Duration
4:00 Hours
Activity Level
Moderate
Experience Details*
Donald, also a BBC presenter and winner of the 2018 Young Crofter award, has transformed his land into a successful farm and will be delighted to welcome you to share in his experiences.
Departing the pier in Stornoway, you’ll cross the isle of Lewis and travel towards its rugged western coast.Air An Lot farm is run by Donald Macsween, a young gaelic-speaking crofter born and raised in the north end of Lewis. Donald comes from a crofting family, who have been on this land for almost 200 years, and has spent his life tending to livestock and working the land in the village of North Dell.
Every day on the farm is different and chores vary with the season. Depending on the time of year, you could be treated to a sheep shearing demonstration, learn about peat cutting, feed pet lambs (if available), handle piglets, or see calves - whatever is relevant to the time of year.
After your lively croft visit, it’s on to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, (Ness Heritage Centre), before returning to the ship.
At a glance*
Duration: Half day guided tour
Activity: Moderate level of walking
Transport: By coach
Why Book: To experience authentic Scottish farming with Donald Macsween, his charming animals, and a visit to the heritage centre for history and refreshments.
Itinerary*
Drive to Air An Lot > Walk to entrance > Introduction > Visit Air An Lot Farm > Crofting Tour > Refreshment > Ness Heritage Centre guided tour > Free time > Return to port
What's included*
Local guide
Visit Air An Lot Croft & Ness Heritage Centre
Refreshment
Essential information
This excursion will be operated by coach and on foot. Please note that Highland cattle are not always visible as they often graze away from the farm & return around June or July for calving. Guests are not permitted inside the hen house for biosecurity reasons. This tour involves some walking over gravel and rough and uneven surfaces. Flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Order of sites may vary.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS, You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.