Eriskay

Eriskay is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of around 130, scattered along the 5 km (3.1 mi) or so of road. It is linked to South Uist by a causeway opened in 2002. The island is 4.5 km (2.8 mi) long North to South and 2.5 km (1.6 mi) wide.

The ferry to Barra, in the distance

Eriskay and neighbouring islands

In 1941, the SS Politician ran aground in the waters between Eriskay and South Uist, carrying loads of whisky. This was the basis for the book and film Whisky Galore. The island is also known for the native Eriskay Ponies.

Get in

By boat

THese ferries are all run by Caledonian MacBrayne, with subsidy to make the fares similar to road journeys.

• Barra - daily, up to 5 per day, taking 40 minutes; this ferry lands at the north end of Barra, and there are often (but not always) connecting buses to Castlebay.
• Mallaig to Lochboisdale on South Uist daily, taking 3.5 hours.
• Other possible mainland connections are to North Uist and Barra.

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 in Barra, connected by ferry.

Causeways

Eriskay is linked by causeway to South Uist.

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

Eriskay is small enough to explore on foot.

See

• 🌍 St. Michael's. The Roman Catholic church (built in 1903) sits on a hill overlooking the main village. The interior is of some interest, with the altar sitting on a boat. The site also provides a good viewpoint for looking at the island and over to South Uist. The site of the old church is marked by a roadside chapel with a statue of the Virgin Mary, overlooking the Sound of Barra.  
• Eriskay Ponies. can sometimes be seen grassing by the roadside, but are more likely to be seen on the East side of the island. 

Do

• 🌍 Beinn Sciathan. Walk to the top for views all over the island and of South Uist and Barra. There is a viewpoint pointing out the sites, and on a really clear day, St Kilda can be seen 68 mi (109 km) away.  
• 🌍 Bonnie Prince Charlie's Beach (near the ferry terminal). Relax on Bonnie Prince Charlie's Beach (updated Apr 2017)

Buy

• 🌍 Eriskay Community Co-op. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 10.30am-12.30pm.. a well stocked small community shop, which sells CO-OP brand products. (updated Apr 2017)

Eat

• 🌍 Am Politician, HS8 5JL, ☎ [phone]. Pub and restaurant with good food, and sometimes live entertainment. Named after 'The Politician', the real ship that was wrecked during the second world war with a cargo of whisky, portrayed in the film Whisky Galore!. 

Drink

The Politician and the shop are the only places to buy a drink on the island. There is sometimes live music in the evening in The Politician, and occasional events in the community hall (next the shop).

Sleep

Bed and Breakfasts

• 🌍 Oir na Mara, 5b Baile, HS8 5JL (near The Politician), ☎ [phone]. 2 room bed & breakfast £30-£35 per person per night. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 An Taigh Mor, 15B Balla, ☎ [phone]. Dog-friendly bed and breakfast. double £95 per room, single £60. (updated Sep 2018)

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.

• 🌍 Aird na Haunn, HS8 5JH, ☎ [phone]. £300 - £700 per week per apartment. (updated May 2016)
• The Flat, 2 Village, ☎ [phone], [phone]. 
• 🌍 Carrick, Bun a’ Mhuillin, ☎ [phone]. an architect-designed wooden 'eco' croft house set on an actively worked traditional Hebridean croft. With wood-burning stove and all the comforts required for up to five people at any time of year. High standard of finishes and furnishings throughout. Bedrooms - two doubles and a single. Fantastic views across crofts, sea and mountains 

Camping

Wild camping may be possible, enquire locally. There are showers (£1) and toilets in the ferry waiting room.

Stay safe

Go next

Head South on the ferry to Barra, or North by road to South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist then Berneray.