Eriskay

Outer Hebrides


There's not much to see on Eriskay, but you'll pass through it on the way to the car ferry that crosses to Ardmhor at the northern end of Barra; Eriskay itself is connected to South Uist by a causeway that was constructed in 2001.

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot in Scotland on the west coast of Eriskay, on the sandy beach (immediately north of the ferry terminal) still known as Prince’s Strand (Coilleag a’Phrionnsa).

More recently the SS Politician sank just off the island in 1941. The islanders salvaged much of its cargo of around 250,000 bottles of whisky and, after a binge of dramatic proportions, the police intervened and a number of the islanders landed in jail. The story was immortalised by Sir Compton Mackenzie in his comic novel Whisky Galore, made into a famous film in 1949 and remade in 2016.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Outer Hebrides attractions

1. Traigh Mor

7.12 MILES

This vast expanse of firm golden sand (the name means ‘Big Strand’) serves as Barra’s airport (a mile across at low tide, and big enough for three …

2. Kildonan Museum

10.65 MILES

Six miles north of Lochboisdale, Kildonan Museum explores the lives of local crofters through its collection of artefacts, an absorbing exhibition of B&W…

3. Kisimul Castle

11.56 MILES

Castlebay takes its name from the island fortress of Kisimul Castle, first built by the MacNeil clan in the 11th century. A short boat trip (weather…

4. Barra Heritage Centre

11.56 MILES

This centre has Gaelic-themed displays about the island's history and culture, genealogical records, local art exhibitions and a tearoom.

5. Loch Druidibeg

16.79 MILES

The northern part of South Uist is mostly occupied by the watery expanses of Loch Bee and Loch Druidibeg. The area is a Site of Special Scientific…