South Uist
South Uist or Uibhist A Deas is an island in the Outer Hebrides with population of less than 2,000 but extending over 25 miles from north to south. It is one of the last strongholds of the Gaelic language, and has a long history reflected in the many archaeological remains that can be visited. There are no large towns, and the population is generally spread thinly on the machairs of the western side. But South Uist has a beauty of its own, with ever changing weather, and is a good place for bird and wildlife watching.
Understand
Like much of the Highlands and Islands, Uist and its population was neglected and persecuted by its landlords for many years, and fell into long decline. Under new legislation, however, on 30 November 2006, the Community buyout of the South Uist Estate by Stòras Uibhist was agreed. This will not have any immediate impact for the visitor, but may improve things over the next few years, as already has happened on Gigha and Eigg. The island is predominatly Catholic and takes a more relaxed view of the Sabbath that its northerly neighbours.
Get in
By boat
- Caledonian MacBrayne. Citylink coaches and trains connect with the ferries in Oban. Details below are for Summer 2015:
Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist 4 per week, taking 5+ hours.
By yacht
Lochboisdale has a new marina which opened in 2015. Charges start at £10 per night. The marina has fuel and facilities for launching boats.
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 Benbecula.
Causeways
South Uist is linked by causeway to Benbecula to the North and Eriskay to the South.
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
Walking, or cycling.
By Bus
There are good bus services during the day Mon - Sat, but little in the evening and no buses on a Sunday.
See
- Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve. in the north of the island with over 200 species of flowering plant.
- 1 Our Lady of the Isles. a 9 metre high statue (NF 776407) of the virgin and child by Huw Lorimer erected in 1957, the largest religious statue in the British Isles. It faces the Protestant northern islands, and greets entry to the Catholic south.
- Dun Mhulan (half way down the island, (NF 715297) near the track to Bornish or Bornais.). an Iron Age broch and settlement.
- 2 Kildonan Museum, Kildonan. Apil to the end of September. Daily 10:00 - 17:00. with a good display of local history, crafts, and a decent cafe.
- Flora MacDonalds birthplace ((NF 740269) - 3 miles north of Daliburgh). where the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie avoid capture was born.
- Taigh Dubh or blackhouses. the traditional dwelling of the Uist crofter can be seen, and some are now restored, such as at Howmore or Tobha Mor (NF 758364), where there is an important medieval ecclesiastical site.
- Bornais (NF 729302). the site of three settlement mounds from the Late Iron Age.
- Beaches. The wonderful beaches all along the western coast.
Do
- Play Golf at Askernish.
- Walking - hillwalking Ben Mhor, Ben Corodale and Hecla. For keen and experienced hillwalkers there is a good horseshoe walk direct from the hostel at Howmore which leads into the most spectacular and interesting of the South Uist hills. Note - paths are non-existent or indistinct, so take compass, maps and sensible clothing.
Buy
- Butcher and grocer with limited supplies in Lochboisdale
- Clothes and hardware shop in Lochboisdale
- Uist artists and craftspersons shop at the Kildonan centre, about 3 miles north of Daliburgh
- 2 The Big Garden, Cille Bhrighde (West Kilbride), ☏ +44 1878 700828. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, hand-spun wools, knitted/crocheted/woven garments and other items.
Eat
- Salar Smokehouse, Lochcarnan, HS8 5PD for hand crafted smoked delicacies
- The Big Garden, Cille Bhrighde (West Kilbride). Organically-grown fresh garden produce, eggs, preserves. Teas, coffees and other refreshments served in the garden (or to take away) on fine days. T: +44 1878 700828. W: The Big Garden
- Lochboisdale Cafe, Post Office, Kenneth Drive, Lochboisdale, HS8 5TJ, ☏ +44 1878 700313. Coffee and home baking in the post office.
Drink
See Hotels below
Sleep
Hostels
- 1 Howmore Youth Hostel. Simple hostel with no advance booking (and no phone)
- Uist Bunkhouse, Daliburgh, ☏ +44 1878 700566. Bunkhouse with cafe, gift shop and artist's studio.
Bed and Breakfasts
Some can be found on the tourist board website [1], but many are no longer listed due to the charges and "hassle".
- 2 Brae Lea House, Lochboisdale,HS8 5TH, ☏ +44 1878 700497. A guest house with ensuite bedrooms about a mile from the ferry.
- 3 Wireless Cottage, Lochboisdale (5-10 minutes walk from the ferry.), ☏ +44 1878 700660.
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.
8 Askernish/Aisgernis, HS8 5SY. A traditional croft cottage (fully renovated 2006) with wood-burning stove and all the comforts required for up to four people at any time of year. Dogs welcome. Bedrooms - double and twin. Kitchen with breakfast bar; Living room; Bathroom with shower over. Well-maintained and spotless. Located about 1 mile north of Daliburgh/Dalabrog. T: +44 1878 700828. W: South Uist Self Catering.
Hotels
- 4 Lochboisdale Hotel (Right next the ferry pier.), ☏ +44 1878 700332. Good bar meals in the evening.