Uist

If you are looking for a "get away from it all" experience, then the islands that make up Uist are the place you want to be. With miles and miles of quiet beaches to the west, and of hills and moorland to the east, this combined with a lively warm community, the feeling of space from the wide open skies and being welcomed by friendly islanders will relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul.

Nestled between Lewis and Harris to the north and Barra and Vatersay to the south, Uist is easily accessed by ferries from the mainland and from the other islands. Uist is the collective name commonly used for the islands that make up Uist (or The Uists). These are Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay and and despite all being linked by causeway each has their own story and character. Also included are The Monach Isles, which are off the coast of North Uist and have been uninhabited since 1948.

Community spirit, Gaelic language and crofting is alive and well in Uist. You will hear folk chatting in Gaelic in shops, and in the summer months there are all sorts of local ceilidhs and events that welcome visitors to come along and join in the fun.  Islanders are very warm and indeed as you drive through the islands, expect a wave from the friendly locals and a chit chat in the shop. As a crofting community, you will see islanders planting potatoes, cutting peat and looking after livestock - don't be surprised if you have to stop to let a crofter move cows or sheep to another field!  

Many of the roads are single track, which means that you can’t speed along, forcing people to take their time, stop in passing places and take in the stunning scenery, all adding to the island experience (Let traffic pass - Safe driving on single track roads is key).   

With six inhabited islands, plus the uninhabited Monachs, there is a huge choice of things to see and do in Uist which make these islands a visitor destinations in their own right.

• Berneray – take the circular walk around the islands, taking in the seals relaxing on the rocks
• North Uist – delve into the past and be inspired by the present at Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre
• Grimsay – find out how traditional wool yarns are created at Uist Wool
• Benbecula – ride along a stunning white shell beach with Uist Community Riding School
• South Uist – take an evening stroll at sunset to the Atlantic west coast beaches which stretch for 20 miles
• Eriskay -  head to Eriskay to the Am Politician for a “wee dram” and hear about the Whisky Galore story  
• Monach Isles - take a boat trip out to this stunning nature reserve. They have it all - beaches, stories, history and amazing wildlife (one of the largest seal colonies in the world)

Uist is a great place to base your Outer Hebrides holiday with lots to see and do and it is well positioned for day trips to the north (Lewis and Harris) and south (Barra and Vatersay).