South Uist Travel Guide

Plan your trip to South Uist with this helpful guide, including must-see attractions, outdoor adventures, accommodations, and local customs.


Introduction to South Uist

Located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, South Uist is a stunning island known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. With a population of around 1,700 residents, this charming island offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

List of Places to Visit in South Uist

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kildonan Museum: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of South Uist. Visitors can explore exhibits on crofting, fishing, and the island’s rich Gaelic heritage.
  • St. Peter’s Church: As the oldest building on the island, this 15th-century church is a must-see attraction. Its stone walls, intricate carvings, and stained glass windows offer a glimpse into the island’s past.
  • Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath: This historical society manages several sites throughout the island, including an old blackhouse and a working croft. Visitors can learn about traditional farming techniques and the daily lives of crofters.

Natural Attractions of South Uist: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve: This stunning reserve covers over 1,200 hectares of South Uist and is home to a variety of native wildlife, including red deer, otters, and golden eagles. Visitors can explore its many walking trails and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Eriskay Beach: Made famous by the movie “Whisky Galore,” this beautiful beach offers pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, and relax.
  • Benbecula Golf Club: This 18-hole golf course is nestled between the mountains and the sea, offering stunning views of South Uist’s landscapes. It’s a great way to spend a peaceful afternoon on the island.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Uist

  • South Uist Way: This 45-mile walking and cycling route takes visitors through some of the most stunning landscapes on the island, including white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and rolling hills.
  • Loch Sgioport Loop: This 7-mile cycling and walking route is perfect for visitors looking for a challenging adventure. It takes you through stunning landscapes and offers stunning views of the island’s wildlife and nature reserves.

Best Things to Do in South Uist: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tours: Visitors can explore the stunning coastlines of South Uist by booking a boat tour. Tours typically include stops at nearby islands, such as Barra and Eriskay, and opportunities to see local wildlife, such as dolphins and seals.
  • Fishing: South Uist has a rich fishing history and is still a great place to fish for salmon, trout, and other species. Visitors can book fishing tours with local guides and experience the thrill of reeling in a big catch.
  • Ceilidh Dancing: Visitors can experience traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing at local community centers and events throughout South Uist. It’s a fun and lively way to experience the island’s unique culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Uist

Day Activity
1 Explore St. Peter’s Church and Kildonan Museum
2 Hike the South Uist Way
3 Take a boat tour of the nearby islands
4 Visit the Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve
5 Try your hand at fishing
6 Practice your ceilidh dancing at a local event
7 Relax on Eriskay Beach

Food and Drink Scene of South Uist

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stornoway black pudding: This rich and savory sausage is made with Scottish oatmeal and beef fat and is often served as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast.
  • Cullen skink: This creamy soup is made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions and is a comforting and hearty dish on a chilly day.
  • Haggis: This traditional Scottish dish is made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Isle of Barra Distillery: This distillery produces a variety of high-quality whiskeys, including the popular Barra Atlantic Gin, known for its unique flavor profile.
  • Hebridean Tea Store: This charming tea shop offers a selection of locally sourced teas, including the popular Hebridean Whisky Tea, which is flavored with peat from local whisky distilleries.

Where to Stay in South Uist: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Polochar Inn: This cozy inn offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a great place to stay for visitors looking to relax and unwind.
  • Borrodale Hotel: This historic hotel offers comfortable rooms and a bar serving traditional Scottish fare. It’s a great choice for visitors looking to experience local culture and cuisine.
  • Uist Outdoor Centre: This hostel offers affordable accommodations and is ideally located for visitors looking to explore South Uist’s stunning landscapes. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in South Uist: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Harris Tweed: This locally produced woolen fabric is a popular souvenir and is used in a variety of clothing items, including jackets, hats, and bags.
  • Sea glass jewelry: South Uist’s beaches are known for their abundance of sea glass, which is often collected and turned into beautiful jewelry pieces.
  • Smoked fish: South Uist has a rich fishing history, and visitors can bring home locally smoked salmon, trout, and other fish products as a tasty and unique souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of South Uist

  • Gaelic Language: South Uist has a strong Gaelic heritage, and visitors can often hear locals speaking Gaelic in everyday conversation. Visitors can also learn more about the language and culture by attending events and festivals throughout the year.
  • Crofting: Crofting is a way of life on South Uist and is still practiced by many residents. Visitors can learn more about this traditional farming lifestyle by exploring local crofts and attending events like sheepdog trials and agricultural shows.

Best Time to Visit South Uist

The best time to visit South Uist is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are in full bloom. Visitors can also experience local festivals and events, such as the annual South Uist Agricultural Show, which takes place in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Uist

Do:

  • Respect local culture and traditions, including the Gaelic language and crofting lifestyle.
  • Explore the island’s stunning landscapes by foot, bicycle, or boat.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages, including traditional Scottish dishes and locally produced whiskeys and teas.

Don’t:

  • Disturb local wildlife or damage natural habitats.
  • Ignore safety warnings or guidelines, especially when participating in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Uist

South Uist is generally a very safe place to visit, but visitors should still take basic precautions, such as locking doors and windows at night and keeping an eye on valuable belongings. Visitors should also be aware of any safety warnings or guidelines when participating in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Health in South Uist

Visitors to South Uist should take basic precautions to protect their health, including staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and practicing good hygiene. Visitors should also be aware that medical facilities may be limited on the island, and should plan accordingly.

Getting to South Uist: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Uist

The closest airport to South Uist is Benbecula Airport, which offers daily flights to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to reach South Uist.

Bus Stations Near South Uist

There are no bus stations on South Uist, but visitors can take the bus to nearby islands, such as Barra and Eriskay, from a bus stop in Lochboisdale.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach South Uist by ferry from the nearby islands of Barra and Eriskay. Ferry services run several times a day and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

How to Get Around in South Uist

The best way to explore South Uist is by car, as public transportation on the island is limited. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in the nearby town of Lochboisdale. Bicycles are also available for rent at several locations throughout the island.

Where to Go Next from South Uist: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore other stunning islands in the Outer Hebrides, such as Barra and Eriskay. Visitors can also visit nearby towns on the Scottish mainland, such as Fort William or Inverness, for a change of pace and scenery.

Conclusion

South Uist is a beautiful and unique island that offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Scottish culture and nature. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical attractions, trying local cuisine, or exploring breathtaking landscapes, South Uist has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan the perfect trip to this stunning island and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Tobha Mor from Howmore Tobha Mor from Howmore Sheltered inlet at the top of Loch Boisdale Sheltered inlet at the top of Loch Boisdale The ecclesiastical site at Howmore, or Tobha Mor The ecclesiastical site at Howmore, or Tobha Mor