Eriskay is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of around 130, scattered along the 5km or so of road. It is linked to South Uist by a causeway opened in 2002. The island is 4.5km long North to South and 2.5km wide.
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. It is also known for the native Eriskay Ponies.
Getting there
By boat
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.
Caledonian MacBrayne, . Citylink coaches and trains connect with the ferries in Oban. Details below are for Summer 2006:
Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist 4 per week, taking 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 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.
Traveling around
Eriskay is small enough to explore on foot.
Drink
Am Politician Lounge Bar and Restaurant . Pub 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.
Sleep
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. Bookings 0141 339 2143(Glasgow)
Cuan Siar .
The Flat, 2 Village, Isle of Eriskay HS8 5JL. Bookings 01878 720274 or 01540 673060
Carrick, HS8 5JR, 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. Denise - Telephone +44 1878 700828. See .
Camping
Wild camping may be possible, enquire locally. There are showers (£1) and toilets in the ferry waiting room.
Buy
There is a well stocked small community shop, which sells CO-OP brand products. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 10.30am-12.30pm.
Get out
Head South on the ferry to Barra, or North by road to South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist then Berneray.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
Eriskay is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of around 130, scattered along the 5km or so of road. It is linked to South Uist by a causeway opened in 2002. The island is 4.5km long North to South and 2.5km wide.
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. It is also known for the native Eriskay Ponies.
Getting there
By boat
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.
Caledonian MacBrayne, . Citylink coaches and trains connect with the ferries in Oban. Details below are for Summer 2006: Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist 4 per week, taking 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 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.
Traveling around
Eriskay is small enough to explore on foot.
Drink
Am Politician Lounge Bar and Restaurant . Pub 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.
Sleep
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. Bookings 0141 339 2143(Glasgow)
Cuan Siar .
The Flat, 2 Village, Isle of Eriskay HS8 5JL. Bookings 01878 720274 or 01540 673060
Carrick, HS8 5JR, 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. Denise - Telephone +44 1878 700828. See .
Camping
Wild camping may be possible, enquire locally. There are showers (£1) and toilets in the ferry waiting room.
Buy
There is a well stocked small community shop, which sells CO-OP brand products. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 10.30am-12.30pm.
Get out
Head South on the ferry to Barra, or North by road to South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist then Berneray.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
Jon Thomson, CaptainOates, gingiber
Some photos courtesy of:
. The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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Morph, AlasdairW and WindHorse
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits