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Eriskay is a tiny island is the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles off the west coast of Scotland. Being only about two and a half miles by one and a half it has an incredibly fascinating history and a stunning variety of flora and fauna. Situated not too far of the Isle of Barra (a forty minute ferry journey away) and attached to South Uist by a small causeway Eriskay is an excellent place to stay if you wish to explore the southern parts of the Western Islands.

Despite being on the Western fringes of Europe the island has had an important role in the history of the United Kingdom in that it was on Eriskay that Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie” or “the Young Pretender”, first set foot on British soil to pursue the throne for his father. The arrival of Charles and the “seven men of Moidart” marked the start of the infamous 1745 Jacobite Rising which sadly ended on the battlefield of Culloden and the flight of the Prince across Scotland back to the Outer Hebrides from where he returned to France.

Another claim to fame, for the Isle of Eriskay, is that it was just off this small island that, in 1941, a cargo vessel, the SS Politician, ran aground. The Politician’s cargo, whisky, was quickly “liberated” by the islanders but upon the arrival of the customs man something of a cat and mouse chase began as he searched every nook and cranny on the island for the bottles illicit whisky and the islanders were forced to find more inventive places for their stash. The hilarious story was the inspiration for the Compton Mackenzie novel Whisky Galore, and subsequent classic Ealing comedy film, Whisky Galore!

Eriskay has similar countryside to the other islands however it appears less spoilt (by tourists) due to the fact that the causeway access was only opened in 2001. Since then tourism has been on the increase which has led to an increase in the number of camper vans and other large vehicles damaging the sensitive machair. Machair is a rare type of land with a richly fertile, but rather thin, soil which is often festooned in wild flowers and other interesting flora. Popular machair and beaches include Coilleag na Phrionnsa to Rudh Ban.

The facilities are surprisingly good, for such a small island, and include the Eriskay Co-Operative store and post office which supply all of the essentials. Other facilities include the Co-Operative at Daliburgh on South Uist (food) where you will find other facilities including petrol pumps and the Daliburgh Medical centre (01878 700302). At Lochboisdale you will find the terminal for the vehicle ferry from Oban and Barra.

Accommodation on the Isle of Eriskay can be difficult to find with only a couple of self catering cottages/houses available. 10 Bun A Mhullin is a traditional Hebridean cottage/house near to the ERISKAY Co-Operative and the Community Hall (which holds events throughout the year). This self catering property can accommodate up to eight folk and is relatively easy to find online. Alternatively you may wish to stay in accommodation on South Uist.

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