
The Outer Hebrides, an interconnected chain of Atlantic islands off the northwest coast of Scotland, has become a very popular tourist destination for those seeking a wild and very essential Scottish experience. There were originally two organizations to handle the crush of visitors: Outer Hebrides Tourism helped businesses engage with visitors, while Visit Outer Hebrides spoke directly to visitors. Designer Pearse O’Halloran was brought in to create a single identity.
The area is rich with visual inspiration and history, so rich in fact that the decision was made to pursue a more abstract approach. The new logo is replete with meaning. The interwoven dark blue, purple, and green elements—actually, the letters “VOH” for Visit Outer Hebrides—suggest the weave of Harris tweed. The slant refers to the strong winds that blow through the isles, as well as the laboring oars of historic Birlinn longboats. These wood vessels, propelled by sail and oar, were used extensively in the Hebrides and western Highlands of Scotland from the Middle Ages on.
From a DesignWeek article: “The longboat reference was particularly important, because three longboats [are featured] in the Western Isles Council’s flag, lending them a sense of authority and trustworthiness locally.
