John Richards Landscape Architects where commissioned by
Scottish Natural Heritage to prepare a Landscape Character
Assessment of the Western Isles as part of their National
Programme of Landscape Assessment.

The aim of the study, was to produce an illustrated description
and analysis of the landscape character of the Western Isles,
and an examination of the nature of change which may effect
the landscape now and in the future. The users of the report
include SNH, the Planning Authority, and others involved in
making strategic planning decisions to identify possible effects
on the character of the Western Isles Landscape.

The report provides an indication of the most important aspects
of the island's landscape character, to take into account when
making local planning and development control decisions, and
gives guidance on how future change could relate to the qualities
which make the Western Isles landscape unique and distinctive.

The report was published in 1998, and the examples to the
right show some of the illustrations produced to indicate of
the effects of agricultural funding, housing development and
infrastructure changes.

Existing perception of rural remoteness

Introduction of urban elements affecting rural character