South Uist

[[file:South Uist banner Lochboisdale from the ferry.JPG}} Tobha Mor from Howmore. - - 612427 - Tobha Mor from Howmore Sheltered inlet at the top of Loch Boisdale - - 480967 - Sheltered inlet at the top of Loch Boisdale

South Uist or Uibhist A Deas is an island in the Outer Hebrides with population of less than 2,000 but extending over 25 miles from north to south. It is one of the last strongholds of the Gaelic language, and has a long history reflected in the many archaeological remains that can be visited. There are no large towns, and the population is generally spread thinly on the machairs of the western side. But South Uist has a beauty of its own, with ever changing weather, and is a good place for bird and wildlife watching.

South Uist Halal Travel Guide

Like much of the Highlands and Islands, Uist and its population was neglected and persecuted by its landlords for many years, and fell into long decline. Under new legislation, however, on 30 November 2006 and the Community buyout of the South Uist Estate by Stòras Uibhist was agreed. This will not have any immediate impact for the visitor, but may improve things over the next few years, as already has happened on Gigha and Eigg. The island is predominatly Catholic and takes a more relaxed view of the Jumaat that its northerly neighbours.

Travel to South Uist

Buy a Flight ticket to and from South Uist

The airport for the Uists is* Benbecula Airport | 57.47390, -7.37180 | (IATA Code: BEB), a short drive north 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 between South Uist and North Uist run past the airport on Benbecula.

Another route is to cross by ferry to Barra, which has daily Flights to Glasgow. But it's a smaller plane with only 15 kg checked baggage allowance, and tide-dependent as it lands on the beach. If there's some reason why you can't get on the Benbecula flight, it will probably also apply to the Barra flight.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in South Uist

The ferry port for South Uist is* Lochboisdale 57.153, -7.307 near the south tip of the island. April-Oct this has ferries daily from Mallaig (3 hours 30 mins) on the Scottish mainland. The outbound ferry can be visited - only just! - by the first train of the day from Glasgow; the return connection is less fraught. In winter the Mallaig ferry runs Wed, Saturday & Sunday in Dec, Jan & late Feb. Otherwise in winter and the ferry is from Oban (5 hours to Lochboisdale) Monday & Friday in Dec, Jan & late Feb, and on Mon, Wed, Fri, Saturday & Sunday in Nov, early February and March.

The ferries are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) and take vehicles. Another route is to sail from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy in North Uist and drive south.

Lochboisdale has a marina, with fuel and facilities for launching boats; mooring charge £10 a night.

Causeways

South Uist is linked by causeway to Benbecula to the North and Eriskay to the South.

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.

How to get around in South Uist

GPS 57.236|-7.356 Walking, or cycling.

By Bus

There are good bus services during the day Monday - Sat, but little in the evening and no buses on a Sunday.

• Western Isles bus timetables]

What to see in South Uist

Howmore_church - The ecclesiastical site at Howmore, or Tobha Mor

• Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve - 57.3155, -7.3254 A Loch Druidibeg in the north of the island with over 200 species of flowering plant.
• Our Lady of the Isles - 57.342731, -7.360725 Our Lady of the Isles a 9 metre high statue (NF 776407) of the virgin and child by Huw Lorimer erected in 1957 and the largest religious statue in the British Isles. It faces the Protestant northern islands, and greets entry to the Catholic south.
• Dun Vulan - Dun Mhulan | 57.240556, -7.449167 half way down the island, (NF 715297) near the track to Bornish or Bornais. - Dun Vulan 20090609 02 Dun Vulan an Iron Age broch and settlement.
• Kildonan Museum - Kildonan 57.22204, -7.39568 Opening Hours: Apil to the end of September. Daily 10:00 - 17:00with a good display of local history, crafts, and a decent cafe.
• Flora McDonald's birthplace - 57.21633, -7.40074 (NF 740269) - 3 miles north of Daliburgh where the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie avoid capture was born.
• Taigh Dubh or blackhouses - the traditional dwelling of the Uist crofter can be seen, and some are now restored, such as at Howmore or Tobha Mor (NF 758364), where there is an important medieval ecclesiastical site.
• Bornish - Bornais - 57.243, -7.406 NF 729302 - Bornish the site of three settlement mounds from the Late Iron Age.
• Beaches - The wonderful beaches all along the western coast.
• Ormacleit Castle - 57.260878, -7.408875 - Ormacleit Castle 20090609 Ormacleit Castle ruins of a mansion house from 1707, destroyed by fire in 1715.

Best things to do in South Uist

• Play Golf at Askernish - 57.1891, -7.4161 Askernish A course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1891, and after many years of neglect restored in 2008.

• Walking - hillwalking Ben Mhor, Ben Corodale and Hecla. For keen and experienced hillwalkers there is a good horseshoe walk direct from the hostel at Howmore which leads into the most spectacular and interesting of the South Uist hills. Note - paths are non-existent or indistinct, so take compass, maps and sensible clothing.

• Fly Fishing - angling | Opening Hours: salmon 1 February - 31 Oct, brown trout 15 Mar – 30 Sep, Monday - Saturday only permits from £8 per day - Excellent Fishing for brown trout, sea trout and salmon on numerous hill lochs. Several lochs have boats for anglers to use.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in South Uist

• Co-op - Daliburgh HS8 5SS 57.16268, -7.36847 Opening Hours: Monday to Sat 8.00-20.00, Sunday 12:30-18:00. Supermarket with about 5 aisles.
• Clothes and hardware shop - Lochboisdale near the pier
• Uist artists and craftspersons shop - Kildonan Centre, HS8 5RZ near Kildonan Museum, about 3 miles north of Daliburgh Opening Hours: end Mar to mid-October: Monday - Saturday 11am to 4.30pm, Sunday 1pm to 4pm
• The Big Garden - Cille Bhrighde (West Kilbride) 57.1034, -7.3552 ☎ +44 1878 700828 - Seasonal fruit and vegetables, hand-spun wools, knitted/crocheted/woven garments and other items.

Halal Restaurants in South Uist

• Salar Smokehouse, Lochcarnan, HS8 5PD for hand crafted smoked delicacies
• The Big Garden, Cille Bhrighde (West Kilbride). Organically-grown fresh garden produce, eggs, preserves. Teas, coffees and other refreshments served in the garden (or to take away) on fine days. T: +44 1878 700828. W: The Big Garden]

• Lochboisdale Cafe - Post Office, Kenneth Drive, Lochboisdale, HS8 5TJ ☎ +44 1878 700313 Coffee and home baking in the post office.

See Hotels below

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to South Uist

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

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSouth 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 South Uist.

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

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in South 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 South 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 South Uist and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in South Uist, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in South 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 South 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 South 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 South Uist.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group South 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 South Uist, please contact:

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

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hostels

• Howmore Youth Hostel - 57.30281, -7.38606 Simple hostel with no advance booking (and no phone)

Bed and Breakfasts

Some can be found on the tourist board website , but many are no longer listed due to the charges and "hassle".

• Brae Lea House - Lochboisdale,HS8 5TH 57.15798, -7.31391 ☎ +44 1878 700497 - A guest house with ensuite bedrooms about a mile from the ferry.
• Wireless Cottage - Lochboisdale 57.15390, -7.30980 5-10 minutes walk from the ferry. ☎ +44 1878 700660

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].

• 8 Askernish/Aisgernis - HS8 5SY about 1 mile north of Daliburgh/Dalabrog ☎ +44 1878 700828 - from £192 (3 nights in November) A traditional croft cottage (fully renovated 2006) with wood-burning stove and all the comforts required for up to four people at any time of year. Dogs welcome. Bedrooms - double and twin. Kitchen with breakfast bar; Living room; Bathroom with shower over. Well-maintained and spotless.

Hotels

• Lochboisdale Hotel - 57.15295, -7.30440 Right next the ferry pier. ☎ +44 1878 700332 - from £45 - 10 room traditional hotel which particularly caters for those fishing for the excellent local brown trout (has a rod room). Good bar meals in the evening.
• Polochar Inn - 57.1052, -7.3755 ☎ +44 1878 700215
• Borrodale Hotel - 57.1679, -7.3737 on the primary street at the turn-off for Lochboisdale ☎ +44 1878 700444 - from £58 - 12 room hotel

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from South Uist

• Going north the next islands are Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray (all connected by causeway) then take a ferry to Harris and Lewis.
• Going south the next islands are Eriskay (connected by causeway) then take a ferry to Barra.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.