Alpacan Alpacas of the Outer Hebrides
A Hebridean Welcome
FÀilte!
We are a small family-run croft in the Outer Hebrides, on the Isle of Lewis, situated 10 minutes drive from the main town of Stornoway.
We offer alpaca experiences for all.
Fàilte Dhan Lot againn | Welcome to our croft
Hello, I'm Kate, and together with my husband Johnny we run 'Alpacan: Alpacas of the Outer Hebrides'. The croft has been in my family for 200 years. Since 2020, it has also been the home to 4 gorgeous alpaca boys: Lachlan, Merlin, Murdo and Oran , and in 2022 we also welcomed Archie, Robbie and Rhum to join our herd. Our older boys are all halter-trained and we offer Hebridean Alpaca Experiences for all. You will certainly have a memory to take home, along with plenty of opportunities for photos and an alpaca selfie!
What we can offer
We can tailor your alpaca experience to suit your requirements: contact us and we'd be happy to discuss these with you.
The 'Alpaca Meet and Greet' lasts around 2 hours. We will meet at the barn, learn about the alpacas, collect their food, then wander down the croft to feed and meet them. We will then halter up some of the boys, and depending on your groups ability we may take them for a short walk around the croft.
This is a single group experience for a truly personal visit.
'Alpaca Tea Time' , this is a shorter experience lasting 1 - 1.5 hours. We will meet at the barn, learn about the alpacas, then walk down the croft to hand feed the alpacas their tea. We will not be haltering up the boys or walking with them but you will all get some great alpaca up close photos !
This a mixed group event, but with a maximum of 8 people per booking to ensure everyone will get a chance to feed and mingle with the alpacas. You may even get a kiss from Murdo !
This event is suitable for all, and especially those with younger children.
With our fabulous hebridean setting overlooking a white sand beach and turquoise waters you are guaranteed some great photos.....you may even spot some seals, porpoises or otters which frequent our bay !
With prior knowledge we are also able to offer alpaca experiences for those with mobility issues , please contact us to find out more.
Stunning views of Tràigh Chuil/Coll Beach at the bottom of the croft, looking south across Broad Bay
COINNICH RIS NA H-ALPACAN AGAINN | Meet our Alpacas
Lachlan
Lachlan
Lachlan
Lachlan is our oldest alpaca, born in 2016. He is the risk assessor of the group and will often stand back and keep a watchful eye on things.
Merlin
Lachlan
Lachlan
Merlin was born in 2017 and is a very confident alpaca. He is usually the first up for food and will happily pose for photos.
Murdo
Murdo
Murdo
Murdo was also born in 2017. He is the goofball of the group and loves to come and say hello.
Oran
Murdo
Murdo
Oran was born in 2019. He is very friendly and will happily eat out of your hand and pose for photos. He is a very calm alpaca and great with children .
Archie
Archie
Archie
Archie was born over on the west side of the Island in 2021. He is a very friendly and is normally first into the food bowl along with Merlin !
Rhum
Archie
Archie
Rhum was born in 2021, he is a curious alpaca with a knack for rolling in mud !
Robbie
Archie
Robbie
Robbie was also born in 2021, and is very alike Rhum, I can only tell them apart as Robbie has a pinker nose !
m'ar deidhinn | About Us
Hi , I’m Kate, and I am the owner of our gorgeous alpacas. I became interested in alpacas when we took over the family croft in 2016 and decided to diversify from the usual sheep or cattle. As I am a complete yarn fanatic, alpacas seemed the way to go. Our alpacas get sheared in June, and go from giant fluff-balls to skinny, leggy creatures. The fleece is then sent away for processing into yarn. Alpacas come in 22 different shades – currently we have 5 out of the 22!
I am also a paediatric nurse, working shifts at the local hospital, so I am not always available to run alpaca experiences on a daily basis – I need to work to keep the alpacas in the manner to which they've become accustomed!
Johnny, husband and all-round fixer of the croft, builder of shelters, repairer of fences, feeder of animals – essential to the running of the business!
I'm sure he'd rather the quiet life, but he ended up on the Outer Hebrides, with alpacas, ponies, dogs, cats, ducks, and hens. Oh, and two rabbits!
Other animals
As well as alpacas, we also have two wonderful Shetland ponies that we have affectionately christened 'the Barrels'. They are Bressay and Fetlar, and are real characters! We don't ride them, but they love to have a good scratch and a sneaky carrot!
We also have a rabbit called Rudy who will happily take some dandelion leaves or parsley from you. She loves to jump and binky around, and can often be found sitting on top of her hutch.
You'll also probably meet our various hens and ducks that also live on the croft. The hens are free-range, a mix of large breed and Silkie hens. Both hen and duck eggs are often available in our croft honesty box .
FIOSRACHADH CUDROMACH | Important information
Things you need to know before booking
Please be aware that this is an outdoor event. The weather in the Hebrides is often wet and stormy, and if this is the case then we may have to cancel the booking for your own and our alpacas' comfort. We shall either reschedule or refund.
Please wear suitable clothing and shoes. The ground is often damp and uneven, so sensible footwear is required. Wear warm clothing: layers are probably best, as our wind can often be very chilly.
Children are most welcome at Alpacan – in fact, alpacas have a real connection with wee ones. Please take into account, though, that because they'll be up close to the animals, children need to be calm and respectful towards our alpaca and animal friends. Alpacas can be alarmed by loud sounds and sudden movements, so children need to be closely supervised.
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
No dogs allowed.
No smoking allowed.
If you do have to cancel, please get in touch. We realise circumstances can change – if they do, please let us know and we can reschedule your booking and allow your space to be enjoyed by others.
And finally – DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!
Buy the perfect present for friends and family
Gift Voucher
We offer a lovely postcard Gift Voucher with envelope.
Prices - 12 + /Adult £15
1 - 12yrs £10
A fun personalised alpaca video message can be included for you to send to the recipients on the day.
Additional cost of Gift Voucher and video message £1.00
Please contact us for further information
Alpacan – Alpacas of the Outer Hebrides
