Outer Hebrides in pictures: coastal beauty and much more

The tranquil waters of Lochboisdale on the east coast of South Uist. Photograph: Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint

Fishermen still operate out of Stornoway harbour on the Isle of Lewis, which in the 19th century boasted more than 1,000 herring boats. Photograph: Paul Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint

Low tide at Ardslave, east coast of South Harris. Photograph: Patrick Dieudonne/Getty Images

The Butt of Lewis, Ness, the northernmost tip of the Isle of Lewis. Photograph: Paul Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint

Sunset over the Isle of Harris. Photograph: David Noton/Getty Images

The Outer Hebrides is the producer of one of the world's most desirable wool textiles, Harris tweed. Photograph: Michael Mcqueen/Michael Mcqueen

The Standing Stones of Callanish, Isle of Lewis, which date from around 2600BC and loosely form the shape of a Celtic cross. Photograph: Daryl Benson/Getty Images

The beach near Tolsta, a crofting village on the Isle of Lewis. Photograph: Paul Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint

Weaver Donald John Mackay, with a bolt of his traditional handwoven Harris tweed, on his way home in Luskentyre, Isle of Harris. Photograph: Murdo Macleod/Murdo Macleod

The Isle of Harris is renowned for its expansive sandy beaches. Photograph: Paul Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint