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BALIVANICH

The Restful Nest at Nunton is one mile from the village of Balivanich, where there are two shops which are open every day.

The Uist and Barra hospital is in Balivanich.

MacLennans in particular provide an excellent range of produce, daily newspapers etc.

The Post Office and The Bank of Scotland (which has a cashline) are also in the village just outside the airport. There is also a petrol station and garage.

The Stepping Stones restaurant is highly rated and open daily - they serve a wide variety of local produce. There is a Riding School, and the new Community Hall has opened recently (2008).

MacGillivary’s sell a huge selection of books, CD’S, local photography and gifts.

Four miles to the south of Nunton is the Lionacleit community school. The school houses a museum, theatre, library, café and swimming pool, all for public use. The Dark Island Hotel is next to the school at Lionacleit.

CREAGORRY

Approx six miles south is the village of Creagorry, where there is a hotel, Co-op store, petrol station and post office.

Annie MacLean,
24 Muir of Aird,
Benbecula.
Tel 01870 602584

Benbecula

To the east of the island there is an abundance of fresh water lochs suitable for fishing, (permits may be required) while the west side boasts an abundance of vibrant machair land, with breathtakingly long beaches ideal for peaceful walks. It is not unusual to see seals basking on the rocks at Stinky Bay (1.5 miles south). Stinky Bay is so called for the large amount of seaweed which washes ashore and is used by the community as fertiliser.

The islands have many archaeological sites, two thirds of the chambered cairns in the Western Isles are to be found here.

Gaelic is spoken as a first language by many local people and there is a wealth of Gaelic music and folklore to be explored and enjoyed. Festivals such as Ceolas take place on the island each year.

Wildlife is varied and as well as the many birds and wild flowers for which the islands are world famous, there are otters, red deer, seals and of course the odd whale or porpoise.

NORTH & SOUTH UIST

Both North and South Uist have many places of interest. The Annual Highland Games are held in July on both islands usually, one day after another. These games attract huge numbers of visitors and competitors. There is also a cattle show on South Uist, however I cannot give dates as these change every year.

RSPB reserve Balranald, North Uist
The reserve is 3 miles from Bayhead ( Paible ) turning left off the main road at Hougharry. The summer warden can be contacted at the reception cottage at Goular near Hougharry, not at Balranald. The 1500 acre reserve was set by an agreement with crofters and comprises a wide variety of Hebridean habitats ranging from beaches to lochs and flower clad meadows.

Golf Course

The Askernish Golf Course on South Uist is set to be restored to its original 19th century layout as designed by Old Tom Morris, regarded by many as ‘the father’ of golf. The original layout, established in 1892, has more recently been overlooked until a visit in March 2005 by golf course consultant Gordon Irvine, who in agreement with the Golf club decided to restore the course as faithfully as possible to its original 18 holes.  Alterations to the course since its initial design have seen it used as a par 67, with 9 holes.

Old Tom was born in St Andrews in 1821 and became a star golfer.  The Morris father and son remain the oldest and youngest winners in the history of the Open championship. Tom (senior) won four Opens in the 1860s and was aged 46 when he won his final championship.  Young Tom was the first winner of the present-day Silver Claret Jug trophy after three previous wins he was only 17 when he won his first Open.

Western Isles Wildlife - Tours

A range of tours led by Steve Duffield are available throughout the year and can be tailored to suit your needs.  Drawing upon extensive knowledge of Western Isles wildlife, these tours provide an excellent opportunity to get the most out of your stay.  Details of recent sightings can be seen here.

Kildonan Museum

Kildonan Museum lies on the main road that runs the length of South Uist about 7 miles north of Lochboisdale. In the late 1990s Kildonan Museum was greatly expanded into what was previously a school, and it re-opened in June 1998 as very much more than just a museum. With its range of facilities, its excellent cafe, shop and nice atmosphere, the museum is an essential stopping off point on any tour of the Uists. It is open from April to end-September including Sunday afternoons.

Uist Community Riding School

Uist Community Riding School is located in the town of Balivanich on the island of Benbecula and offers road rides, beach and picnic rides as well as all day and leading rein hacks.  The school offers lessons in jumping and dressage for children and adults of all abilities. Courses are also run in stable management.

Tourist Information

Tourist information centres can be found near the ferry terminals at both Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale.  These offices will be able to point you towards the permanent and seasonal attractions throughout the Uists.

Hebridean Jewellery

'Hebridean Jewellery' is one of the top brands of Celtic and Pictish design jewellery being made in Scotland today. Since 1974 - in the workshop at Iochdar on the Island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides - the Celtic/Pictish range and a collection of wildlife pieces have been produced to an extremely high standard in silver and gold. Designed by John Hart [1914-95] and son John M Hart, the range includes traditional Scottish designs of kilt pins, thistles and Luckenbooth brooches and has a good selection of more ancient styles of jewellery such as penanular brooches, wrist and neck torcs.

Salar Smoked Salmon

Salar Smokehouse is a small, family run business situated on the shore of Loch Carnan in the Hebridean island of South Uist.

Tourist Information 

Visit Hebrides  Visit Scotland

Uist

Uist Online  South Uist.com 

Museums

Taigh Chearsabhagh  Kildonan Museum  Museum nan Eilean

Speciality Shops

Hebridean Jewellery  Hebridean Smokehouse  Salar Salmon  Kallin Shellfish

Sport and Leisure

Ceolas Summer School  Solas Golf Course  Askernish Golf Course  Benbecula Golf Course  Uist Outdoor Centre  Balranald Nature Reserve  Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve  Sgoil Lionacleit Sports Centre 

Eating Places

Langass Lodge  Orasay Inn  Taigh Chearsabhagh