Eriskay Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Eriskay with this comprehensive guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat and more.


Introduction to Eriskay

Eriskay, an island situated in the southern part of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, is a hidden gem that awaits discovery. It is a small island with a population of less than 200 people. Despite its size, Eriskay has a lot to offer, from its rich culture and history to its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Eriskay

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Am Politician Bar - This small pub is home to an interesting piece of history. It was here that the shipwrecked cargo of a boat called The Politician was rumoured to have washed ashore in 1941. Today, you can find remnants of the shipwreck in the pub, including bottles of whisky that were salvaged from the cargo.
  2. Kildonan Museum - This museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Eriskay and the Outer Hebrides. It features exhibits on traditional island life, as well as displays on the maritime history of the region.
  3. St. Michael’s Church - Built in 1942, this Church is a unique landmark on the island. It has a distinctive roof shape that resembles an inverted boat, reflecting the island’s strong ties to the sea.

Natural Attractions of Eriskay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Coilleag a’Phrionnsa - This nature reserve is a must-visit for those who enjoy nature walks. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare birds and the narrow-leaved helleborine orchid.
  2. Prince’s Beach - This picturesque beach is known for having stunning views and white sands. It is also where the famous shipping disaster occurred, which was the inspiration for Compton Mackenzie’s novel, “Whisky Galore”.
  3. Beinn Scrien - This hill provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eriskay

Eriskay offers several hiking and biking routes, which cater to all levels of fitness and experience. The most popular routes include:

  1. Eriskay Circular Route - This is a short and easy route that takes you around the island and showcases Eriskay’s natural beauty.
  2. Beinn Scrien and Coilleag a’Phrionnsa - These are more challenging hikes, with steep ascents and rocky terrain, but they offer breathtaking views of the island and surrounding areas. Biking is also permitted on these trails.

Best Things to Do in Eriskay: Activities and Tours

  1. Boat Tours - Take a boat tour around the island and explore its beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and watch the abundant wildlife.
  2. Fishing - Eriskay is a popular spot for fishing, with the chance to catch trout, mackerel, and other species.
  3. Whisky Tasting - Sample some of Eriskay’s famous whisky at the Am Politician Bar, where you can learn about its rich history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eriskay

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Eriskay:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Eriskay, explore surroundings and settle in
Day 2 Visit the Kildonan Museum, take a boat tour, and enjoy dinner at the Am Politician Bar
Day 3 Hike or bike Beinn Scrien, explore the Coilleag a’Phrionnsa nature reserve
Day 4 Go fishing, enjoy a picnic and relax by the beach
Day 5 Visit St. Michael’s Church and see its unique design
Day 6 Whisky tasting at the Am Politician Bar, have a sunset walk on Prince’s Beach
Day 7 Depart Eriskay

Food and Drink Scene of Eriskay

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Smoked Salmon - Fresh salmon caught from the surrounding waters and smoked to perfection.
  2. Haggis - A Scottish delicacy, made from sheep offal, spices, and oats.
  3. Cullen Skink - A type of chowder made with smoked haddock and potatoes.

Local Beverages

  1. Whisky - Eriskay has a rich history, and one of the highlights is the whisky, known for its smooth, high-quality taste.
  2. Beer - The island has a microbrewery that produces excellent local beers, including ales and lagers.

Where to Stay in Eriskay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eriskay offers excellent accommodation options that cater to different budgets, such as:

  1. Eriskay B&B - Located in the heart of the island, it is a charming and peaceful retreat that offers a home away from home experience.
  2. Am Politician Bar - In addition to being a historical venue, the bar offers accommodation with stunning views and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Eriskay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Eriskay Woollen Mills - This is the perfect spot to buy authentic hand-woven tweed products, from hats to jackets and scarves.
  2. Eriskay Shop - The shop offers a range of souvenirs and local products such as whisky, chocolates, and books that highlight the island’s culture and history.

Local Culture and Customs of Eriskay

Eriskay has a rich cultural heritage, with its language, music, and dance still playing a significant role in daily life. Visitors can experience this by attending a Ceilidh, a traditional social gathering where people come together to dance and sing, or by observing daily life on the island.

Best Time to Visit Eriskay

The best time to visit Eriskay is between May and September, where the weather is more favourable, and the island offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eriskay

Do:

  1. Take time to explore and appreciate the natural beauty that Eriskay has to offer.
  2. Respect the island’s cultural traditions and customs.
  3. Support the local economy by buying local products and patronizing local businesses.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the natural environment.
  2. Disrespect locals or their traditions.
  3. Ignore safety precautions when participating in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eriskay

Eriskay is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors must take necessary precautions, such as:

  1. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing when participating in outdoor activities.
  2. Check the weather forecast before venturing out.
  3. Be wary of extreme weather conditions.

Health in Eriskay

Visitors to Eriskay must ensure that they have travel health insurance, as the island has limited medical facilities. It is advisable to carry any prescription medication with you, and ensure that you have an adequate supply.

Getting to Eriskay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eriskay

The nearest airport to Eriskay is Barra Airport, which is 5 miles away. Visitors can also fly into Glasgow Airport and take a connecting flight to Barra.

Bus Stations Near Eriskay

The nearest bus station is located in Lochboisdale, which is 15 miles away from Eriskay. Visitors can take a bus or taxi to the island.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a ferry to the island, with ferries departing from Oban, Lochmaddy and Uig.

How to Get Around in Eriskay

Eriskay is a small island, and visitors can explore it by foot, bike, or car. Bikes and cars can be rented from the island’s bike and car hire company, which offers competitive rates.

Where to Go Next from Eriskay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eriskay is the perfect hub for exploring the Outer Hebrides, and some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

  1. South Uist - A neighbouring island with stunning beaches and wildlife.
  2. Barra - An island that features a popular castle and medieval church.
  3. St. Kilda - This remote island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features awe-inspiring cliffs and sea stacks.

Conclusion

Eriskay is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Scotland’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With its picturesque beaches, lush nature reserves, and friendly locals, it is a must-visit destination for those looking for an authentic Scottish experience.

The ferry to Barra, in the distance The ferry to Barra, in the distance Eriskay and neighbouring islands Eriskay and neighbouring islands