4 Best Sights in The Northern Highlands and the Western Isles, Scotland

This fabulous arts center hosts exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art and frequent traditional musical and theatrical events in the impressive auditorium. There's also a cinema, a gift shop, and a café-bar serving coffee and snacks alongside fine international and Scottish fare.

Formerly known as Aros, this cultural center on the outskirts of town is now owned by the Isle of Skye Candle Company. However, its longstanding community center credentials remain, as Las (Gaelic for "kindle" or "ignite") regularly screens films, exhibits artwork, and hosts live music, dance, and theater productions.

Set right on the shore in Lochmaddy, the well-run Taigh Chearsabhagh is an informative museum and arts center, complete with two exhibition spaces, a working printshop, and a permanent exhibition that reveals what life is really like on North Uist. The café serves a selection of cakes and soup, as well as excellent French-press coffee.

Ullapool's cultural focal point is an excellent venue for concerts and other events all through the year (ceilidh is a Scottish social gathering with traditional music and dance). It started out as a small café, but, over the years, it has added space for local performers, an excellent bookshop specializing in Scottish writing, and a handful of comfortable rooms (as well as a basic bunkhouse) for those who want to spend the night. It's a great place for afternoon coffee or a wee dram in the evening.