Itinerary #9: South Uist
South Uist
South Uist is a long narrow island in the Outer Hebrides where you'll find rugged landscapes in the east and magnificent machair, wildflowers, and miles of white beaches in the west. It is a great place to base your holiday if you want to explore other parts of Uist and has a great range of accommodation options from thatched cottages, holiday homes, glamping pods and hotels - the choice is yours!
For the wildlife lovers ...
Loch Druidibeg on the west side of South Uist is one of the best places to spot a full range of island wildlife in its surrounding landscapes. Here fans of horticulture can explore the abundance of plant life, while ornithologists can find ample opportunities for birdwatching . The reserve stretches from the Atlantic coast almost to the Minch, and the mountains of Hecla and Beinn Mhor provide a fantastic backdrop for photographs.
Accessed by a causeway, Eriskay is home to wild (but friendly) ponies - an ancient hardy Hebridean rare breed with only about 400 worldwide. They were in fact used to transport the cargo of whisky, from the wreck of the S.S. Politician. Now endangered, the breed today is being preserved by the Comann Each nan Eilean.
For the history and heritage enthusiasts ...
Archaeologists have been hard at work all over the West Side of the island, and nowhere more so that in the Machair at Daliburgh, where studies have revealed that 19 of the surrounding sand hills were actually ancient settlements - the oldest of which at Cladh Hallan dates back to the early bronze age. Check out the Uist Unearthed , which brings Uist's archaelogical Sites to life.
The little village of Howmore is home to one of Scotland's best collections of thatched cottages, providing a truly picturesque welcome to travellers. The Howmore hostel is housed in one of these traditional buildings, and the village is also home to a cycle hire for those who'd prefer to explore on two wheels.
For the foodies ...
In South Uist and Eriskay, there is a great choice of places to eat and drink. Whether you are looking for traditional hotel restaurants serving up the finest local dishes, relaxing cafes overlooking the sea, a pub restaurant with a story to tell or takeaway bites, the choice is yours!
Am Politician takes its name from the stricken vessel 'S.S Politician' which ran aground off Eriskay in 1941. The island is steeped in history, and in the bar, you'll find some of the salvaged artefacts from the vessel. Treat your tastebuds to locally sourced seafood and produce while enjoying the beautiful views from the conservatory or the beer garden, and at weekends you can even enjoy some live music.
The Borrodale Hotel is a great place to relax and enjoy an imaginative menu featuring the best of local Hebridean produce.
Croft and Cuan take the incredible island produce and transform them into street food with both contemporary and traditional elements. From burgers, tacos and curries to lobster, scallops and venison! Their food and coffee shop is located at Lochboisdale pier (open Mon-Sat until 3pm), and their takeaway van tours to various locations through Uist most Friday and Saturday evenings - check their social media for menus and locations.