• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Stay safe
• Get out

Eriskay is an island in the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of around 130, scattered along the 5km or so of road. It is linked to South Uist by a causeway opened in 2002. The island is 4.5km long North to South and 2.5km wide.

In 1941 the SS Politican ran agound in the waters between Eriskay and South Uist, carrying loads of Whisky. This was the basis for the book and film Whisky Galore. It is also known for the native Eriskay Ponies.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By boat

• Barra - daily, up to 5 per day, taking 40 minutes; this ferry lands at the north end of Barra, and there are often (but not always) connecting buses to Castlebay.
• Caledonian MacBrayne, [1]. Citylink coaches and trains connect with the ferries in Oban. Details below are for Summer 2006:

Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist 4 per week, taking 5+ hours.

• Other possible mainland connections are to North Uist and Barra.

[edit] By air

In the Outer Hebrides, there are airports in Stornoway in Lewis, Benbecula and Barra. These airports provide direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The nearest airport is Barra, connected by ferry.

[edit] Causeways

Eriskay is linked by causeway to South Uist.

[edit] By Bus

Buses link South Uist with Benbecula, and Eriskay. As part of the Western Isles Overland Route combination of bus and ferry, you can travel in under a day from Stornoway or Castlebay on Barra.

[edit] Get around

Ersikay is small enough to explore on foot.

[edit] See

[edit] Do

[edit] Buy

There is a well stocked small community shop, which sells CO-OP brand products. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 10.30am-12.30pm.

[edit] Eat

[edit] Drink

Am Politain Lounge Bar and Restaurant [2]. Pub with good food, and sometimes live entertainement. Named after 'The Politician', the real ship that was wrecked during the second world war with a cargo of whisky, portrayed in the film Whisky Galore.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Bed and Breakfasts

[edit] Self Catering

Renting a house for a week or more is a popular option. Such places are generally let from Saturday to Saturday. Some of these can be found on the tourist board website [3].

• Aird na Haunn, HS8 5JH. Bookings 0141 339 2143(Glasgow) [4]
• Cuan Siar [5].
• The Flat, 2 Village, Isle of Eriskay HS8 5JL. Bookings 01878 720274 or 01540 673060
• 10 Bun A Mhullin [6]

[edit] Camping

Wild camping may be possible, enquire locally. There are showers (£1) and toilets in the ferry waiting room.

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out

Head South on the ferry to Barra, or North by road to South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist then Berneray.