North Uist is an island in the Outer Hebrides with a population of less than 2000 people. A series of causeways connect the island to others such as Benbecula, Berneray, and Baleshare. Most of the island is flat and the largest settlement is Lochmaddy. You can take a car ferry to one of the other islands and drive across the causeway to North Uist. Some of the other settlements on the island include Carinish, Port nan Long, and Scolpaig. North Uist has splendid beaches and freshwater lochs that are well stocked with trout. The backdrop of dark moorland hills makes this island a photographer’s dream. The island itself is only 13 miles long and it will take less than an hour to drive completely around it. However, there is more to North Uist than the scenery, so it would be well worth your while to spend a few days here.
When there is low tide, you can walk out to the Isle of Vallay and see the deserted mansion house on the island. Of course, the real attraction of North Uist is the bird watching. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Balranald nature reserve is located on the western side of the island and is home to millions of birds, such as gannets, artic terns and Manx shearwaters. You can also see the seals sunning themselves on the beach and at certain times of the year, the whales and porpoises put off a fine show as they romp and play in the ocean. The history of North Uist goes back many centuries as is evidenced by the numerous prehistoric structures you will find on the island. Visit Barpa Langass, a perfectly preserved chambered burial cairn which dates back to the prehistoric inhabitants of the island. You can also visit the Pobull Fhinn (Finn’s People) stone circle and not far away are the Na Fir Bhreige Standing Stones. When you visit the village of Scolpaig, you can take a walk to the Scolpaig Tower, which was built in 1830. The interior is mainly a nesting place for birds, as this tower is no longer used.
Lochmaddy, the main settlement, has a craft shop and general store. It also has a visitor’s centre called Taigh Chearsabhagh, which is the sight of changing art exhibits during the year. Enjoy walking, kayaking and canoeing while you are on North Uist and for the ultimate in a vacation adventure, you can take a cruise along the coast of the island where you can see caves and cliffs of all kinds. This island is the site of unusual sculptures that will enthral you such as the mosaic of a mackerel made from local stones in Lochmaddy. Your first visit to North Uist won’t be your last, as you can never get enough of the fresh air and the friendliness of the people.
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All North Uist photographs © Andrew P. Chick
