South Uist
Visitor Guide to South Uist in the Outer Hebrides with travel and sights.eeing advice.
The Outer Hebrides - or Long Island as they are also known - consist of a narrow 130-mile long chain of islands, lying 40 miles off the northwest coast of the Scottish mainland. This visitor guide to Outer Herbides in Scotland offer you information on the area which includes accommodation and hotels in Outer Herbides, visitor attractions and how to get to Outer Herbides.
Region
Outer HebridesTravel Directions to South Uist
Getting to South Uist
The island's main ferry port is Loch Baghasdail (Lochboisdale), which is reached from Oban and Mallaig via Castlebay on Barra (it arrives late at night). There are also inter-island ferries from Ludag, at the southern tip of South Uist: a private passenger-only ferry sails to Barra. There are passenger ferry sailings on Sun to and from Barra and a car ferry to Castlebay and Oban, but no ferry arrival from Oban, Mallaig or Castlebay and no bus services.
Getting around South Uist
A causeway connects South Uist to Benbecula by road and regular buses (4-6 per day Mon-Sat) run between Lochboisdale and Lochmaddy on North Uist, stopping en route at Dalabrog (Daliburgh), Tobha Mòr (Howmore) and Lionacleit and Balinavich on Benbecula. There is also a regular bus service between Lochboisdale and Ludag (for ferries to Barra). For car hire, there's Laing Motors in Lochboisdale (Tel. 700267), and you can rent bikes at Rothan Cycles (Tel. 01870-620283).
Local Sights & Activities for South Uist
Lochboisdale Guide
South Uist's largest town/village si set on a promontory overlooking a sea loch. The entrace to the loch is guarded by Calvay Island with its 13th century castle ruin. This is a pretty tiny place but it has a bank, hotel and tourist information centre (01878 700286) see Lochboisdale Hotel for accommodation Reviews 3/5 (Tel 01878 700332) or the Polochar Inn ("this inn is a gem") Telephone: 01878 700768. For B&Bs try Kilchoan Bay, Brae Lee House or the wonderfully named Wireless Cottage.
Eriskay
Tiny island (population less than 200) is home to the Eriskay ponies that were supposedly ridden by Robert Bruce at Bannockburn. In the late 70s they nearly became extinct but one surviving stallion saved the breed and their numbers are now growing again. History buffs will also want to visit Prince's Beach on the west coast where Bonnie Prince Charlie stepped ashore on 23 July 1745. It is said that the pink convolvulus that grows here was planted by himself .
Nearby Ancient Monuments
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An Carra Standing Stone
Very tall standing stone on South Uist that dates to neolithic period. The stone rises almost 17 feet into the air which makes it one of the largest standing stones in the isles. Its history is veiled in a typical hebridean mist.
Local Visitor Attractions
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Smercleit Beach, South Uist
If you get as far as the Uists and the weather is fine then get to the south western coast to enjoy the long, usually empty sandy beached. Awesome sunsets!
South Uist Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Bute Cottage on South Uist - Sleeps 6
Secluded holiday cottage on the Outer Hebrides island of South Uist overlooking its own lochan. Sleeps 6 over three bedrooms. 1 Dog welcome. No wifi -
Frobost Lodge, Frobost, Isle of South Uist, sleeps 6
Situated on the beautiful island of South Uist, Frobost Lodge is ideally located for exploring the Western Isles. Set within a scattered crofting settlement, surrounded by rock-studded hills, small lochans...