window.
