The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are an archipelago lying just off the north west coast of Scotland.  The isles of the Inner and Outer Hebrides have been lived on since the Mesolithic period and through their history the culture and language has been greatly influenced by numerous races and today the culture of the Hebrides is a mix of Scottish, English, Norse and Celtic influences. In general most folk speak in the Gaelic language and although some speak English, it is most likely their second language. Not too many years ago visits to the Inner and Outer Hebrides were only for the rich folk and those folk who had plenty of time. Nowadays it is far, far to get to the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles, you can get there by ferry and car or take a flight to various airports on the islands. Sadly you are unable to get all of the way by train although you can catch a train to the coast and then travel by coach for the rest of the journey. Often the only problem that can happen is sorting a place to stay especially if  you are looking for Harris accommodation for groups which is often fully booked up.

One of the main reasons folk visit the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is that the the culture and landscape of the Isles are dramatically unique.  Dotted all along the south west coast of the Isle of Harris you will discover some of the most stunning beaches in all of Scotland, and many people say the whole of Britain. Here and there you will see a standing stone on Harris however it is on the Isle of Lewis that you will find the most incredible circle of standing stones at Callanish not a great distance from the town of Stornoway the main town in the Outer Hebrides. The stone circle at Callanish is said to be second to only England’s Stonehenge.

Deciding whether to stay on Lewis or Harris is often a difficult decision and more people are choosing to spend a short time on each. Lewis bed and breakfast is often easier to find than Harris accommodation, book early to avoid problems.

Bed & breakfast in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is is fairly easy to find but to be safe book early. Virtually all accommodation in the Outer Hebrides is of a high standard and the hospitality is the best you are likely to witness and the folk friendly and helpful.

Besides the Isles of Lewis and Harris there are a few other inhabited isles that are very easy to visit. The most commonly visited are the Uists, Barra and Benbecula and there is a ferry which runs from Harris to North Uist at the South Harris village of Leverburgh.

South Uist is found in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The main inhabited islands are Lewis, South Uist, North Uist, Harris, Barra, Benbecula and Eriskay and a great many islands which are only inhabited by livestock and wildlife. In the article below I introduce the island of South Uist and explain why the island is such a superb destination for a vacation, plus I introduce some places to stay on South Uist.

The Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) are unique, they have totally unique species of flora & fauna in a incredible environment with some of the most beautiful beaches, coves and inlets in Britain. The culture in the islands is a complex mix of influences from the Norse, Gaelic and Celtic, which could also be said to be somewhat unique.

On the island of South Uist, especially in the west, you will discover the most picturesque beaches and a little inland vast areas of land called machair. Machair is unique to this part of the world, it is a type of immensely fertile, low-lying grassland which is decorated with a mass of wildflowers during spring and summer. Many folk believe that the beaches on South Uist are the best in the country, Great Britain, and even Europe.

The island is also an excellent venue to enjoy a round of golf. Askernish Golf Course is the oldest Hebridean course and it was designed by Old Tom Morris (the designer of the Old Course at St. Andrews) and numerous others in Scotland. Unfortunately the course was damaged and it is in need of restoration before it can be played on again but you will find many other golf courses across the islands.

Obviously South Uist offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in a vast array of sports. Water sports such as surfing are immensely popular and nearly everybody can enjoy a little rambling. Other than golf the most popular sport is still fishing although more cyclists appear annually.

Although the island does not have a marvelous selection of galleries and museums it has enough to keep visitors entertained during wet weather. Places such as Kildonan Museum focus upon the history of the island and the islands association with Flora MacDonald and Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie).

South Uist Accommodation

The Polochar Inn is situated in Lochboisdale in the southerly part of the island. This is a 4 star rated South Uist hotel which overlooks the islands of Eriskay and Barra. All rooms are en-suite and all feature WiFi internet access.

Self catering accommodation on South Uist is excellent for small groups and families. 10 Bun A Mhullin is a roomy self catering traditional Hebridean cottage/House on Eriskay which is joined to South Uist by a small bridge.

If you considering a vacation on South Uist please take a look at our listings of Hotels on South Uist.