The ferry to Barra, in the distance

Eriskay and neighbouring islands

Eriskay is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of around 130, scattered along the 5 km or so of road. It is linked to South Uist by a causeway opened in 2002. The island is 4.5 km long North to South and 2.5 km wide.

In 1941 the SS Politician ran aground in the waters between Eriskay and South Uist, carrying loads of Whisky. This was the basis for the book and film Whisky Galore. It is also known for the native Eriskay Ponies.

Get in

By boat

• Barra - daily, up to 5 per day, taking 40 minutes; this ferry lands at the north end of Barra, and there are often (but not always) connecting buses to Castlebay.
• Caledonian MacBrayne, [1]. Citylink coaches and trains connect with the ferries in Oban. Details below are for Summer 2006:

Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist 4 per week, taking 5+ hours.

• Other possible mainland connections are to North Uist and Barra.

By air

In the Outer Hebrides, there are airports in Stornoway in Lewis, Benbecula and Barra. These airports provide direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The nearest airport is in Barra, connected by ferry.

Causeways

Eriskay is linked by causeway to South Uist.

By Bus

Buses link South Uist with Benbecula, and Eriskay. As part of the Western Isles Overland Route combination of bus and ferry, you can travel in under a day from Stornoway or Castlebay on Barra.

Get around

Eriskay is small enough to explore on foot.

See

• The Roman Catholic church of St. Michael's (built in 1903) sits on a hill overlooking the main village. The interior is of some interest, with the altar sitting on a boat. The site also provides a good viewpoint for looking at the island and over to South Uist. The site of the old church is marked by a roadside chapel with a statue of the Virgin Mary, overlooking the Sound of Barra.
• Eriskay Ponies can sometimes be seen grassing by the roadside, but are more likely to be seen on the East side of the island.

Do

• Walk to the top of Beinn Sciathan for views all over the island and of South Uist and Barra. There is a viewpoint pointing out the sites, and on a really clear day, St Kilda can be seen 68 miles away.
• Relax on Bonnie Prince Charlie's Beach near the ferry terminal.

Buy

There is a well stocked small community shop, which sells CO-OP brand products. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 10.30am-12.30pm.

Drink

• Am Politician, HS8 5JL, ☏ +44 1878 720246. Pub and restaurant with good food, and sometimes live entertainment. Named after 'The Politician', the real ship that was wrecked during the second world war with a cargo of whisky, portrayed in the film Whisky Galore!. 

Sleep

Self Catering

Renting a house for a week or more is a popular option. Such places are generally let from Saturday to Saturday. Some of these can be found on the tourist board website [2].

• Aird na Haunn, HS8 5JH. Bookings 0141 339 2143(Glasgow) [3]
• Cuan Siar [4].
• The Flat, 2 Village, Isle of Eriskay HS8 5JL. Bookings 01878 720274 or 01540 673060

Carrick, HS8 5JR, an architect-designed wooden 'eco' croft house set on an actively worked traditional Hebridean croft. With wood-burning stove and all the comforts required for up to five people at any time of year. High standard of finishes and furnishings throughout. Bedrooms - two doubles and a single. Fantastic views across crofts, sea and mountains. Denise - Telephone +44 1878 700828. See South Uist Self Catering.

Camping

Wild camping may be possible, enquire locally. There are showers (£1) and toilets in the ferry waiting room.

Go next

Head South on the ferry to Barra, or North by road to South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist then Berneray.