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 I 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. Our boys are all halter-trained and we offer Hebridean Alpaca Experiences; these are 'Meet and Greet' or a 'Summer Croft Trek'.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 'Meet and Greet' lasts 1–1.5hrs and is suitable for everyone. It includes helping to feed the alpacas, alpaca facts, and plenty of opportunities for great photos.
The 'Summer Croft Treks', available at certain times of the year , last 1.5–2hrs and involve a brief introduction to alpacas and safety information. You will then meet our alpacas and we will trek down the croft. You will have lots of chances to take photos against the stunning backdrop of a Hebridean beach. You may even spot some seals or otters in our fabulous bay!
The 'Croft Treks' are suitable for those able to walk over rough croft ground. Because we're in the Hebrides, the ground is often wet so suitable footwear is essential. Treks are not suitable for under-5s. If part of a family group, however, under-5s may come accompanied by a non-alpaca-handling adult.
Under-10s can share an alpaca on a double lead with another adult.
If the weather is kind , then we'll 'alpaca picnic' and have time to sit and enjoy beach views.
To keep your alpaca experience extra special, we keep each session to single family/friend groups only, with a maximum of 8 people per booking.
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 is currently our youngest alpaca, born in 2019. He is very friendly and will happily eat out of your hand and pose for photos.
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 3 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 two rabbits, Tallulah and Rudy (both girls) who will happily take some dandelion leaves or parsley from you. They love to jump and binky around, and can often be found sitting on top of their 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 £10
1 - 12yrs £5
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
