Benbecula is one of the Outer Hebrides Islands, off the west coast of Scotland and is home to about 1300 people. The name comes from the Gaelic "Beinn na Faoghla", meaning mountain of the ford. It lies between the islands of North Uist and South Uist and is connected these islands by means of a causeway. There are daily flights from Glasgow to the Benbecula Airport and there are ferries to both North Uist and South Uist from the mainland.
The main settlement on Benbecula is Balivanich and this town is the main admisitrative center for the islands of Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist. It is also the home of the artillery firing range. There are villages scattered throughout the island and while most of them are on the western side, there are villages such as Craigstrome. This part of the island has a lot of bogs and marshes and it is here that you will find Ruabhal, the highest peal on Benbecula at 124 m.
The recorded history of Benbecula dates back to the 6
th century when a monastery was established here. The name Balivanich means town of the monks and you can esaily see the ruins of the monastery of Teampull Chalium Chille to the south of the town. The airfield was the control center for the Hebrides Rocket Range during the height of the Cold War and there is still a military presence on the island.
You will be enthralled by the scenery when you visit Benbecula. Walk along the mountain paths, but if you want to visit the marshy areas, you should make sure that you bring your boots. This island is home to many species of wildlife and you may enounter some of them roaming freely as you take a walk. This will give you a chance to see these creatures in their natural habitat. There are many species of flowers that bloom here as well, some of which are extinct in other parts of the country.
Walk along the beaches and feel the spray from the Atlantic Ocean hitting your face.
You will not have any difficulty finding accommodations here and the restaurants serve delicious meals and snacks. The pubs are the center of the villages and it is here that you will get to the heart of Benbecula by meeting the local people.
All Benbecula photographs © Andrew P. Chick