Uists and Benbecula

Introduction

Benbecula is joined by causeways with South Uist and, via some tiny islands with North Uist. More recently a causeway has been constructed north from North Uist to Berneray and another one south from South Uist to Eriskay. North Uist must be the most watery island in the UK but both Uists have any number of ancient monuments. Anything marked as a cairn on the map is likely to be far more than a pile of stones and it is as well to take a torch.

South Uist has been culturally distinct from the other islands because its inhabitants have mainly adhered to the Roman Catholic religion whereas Benbecula and North Uist are lands of the Free Presbyterians - often called Wee Frees. Observance of Sunday was not deemed consistent with a Sunday ferry service!

Geography

Lewisian gneiss is the main rock. Machair is found near the west coast, where there are extensive sands and dunes, While the east coast is more rugged and less fertile.

Cities

• Lochmaddy - North Uist
• Lochboisdale - South Uist

Getting There

By Boat

• Oban (mainland) - Lochboisdale (South Uist)
• Leverburgh (Harris) - Berneray (connected to North Uist)
• Uig (Skye) - Lochmaddy (North Uist)

Getting Around

By Car

From Berneray to Eriskay by causeways.

Sleep