Rainbow over Tolsta Bay

Tolsta Bay - Isle of Lewis visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Tolsta Bay' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Western Isles.

Breath-taking panorama of a rainbow over Tolsta Beach, a long golden sand beach on the eastern coast of the Isle of Lewis - the largest of the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles.

Tolsta is a large village around 14 miles north of the island's capital, Stornoway. Tolsta village is remote even by local standards but this spectacular beach on the shores of the Minch sea channel makes the scenic journey very worthwhile. The beach is ideal for surfing and is relatively sheltered, although the strong Atlantic winds can generate a strong surf. The Minch sea channel runs between Lewis, the Isle of Skye and the mainland of the Scottish Highlands.

The village has a population of around 500 and it is very common that families can trace their genealogy back through many generation, all of whom lived in Tolsta or Lewis. Throughout the infamous Highland Clearances when many locals were forced off the land, emigrants left for Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand yet these communities survived.

Although these islands are remote and referred to in popular culture as the 'edge of the world', many chose never to leave and find the tranquility, unspoilt environments and relative solitude offers a rare calmness and high quality of life. The mainstay of the local economy and industry is fishing and crofting (tenant farming) and this has also remained unchanged for generations.

Stornoway is the main harbour port for the Lewis community. In Stornoway, you will find all the amenities typical for a large rural town including extensive accommodation options.