Welcome to Hebridean Connections, where you will find over 65,000 records on the people, places and stories of the Western Isles. Begin by searching for a person or place with the search facility to the left, or jump straight into the records by clicking on one of the photographs below. Advanced and map-based searches can be accessed using the tabs above. Instructions if needed are found on the support page. Comments, contributions and corrections are always very welcome, and can be made directly from any record via the Tell Us More button.

Hebridean Connections was conceived by the voluntary Comainn Eachdraidh (Historical Societies) in the communities of Bernera, Uig, Pairc and Kinloch on the Isle of Lewis, with generous input from Hebridean descendents from around the world. The project is now gradually expanding to include North Tolsta, North Lochs, Ness, Westside and Carloway on Lewis and Berneray in the Sound of Harris, and ultimately we hope the whole of the Outer Hebrides.

We are always please to receive comments, suggestions or queries and can be reached via this contact form or directly via Sarah (tel 01851 672237). We've also started a Facebook Group.

EVENTS & NEWS

Friday 16 May: The Lighter Side of Gaelic Medicine

Mary Beith (West Highland Free Press columnist) will give a talk to Comann Eachdraidh Uig; also tea, raffle and AGM. 7.30pm at Uig Community Centre. Free.

Saturday 24 May: Taransay

A talk by Bill Lawson about the island of Taransay, followed (weather permitting) by boat trip to Taransay. Community Hall, Tarbert; begins 10.30am. For the rest of the Islands Book Trust summer programme, see their events page.

11-13 August: The Hebridean Contribution to Military History

The annual IBT conference is in Shawbost this year; see the full programme and booking form.

Seanchas, Spring 2008

The Spring 2008 edition of Seanchas, the newsletter produced by North Tolsta Historical Society, is now on sale through local newsagents or from the website.

Dusgadh, March 2008

The March 2008 edition of Dusgadh, the newsletter produced by North Lochs Historical Society, is now on sale through local newsagents.

The Angus Macleod Archive

Large quantities of material from the pen of the late Angus 'Ease' Macleod are now online - have a look for information on the history and traditions of the Pairc district and Lewis in general, and plenty of ceilidh house stories. Hebridean Connections and the Archive are building closer links and you will find cross-references between our two sites.

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Homecoming Scotland is happening in 2009 - why not come home to the Western Isles.

For more community information visit the Uig and Bernera and Lochs websites; for tourist information, see Visit Hebrides.