Eriskay, meaning Eric's Isle, is a small island between South Uist and Barra. Connected to the former by a causeway and the latter by ferry, this small Scottish island is perfect place to drop anchor during an Outer Hebrides sailing break.
ERISKAY MOORINGS AND FACILITIES
Visitor moorings are available at Acarsaid Mhor – the Big Harbour, which lies on the east side of Eriskay about a mile from the ferry terminal to Barra and a mile and a half from the main settlement.
Crews sailing to Eriskay will be able to access services over land including the Am Politician pub and and a well-stocked, community-run village shop selling everything from souvenirs to daily essentials.
There is a regular bus service from the ferry terminal to South Uist and onwards through Benbecula to North Uist.
WHITE PONIES & WHISKY
Say Eriskay and a few things may come to mind. For example, you might think of the the rare breed Eriskay pony, which can still be seen on the island in its natural habitat.
Arguably the island’s most popular association (and one that firmly cements Eriskay’s place in sailing lore) is with the wreck of the SS Politician in 1941. The loss of this ship, with its famous cargo of whisky, provided the subject of the novel and film Whisky Galore.
The island of Eriskay is also the subject of the traditional song, the Eriskay Love Lilt.
ERISKAY'S JACOBITE CONNECTIONS
Even Bonnie Prince Charlie chose to sail to Eriskay, landing on August 2 1745 in the small frigate le Du Teillay along with seven of his men to start the ’45 Jacobite Rising.
The beach Coilleag a Phrionnsa is named in honour of Prince Charlie and the story goes that he let fall a few seeds, which eventually took root and flowered, accounting for the blooms of sea convolvulus that flourish on the slopes above the beach.
ERISKAY CHURCH
The Roman Catholic church of St. Michael's overlooks the island’s main village. The building boasts a unique curved alter and, in testament to island sailing tradition, is home to the ship bell from the German battleship Derflinger sunk at Scapa Flow.
