Isle of Harris and the Isle of Taransay

Harris, from the old Norse meaning 'high land,' is often described as the 'high heart of the Hebrides'. It is certainly the heart of Film Hebrides! With incredible diversity in its landscape, Harris has the honour of having appeared in the 1968 classic cult movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" starring as the surface of Jupiter! For fans of the film it's a must to come to the island and see our Jupiter-like landscape for yourself! Formed on the oldest rock in the world, Lewisian Gneiss, there is a strange awe in this inspiring lunar landscape. The Bays of Harris, on the east coast, where 2001 was filmed, is a dramatic, rocky landscape, where it's hard to imagine how people managed to scrape a living from the land and the sea. It really does feel like you have travelled to a different planet thousands of miles away.

In contrast, the West coast is more conventionally appealing, and is definitely of outstanding natural beauty, with miles of golden sandy beaches and fertile machair soil with stunning mountainous backdrops. Three excellent productions have been made in this area in the last two years: Castaway 2000, Gruth is Uachdar (Crowdie and Cream) and the Rocket Post (a feature film due for release in Autumn 2002.) It is possible to experience the 'castaway' lifestyle for yourself by staying on the offshore Island of Taransay or visiting the Isle of Scarp.

Each of these productions have captured elements of the islands' history and culture, and stunning scenery, but neither film nor words can describe what it is like to stand looking over the expanse of white Luskentyre sands with views across the turquoise sea to Taransay, you'll just have to come and see it for yourself!