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All the United Kingdom Scotland Outer Hebrides The Scarista Bus
AO Edited

The Scarista Bus

A mysterious, weather-beaten bus lies on the coast of Harris, enticing the curious to investigate.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

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About

On the verdant green machair, beside the golden sands of Scarista Beach, sits a decaying old bus with a rather unusual tale to tell. For those who investigate, it quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary abandoned hulk. It was once a home away from home, a place of adventure where memories were made and stories told.

This particular story starts in January 2005, when a ferocious storm battered the coastline. The hurricane-force winds destroyed a caravan used by the local Western Isles Scouts groups for weekend adventures in and around the area. A year later the Scouts were donated an old bus to replace their obliterated caravan. This was diligently converted into a habitable living space, a new and improved clubhouse. A cooker and kitchen area were installed, communal seating added, even a small bathroom placed where the driver's cabin used to be. A perfect new base for exploration and overnight stays. It’s not hard to imagine it being a well-maintained hive of activity, full of raucous noise and laughter. All a far cry from the muted scenes of disrepair and decay which greet the explorer today.

Is the bus still in use? Perhaps—though it's not going to get you to any destination very quickly. There’s still a logbook where visitors add their own thoughts, and a book full of hymns and songs. Storage containers filled with blankets are stacked neatly on the floor. There’s a defeated, downbeat atmosphere about the place that may even seem sinister (if you’re in that frame of mind). Echoes of faded hopes and failed dreams seem to emanate from the tattered upholstery, grime-covered surfaces, and moldering exterior.

Nature seems to be slowly but surely reclaiming the bus, though perhaps there’s life in the old beast yet. Maybe a restoration project by the enterprising local Scouts could breathe new life into their beachside base? Only time will tell what fate awaits the Scarista bus.

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Transportation Beaches Storms Bus Abandoned

Know Before You Go

Follow the A859 out of the port of Leverburgh and past the village of Northton. The bus will be visible from the road. Limited roadside spaces are available. 

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Added By

ReignOfError

Edited By

FaerieDana

  • FaerieDana

Published

November 4, 2021

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The Scarista Bus
A859
Isle of Harris
Outer Hebrides, Scotland, HS3 3HX
United Kingdom
57.797041, -7.066276
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Macleod's Stone

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

miles away

West Berneray Beach

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

miles away

Scalpay Bridge

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides

Scotland

Places 26
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Macleod's Stone

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

miles away

West Berneray Beach

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

miles away

Scalpay Bridge

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides

Scotland

Places 26
Stories 1

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