Benbecula

Benbecula Beach - Benbecula Beach

Benbecula (Gaelic Beinn Na Faoghla or Beinn nam Fadhla) is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, with a resident population of 1300. The name is a medieval mispronunciation: "pen" ie flat land turned into "ben" for mountain, which it doesn't have. "Becula" means "of the fords" - the island is separated from North and South Uist by shallow channels that you can wade across at low tide and that are nowadays crossed by a road. The main settlement is Balivanich, next to the airport.

The island just north, Grimsay, is considered part of Benbecula, as it's tidal and you can walk not wade there - but the primary street also crosses it. It's just heath and farms.

Benbecula Halal Travel Guide

The island is predominantly Gaelic-speaking - English is universally understood - and Roman Catholic. The primary street cuts north-south across the boggy interior, while the airport, settlements and amenities straggle along a loop of road along the west coast. Always a poor prospect for arable farming, in the 19th C Benbecula was turned over to sheep and sporting estates and much of the population ruthlessly evicted. The island developed rapidly anew in the 20th C for military bases and missile ranges, gaining its airport and other facilities and the road causeways and many ugly buildings. This means that most visitors use it to fly in, but skip on quickly elsewhere. It's not notably scenic, but its lochs and beaches are tranquil and deserted.

In 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie (1720-1788) was cast up here, a fugitive after the collapse of the Jacobite Rebellion; Flora Macdonald disguised him as an Irish maid and got him away to Skye. Another famous visitor was Hercules (1975-2001), a tame grizzly bear that in 1980 was being filmed here for a Kleenex commercial when his tether broke and he ambled away. There was no sight of him for 24 anxious days - "Have any of the Irish maid costumes been taken?" - but then he was spotted and tranquillised. Being used to cooked food, Hercules had eaten none of the island's many fish, sheep or chickens and had lost 95 kg, half his weight. He went on to feature in the Bond film Octopussy.

The B892, South of Benbecula Airport - - 1382644 - The B892, South of Benbecula Airport

Travel to Benbecula

Oitir Mhor - Causeway from North Uist

Fly to Benbecula

There are direct connecting flights daily from Glasgow taking an hour, operated by Loganair. They also have direct connecting 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.

• Benbecula Airport IATA | BEB Balivanich 57.47390,-7.37180 Benbecula Airport - Benbecula aeroport - Small but adequate terminal, with toilets and cafe. Car hire but do pre-book. The north-to-south buses across Benbecula run past the airport and village.

By road

It may seem odd for a road to be the main way onto a Hebridean island, but Benbecula has long been linked to North & South Uist and doesn't have its own ferry port. The road across the causeways A865 is well clear of the sea and passable in all tides and weathers except for the worst Atlantic winds and waves. To the north it crosses to Grimsay then North Uist, where Lochmaddy has ferries to Uig on Skye (which has a bridge to the Scottish mainland). The road continues north to end on Berneray, which has ferries to Leverburgh on Harris - from there you can drive to Lewis.

To the south the road crosses to South Uist, a long island with Lochboisdale near its tip - this has ferries to Mallaig on the mainland (in winter sometimes to Oban instead). The road continues to cross onto Eriskay, which has ferries to Barra.

Buses run regularly across Benbecula (see "Get around") and connect with the ferries. All the ferries are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, take vehicles and sail year-round.

Get Around in Benbecula

GPS 57.44580|-7.31964

You'll need your own wheels to get around the island and elsewhere. No bike hire on Benbecula, see listings for North & South Uist.

Buses run six times Monday toSat down the causeways from Berneray and North Uist onto Benbecula then onward to South Uist and Eriskay. The route through Benbecula is along the primary street causeway via Grimsay to Gramsdale, turning onto the West coast road B892 past the airport and Balivanich village and then south through Nunton and Linaclate to rejoin the primary street at Creagorry. (On Grimsay the bus normally skips in and out via the primary street, but it will loop the island lane on request.) As part of the Western Isles Overland Route by bus and ferry, you can travel in under a day between Stornoway on Lewis and Castlebay on Barra.

Car hire is available from Car Hire Hebrides at Benbecula Airport +44 1870 603228 and Ask Car Hire in Creagorry +44 1870 602818.
Otherwise look for hire offices in North or South Uist.

What to See

Borve Castle 20090609 from south west - Borve Castle Culla beach - - 1516733 - Culla beach Looking south towards Nunton

• Beaches skirt the west coast of the island and are easily accessed from the coast road. Culla Bay is about the best, between Nunton and Aird.* Gramsdale Standing Stones 57.485,-7.298 are near the start of the causeway to Grimsay and North Uist. There's one large stone and ten smaller ones in a circle some 30 yards across. An ornately carved Pictish stone (in the National Museum in Edinburgh) was found here - an important find, as evidence of Pictish culture in the Gulf countriesern Isles is common. Free, generally accessible.
• Borve Castle 57.4305,-7.37722 OS map ref NF 773505 Borve Castle, Benbecula - Borve Castle 20090609 from north west - Small ruin of a 14th C tower house. Also known as "Castle Wearie" and looks it.

• Linaclete School - Sgoil Lionacleit - 57.4249,-7.3644 Has a small museum, library and a swimming pool.

Top Travel Tips

• Uist Community Riding School East Camp, Balivanich, HS7 5LA. 57.4730,-7.3643 ☎ +44 1870 602808 Horse and pony riding, including rides on the beach.

• Fishing: mostly trout fishing in the many small lochs.
• Snorkelling & freediving : you can obtain instruction and kit hire for around £75 a head, though half the point of these activities is that you can roll your wetsuit into the vehicle and plunge in anywhere.* Surfing is feasible on Benbecula, but the breaks are better on Lewis.

Shopping in Benbecula

• Lovats Supermarket is in Balinvanich (Monday to Saturday 08:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-18:00).
• Maclennan's Supermarket is in Balivanich (Monday to Saturday 08:00-20:00, Sunday 11:00-16:00).* Next door is* Macleans Bakery Balinivanich HS7 5LY 57.473,-7.389 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00-15:00 . Small bakery for bread and oatcakes with a shop onsite. They've another place a mile east at Uachdar.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Benbecula

• Stepping Stone Restaurant Balivanich HS7 5LA 57.472846,-7.378605 ☎ +44 1870 603377 Opening Hours: W-Sa 11:00-20:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00 Good food, reasonably priced. It is spacious and light, with large picture windows on each side. Its cuisine is a mixture of Scottish and international and uses local produce wherever feasible. Dine either in the formal, raised section "Sinteag", or in the informal section "The Food Base".

• An Caladh Balivanich - located on the East Camp premises Cafe serves up a range of meals and Snacks at very reasonable prices. You get good value for money as the servings are more than the usual.
• The Low Flyer in Balivanich (see "Drink") does bar meals and there's a Chinese takeaway round the side.
• The Airport Cafe (see "Get in") is generally open whenever the airport is active, non-passengers welcome and there's free parking by the terminal.
• Sgoil Lionacliet 57.4249,-7.3643 Have a school lunch at Sgoil Lionacliet during the summer holidays.

• Nunton Steadings Nunton - Thit is a cafe, gift shop and licensed bar run by the Ladyman Family.

• The Low Flyer in Balivanich is the only stand-alone pub on Benbecula. Drouthy, run-down and hours erratic.
• The Dark Island Hotel and Isle of Benbecula House Hotel have public bars, see "Sleep".

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Benbecula

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

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Benbecula: 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 Benbecula.

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

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

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

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Benbecula 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 Benbecula, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Benbecula Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Benbecula

eHalal Group Benbecula is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Benbecula. 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 Benbecula.

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 Benbecula 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 Benbecula. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Benbecula, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Benbecula are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Benbecula

Ramadan 2025 in Benbecula

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Camping & Caravaning: Shell Bay Caravan Site in Liniclate HS7 5PJ has good facilities.
• Nunton House Hostel HS7 5LU 57.456116,-7.397183 ☎ +44 1870 602017, +44 1870 603727 £25 adult, £15 child A four-room hostel with 4 bunks per room.

• Mornay Bed & Breakfast is at Aird HS7 5LT.
• Ceann na Pairc Guest House 3 Nunton HS7 5LU - ☎ +44 1870 60201 Bed & Breakfast double from £75 Bed & Breakfast with one single and three double rooms. May-Sept minimum stay is two nights.

• Borve Guest House, 5A Torlum HS7 5PP, has 4 rooms.* Orcadia Guest House is in Liniclate HS7 5PJ.
• Dark Island Hotel Liniclate HS7 5PJ 57.42416,-7.36203 by Liniclate School ☎ +44 1870 603030 Bed & Breakfast double £120 . 3-star. Public bar open 11:00-23:00, restaurant 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-21:00.

• Isle of Benbecula House Hotel Creagorry HS7 5PG. 57.4137,7.3356 on primary street just before causeway to South Uist ☎ +44 1870 603046 Bed & Breakfast double £120 Small two-star run by same management as Dark Island. Public bar open 11:00-23:00, restaurant 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-21:00.

• Several self-catering cottages around the island, including some called "guest house" that no longer run as Bed & Breakfasts.

Stay Safe

Midges! Midges, midges, midges! They're a real nuisance in summer, in silent pesky clouds and even if you don't see them, you'll find lots of bite marks later. Think twice about camping if you react badly to bites. The only sure repellent is a strong breeze . . and close that door before they all get in.

The other hazards here are likewise natural: weather, soggy moors, seas that can quickly turn rough. So it's standard advice about stout footwear and warm clothing, as if Captain Obvious was squiring your Auntie Morag.

Go Next

Either north to North Uist, for ferries to Harris / Lewis and the mainland, or south to South Uist, for ferries to Barra and the mainland. If you travel via Skye, maybe best see it first: it's far more scenic, but will feel very congested and tourist after you've been on Benbecula.

Reaching Street Kilda will involve returning to the mainland to join a big-boat cruise, it's too far out for small craft to safely venture. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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