About The Area
With a superb natural harbour in front of the house, the infamous Prince’s Beach just over the hill (where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed on 23rd July 1745), a well provisioned community-run shop and the popular Politician Pub (named after the SS Politician of “Whiskey Galore” fame and which sank together with it’s cargo of whiskey in the Sound of Eriskay) , there is something for everyone on Eriskay. A haven for wildlife and for those who treasure solace and wild, natural beauty. The Outer Hebredies are sparsely populated and rural in character with numerous, empty white sandy beaches and stunning views.
The white sands on the Western beaches are boarded by the beautiful and unique “machair” meadows - a mix of grasses, wild flowers and orchids that are unique to this part of the world.
In contrast, the Eastern shore line has rocky and dramatic cliffs with deep gulleys. The beauty of this island wilderness is complimented by the awe inspiring sunrises and sunsets.
Eriskay has a truly warm and welcoming community together with a beautiful Catholic Church at its core and exudes a magical and peaceful atmosphere.
Walks:
Explore the south of the island (which resembles a ‘moon walk’); or a gentle climb up Beinn Scrien above the Eriskay road (above the football pitch); approx 90 mins. Explore the north of the island from the Acarsaid, particularly the island of Calvay which can be accessed at low tide – can be 3-5 hrs. Another favourite is the old ‘Glendale’ path from South Glendale to South Lochboisdale, on South Uist.
Picnics:
The house is equipped with picnic baskets, picnic plates and plastic glasses together with cricket and rounders equipment for the beach. Cockling & mussels at South Glendale beyond the Eriskay causeway are usually productive at low tide. Beach Kites are well worth bringing if you have them…
Fly fishing:
Stores Uibhist Estate is renowned for their trout, sea trout & salmon lochs. Fish kettles are in the kitchen awaiting your catch! John Steele now manages the estate fishing. He knows the best lochs and operates through the Estate office. Please check costs beforehand. Licences are available from the club secretary or the Daliburgh Post Office. These licences allow brown trout fishing on numerous other lochs on Uist. Boats can be booked from Daliburgh Post Office or MacGilivray’s in Balivanich.
Mackerel fishing can be arranged off the east coast of Eriskay.
Food and wine:
You will find that the wonderful community shop on Eriskay more than caters for most daily provisions. There are supermarkets in Daliburgh (Co Op) and Lovats in Benbecula. Good pubs serving delicious food are the Politician Pub, a five minute drive away, and the Pollachar Inn which is is a 15 minute drive from the house.
If you are tempted by the incredible local sea food (lobsters, scallops, langoustines and much more) can be ordered from Barra Atlantic Ltd. (tel no: 01871 890341)
Fresh, local venison can be ordered from the Stores Uibhist Estate Office in Daliburgh (tel no: 01878 700101)
Golf Course:
Askernish is an Old Tom Morris machair links course, one of the finest in the UK, stunningly located adjacent to the sea, just north of Daliburgh. Call the club house beforehand to check tee-off times, where you can rent sets of modern clubs and trolleys. Tel no: 01878 700628 www.askernishgolfclub.com/
Crabbing:
Highly productive at mid-tide from the old pier in the harbour at Ludag (south end of South Uist).
Boat trips:
Wonderful boat trips to the dramatic Mingulay and St Kilda islands can be arranged through Hebridean Sea Tours , departing from the pier opposite the house. Tel no: 01871817803
info@hebrideanseatours.co.uk
Stalking can be arranged through the Stores Uibhist Estate Office (Tel no: 01870 620224)
Doctors Surgery: Benbecula Medical Practice, Griminish, Benbecula Tel no: 01870 602215
Branch Surgery, Nurse’s Cottage , Daliburgh, South Uist Tel no: 01870 602215
