GEARRANNAN BLACKHOUSE VILLAGE

Located in an environment of rugged beauty at Carloway on the Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis, there is a unique cluster of restored thatched cottages, the last remaining group of “blackhouses” on the island. Blackhouses (‘taighean-dubha’ in Gaelic) are buildings of drystone construction, with thatched roofs. Their design is thought to descend from the Viking longhouse. There is still much evidence of Norse occupation in the islands, perhaps most notably in the number of placenames of Norse origin. The name Gearrannan itself means ‘enclosure.’

The restored blackhouses date mostly from the latter half of the 19th century. People and livestock lived under the same turf and straw roof. The walls were low and consisted of two dry-stone vertical “layers” with earth filling.  The walls could be two metres thick. It wasn’t until after the 2nd World War that the cottages began to undergo some modernisation, with improvements mostly to the interiors.

Of the nine blackhouses at Gearrannan, three are rented out as Holiday Lets all the year round. 

Of the others, one has an interpretation area displaying a history of the village and offering a video presentation of peat-cutting and the processes involved in the weaving of ‘Harris Tweed’. Another, also open to day visitors, is our ‘Working Blackhouse’ museum – Taigh Thormoid Anna. Set in 1955, you can experience life in a genuine blackhouse, where the warmth & fragrance of a peat fire add to the atmosphere. The weaving of the famous ‘Harris Tweed’ on a single width Hattersley Loom is also demonstrated in the museum. This ‘single width’ loom is one of only a handful still operating on the island.

Our retail outlet and cafeteria share space in another of the houses. Relax and enjoy a wee ‘strùpag’ – a cup of tea or coffee with some fresh baking made on the premises, including scones, shortbread and cakes. 

Fàilte oirbh! Come along and visit us to experience the way of life in a typical crofting township of the last century. You will be greeted by a good old ‘Island Welcome’! Gaelic (Gaidhlig) is spoken here at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, and the occasional Gaelic song is also sung in the traditional way. 

You will receive a very warm welcome from us all.

Ceud Mìle Fàilte!

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