South Hebrides Accommodation

South Uist Tourist Information Outer Hebrides

South Uist is a one of the most varied islands in terms of its landscape and habitats. The west is largely covered in machair with a string of sandy beaches while the west is backed by the range of hills with the highest peak Beinn Mhor.

Admiring the scenery, enjoying the peace and beauty, walking and outdoor activities are the themes that'll keep you occupied in South Uist.

South Uist Tourist Information

South Uist is the largest of the southern Hebridean islands. It is linked to Benbecula by a causeway. The west of South Uist is largely covered in machair with 20 miles of gorgeous beaches in sheltered bays. The east has a backdrop of a stunning range of hills, the highest being Beinn Mhor at 620 metres. This is excellent walking country. Try the Pick a Walk facility on the Walk the Hebrides link right for walks on South Uist.

The main road runs north to south through the island but you'll have to venture off this to see the traditional crofting villages and beaches. The island has Roman Catholic roots as opposed to the Protestant North Uist.

Lochboisdale in the south east of the island is South Uist's main town on the east coast. This is where the ferry docks on South Uist and where the island's tourist office is based. South Uist Tourist Information, Pier Road, Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist HS8 5TH. Tel: 01878 700286. Fax: 01878 700286 Open: April-October. The town also has a bank, post office, garage, grocers, public toilets and a supermarket three miles west out of town.

A causeway at Ludag in the south of the island links South Uist to the island of Eriskay.

Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve

South Uist is an excellent location for wildlife. Loch Druidibeg is 1,677 hectares of National Nature Reserve in the north of the island. It's a fantastic microcosm of all the wildlife and habitats found on the islands.

The reserve contains gneiss believed to be the oldest rocks in Europe at over 3,000 million years old. In the wet climates of the Hebrides these are often covered in peat which support a limited but specialist range of plants and animals. Nearer the Atlantic coast the influence of the sea has a greater effect on the land and its habitats and salt and windblown sand add nutrients to the soils giving rise to more species rich habitats like the machair. On the island on the loch there are remnants of ancient forests that would once have been common before peat started forming on the islands.

Loch Druidibeg has long been an important breeding site for greylag geese, which remain in the Uists throughout the year. You are also likely to see golden eagles hunting along the Ben Mhor and Hecla slopes where you'll also find red grouse and golden plover.

You can visit Loch Druidibeg all year round although the southwest corner is restricted during the bird nesting season, Apr-end August. A self-guided leaflet is available from Tourist Offices and the local Scottish Natural Heritage office at Stilligarry, South Uist HS8 5RS. Tel: 01870 620238.

Outdoor Activities South Uist

With the many lochs fishing is popular on South Uist. The alkaline influence of the sea and sand give rise to excellent brown and sea trout fishing. Check the Fish the Hebrides link right for more information on fishing on South Uist.

Walking is also popular as the best way to take in the views and habitats. There are low level walks along the coast or aroudn the flower rich machair or for more challenging climbs you can try the summits on the mountains on the east. Check the Walk the Hebrides "Pick a Walk" facility to find walks on South Uist including the waymarked walk through Loch Druidibeg.

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