North Uist

[[file:North Uist banner View from Berneray - North Uist seen from Berneray}} Lochmaddy-Loch nam Madadh - - 934844 - Lochmaddy-Loch nam Madadh

North Uist or Uibhist A Tuathis is an island in the Outer Hebrides, north of Benbecula and south of Harris, with a total population of only about 1,200 people, yet is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from north to south. It is generally flat and covered, especially in the north and east, by a very large number of lochans, or small lakes. It has no large built up settlements, having a dispersed population scattered mainly over its western side, where the machair provides grazing for crofting. Despite this its history and culture is fascinating, and there are facilities for back-packing, camping and cycling. Ferries arrive at Lochmaddy, a small settlement with a harbour, a couple of decent hotels, and one or two simple shops. The arts centre Taigh Chearsabhagh is to be found here.

North Uist Halal Explorer

North Uist Satellite Map - Satellite view of North Uist

North Uist, like the rest of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, has a long history of neglect by its landlords, and suffered from waves of clearances of the native population, and from suppression of its native Gaelic language and culture. Gaelic, however, is still commonly spoken as well as English, and place-names and other signs are now usually by default in the Gaelic. A more sympathetic approach to the island's culture and language from the Scottish Government indicate that the island is showing signs of a revival in its fortunes. Unlike South Uist, this is a predominantly Protestant island and the Jumaat is observed seriously here. Although North Uist is a little more relaxed than the more northerly islands of Harris and Lewis, Jumaat observation can be very strict.

Lochmaddy is a village that serves as the island's administrative center. Local signs use the Gaelic name Loch nam Madaidh.

Travel to North Uist

Approach lochmaddy - Lochmaddy from the Uig ferry and the mountains of Harris in the background

Buy a Flight ticket to and from North Uist

The airport for the Uists is* Benbecula Airport | 57.47390, -7.37180 | (IATA Flight Code: BEB), a short drive south across the causeway. There are Flights daily from Glasgow taking an hour, operated by Loganair. There are also flights (Monday - F) to Stornoway on Lewis: these connect to other destinations such as Edinburgh, but it's generally quicker to fly to Glasgow and take the train or other transport from there. The buses from North Uist to South Uist run past the airport on Benbecula.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in North Uist

The main ferry port is* Lochmaddy 57.597, -7.157 . This has ferries from Uig on Skye, with 1 or 2 per day taking 1 hour 45 minutes. (November - March ferries sail in only one direction on some days.) Buses from Glasgow Buchanan Street connect with the ferries from Uig, which is effectively on the mainland since Skye is now linked by a bridge.

Another ferry route is from Mallaig on the mainland to Lochboisdale on South Uist. This sails daily April-Oct taking 3 hours 30 mins and then you have a long drive north up the causeways. From Nov to March there's no sailing Tues or Thurs, and some ferries ply from Oban (a 5 hour crossing) instead of Mallaig.

North Uist is also linked to by causeway to* Berneray 57.703, -7.181 - from where a ferry crosses to Leverburgh on Harris. This runs 3 or 4 times per day, taking 1 hour.

All these ferries are operated by Calmac. They take vehicles and sail year round.

For your own boat, Lochmaddy has a small marina which which charges £2 per metre of boat length per day. There are also some mooring buoys at £10 per day.

By road

The Uists have long been linked by causeways. The road across these is well clear of the sea and passable in all tides and weathers except for the worst Atlantic winds and waves. Northbound (as B893) the road crosses to Berneray and the ferry port for Leverburgh on Harris, and ends. Southbound (as A865) it crosses to Grimsay then Benbecula, with the airport. It continues down the long thin island of South Uist, with the ferry port of Lochboisdale (ferries for Mallaig). Lastly it crosses onto Eriskay, which has ferries to Barra.

So all the Western Isles are well-linked - an important ingredient of community cohesion - and a vehicle rental office in one part should be relaxed about you taking the vehicle to the other islands. Buses also run down the chain of islands, integrated with ferries as part of the Western Isles Overland Route - you can travel in under a day between Stornoway on Lewis and Castlebay on Barra. For vehicle hire and buses on North Uist, see "Get around".

Get Around

GPS 57.60|-7.34

By road: The terrain is low-lying and easy for cycling, though the breeze is often stiff. All roads are single-track with passing places - drivers, please observe the traditional Highland etiquette. (Translation: always give way to mad fellows in white vans who are driving at Mach 2 to try to catch the ferry.) There's no vehicle hire on North Uist itself, but those on Benbecula can meet the ferry with a car. Or try Alda's Taxis & Minibus, 1 Kersavagh, Lochmaddy HS6 5AD +44 1876 500215.

Buses run six times Monday to Sat along the east or west loop of the island's primary street, connecting Lochamaddy, Berneray ferry pier, and south towards Benbecula and South Uist.

What to see in North Uist

Nuist beach - The beach at Clachan

There are many fine sandy beaches, mainly on the Western shore of North Uist. Traigh Lingeigh is a safe shallow suitable for snorkelling. The coastline around Lochmaddy and the road to Loch Portain is remarkable for the number of little sea lochans. There are several prehistoric sites worth visiting, including and the island's lochans often contain interesting remains of duns, or fortified houses.

• Balranald RSPB reserve | 57.60567, -7.51750 Balranald Nature Reserve A Where corncrakes can be heard, if rarely seen. Allow 2 or 3 hours for the circular walk.

• Taigh Chearsabhagh - 57.59877, -7.15921 Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 (17:00 in summer) - In Lochmaddy. This is an excellent art centre with a museum and gallery, a cafe, post office and a shop. Also worth seeing are the outdoor sculptures (ask inside for the guide leaflet).

• Barpa Langass 57.570556, -7.291667 NF 838657 accessible from the A687 Lochmaddy to Carinish Road Barpa Langass - A 5000-year-old burial chamber

• Pobull Finn - (Finn's People) - 57.564444, -7.2825 NF 842650 accessible from the A687 Lochmaddy to Carinish Road Pobull Fhinn A stone circle

• Dun An Sticir 57.681508, -7.207775 NF 907794 Off the road to Berneray.

Dun an Sticir An excellent example of an Iron Age broch reached across a causeway.

• Scolpaig Tower 57.646056, -7.481486 NF 731750 close to the A865 Scolpaig Tower A folly c.1830 on a small islet that can be visited at shallow water.

• Teampull Na Trionaid - The Church of the Holy Trinity - 57.5203, -7.3201 NF 816603 close to Cairinis (Carinish)

Teampull na Trionaid An early Christian site and next to the site of a battleground.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for North Uist

The Hut of the Shadows, Lochmaddy - The Hut of the Shadows, Lochmaddy

• Walk, cycle; visit the numerous artists studios; enjoy the unspoiled natural landscapes; North Uist is excellent for bird-watching and the coasts abound with sea-life.

• Visit the Hut of the Shadows and other End of the Road sculptures 57.6104, -7.1532 In Lochmaddy, Leave your vehicle in the parking space just before the road turns left to the Uist Outdoor Centre. Take the track next to the house on the right which leads towards the sea on the right. Continue following the track past the high fences. It leads you to the small suspension bridge, and over the bridge, take the track down to the right towards the sea and you will reach the stone-built chamber. - Completed around Easter 1997 with the help of local people by English-based artist Chris Drury on behalf of the Taigh Chearsabhagh. This is well worth a visit and you may be able to spot otters in the vicinity if you are patient.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in North Uist

Lochmaddy - - 1343327 - Lochmaddy main street near the grocer All the shops in North Uist are shut on a Sunday, but shops on on Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay are open on Sunday afternoons.

• Co-op Supermarket - Sollas, HS6 5BS 57.65000, -7.34452 Opening from Monday to Saturday 07:00 - 22:00 - Supermarket with 3 aisles. There are also Co-ops on Benbecula and South Uist, which are open on Sunday.

• Bayhead Shop 57.58787, -7.44074
• Hebridean Smokehouse - 57.55497, -7.33957 Clachan, Locheport HS6 5HD - For really excellent smoked salmon and other smokery gifts

• Morrison's Grocer HS6 5AA 57.60170, -7.16370 Lochmaddy ☎ +44 1876 500324 Opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00-21:00 Sells newspapers after they arrive about noon, and groceries, including Nisa products. Gulf petrol across the road.

• The Gift Shop 57.60038, -7.16102 Lochmaddy Opening Hours: Monday Wednesday to Friday Saturday 15:00-18:00; Tuesday Thursday 13:00-17:00 Small shop selling gifts, kitchenware and hardware.

• Bank of Scotland 57.60059, -7.16211 Lochmaddy Opening Hours: Monday Friday 09:30-12:30, 13:30-16:30 Bank with cash machine outside.

• Taigh Chearsabhagh - 57.59877, -7.15921 Lochmaddy Sells books and souvenirs.

Halal Restaurants in North Uist

For evening meals a hotel may be the best option. There is a decent cafe for Snacks in Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy. There is also a cafe and shop on Berneray.

• Claddach Kirkibost Centre - 57.56181, -7.37561 on the A865 not far (1mile) from the Clachan junction - An outstanding cafe (daytime only), perfect for a lunchtime stopover or coffee and cakes. It also has a small shop selling postcards, knitwear and local books etc. It's in an old schoolhouse now used as a day nursery; doesn't look much from outside but worth a visit and there's great views over Baleshare.

Drinks can be found in the Lochmaddy Hotel and in Westford at the pub on the west side of the island.

• Westford Inn 57.57027, -7.39683

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to North Uist

North Uist - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to North Uist, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for North Uist. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in North Uist and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to North Uist. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to North Uist. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNorth Uist: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in North Uist.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in North Uist: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in North Uist, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in North Uist.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in North Uist, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in North Uist, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within North Uist and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in North Uist, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in North Uist, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of North Uist without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for North Uist is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring North Uist.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group North Uist is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in North Uist, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group North Uist Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in North Uist

eHalal Group North Uist is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in North Uist. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in North Uist.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in North Uist ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within North Uist. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

There is a Gatliff hostel on nearby Berneray. Some can be found on the tourist board website, but many are no longer listed due to the changes and "hassle".

• The Old Courthouse Lochmaddy HS6 5AE 57.60405, -7.16230Around 15 minutes walk from the ferry. ☎ +44 1876 500358 Bed and Breakfast £25-30 per person per day.

• Rushlee House - 57.60451, -7.16538 Lochmaddy ☎ +44 1876 500274 From £50 B&B with three double rooms.

• Lochmaddy Hotel - Lochmaddy HS6 5AA 57.59802, -7.15909 300 yards from ferry terminal ☎ +44 1876 500331 - Simple hotel, 15 en suite rooms (9 with sea view). Restaurant does local cuisine, plus bar-meal type takeaways. Hotel can fix you up with fishing permits.

• Hamersay House - Lochmaddy HS6 5AE 57.60489, -7.16229 half a mile north of ferry terminal ☎ +44 1876 500700 B&B double £140 - Comfy hotel, open year-round. Brasserie serves non-residents. Bike hire available.

• Langass Lodge - Locheport HS6 5HA 57.56572, -7.28811 5 miles west of Lochmaddy ☎ +44 1876 580285 B&B Single £100, double £125 - Cozy hotel, restaurant open to non-residents.

• Temple View Hotel - Carinish HS6 5EJ 57.52383, -7.31423 near south tip of island ☎ +44 1876 580676 B&B doubles from £120 - Small hotel on coast, midway between Lochmaddy and Benbecula.

• Self-catering cottages: several available and they usually book Saturday to Saturday.

Travel Next

Going North the next islands are Berneray then Harris and Lewis. Going South the next islands are Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay then Barra.

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