Scalpay is a small community owned island off the south eastern tip of Harris, it has a population of approximately 250 people and until 1998 it was only accessible by ferry. In 1998 a bridge was constructed linking Scalpay to the Harris main Island, opening opportunities for additional tourism, business and freedom of movement for the Scalpay residents. The residents have maintained their island community and identity despite the new interconnectivity with main Island Harris.

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Scalpay has a varied and important history for being a small 2.5sq miles Island. It was where Bonnie Prince Charlie allegedly sought refuge following the Battle of Culloden on his way to France. The Gaelic language spoken widely in Scalpay is reported to be the purest form of Gaelic still spoken in Scotland which has cultural significance and should be preserved and promoted. It had a prosperous fishing and fish processing industry, with the Island being a priority harbour in the Western Isles for a large fishing fleet.

 

Tourists are drawn to Scalpay for the rugged wild landscape, calm welcoming harbour and anchorages, varied wildlife and the Scalpay Lighthouse which has visitor numbers of approximately 20,000 during the tourist season (numbers provided by local knowledge using a recent visitor survey). The island was privately owned until 2012 when the landowner Fred Taylor gifted the Island back to the local community which is now in the care of the North Harris Trust. The resident population on Scalpay is approximately 250 permanent residents with some properties used as rental opportunities for visitors and tourists via Air B&B and holiday homes