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| South Uist | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 
South Uist
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| South Uist shown within Scotland | |
| OS grid reference | NF786343 |
| Names | |
| Gaelic name |  Uibhist a Deas
(help·info) |
| Pronunciation | [ˈɯ.ɪʃtʲ ə tʲes̪] |
| Meaning of name | From 'inni-vist', Old Norse for 'dwelling'. |
| Area and summit | |
| Area | 32,026 hectares (124 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 9 |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Mhòr 620 metres (2,034 ft) |
| Population | |
| Population (2001) | 1,818 |
| Population rank | 9 out of 97 |
| Main settlement | Lochboisdale |
| Groupings | |
| Island group | Uists & Barra |
| Local Authority | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
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| References | [1][2][3][4][5] |
| If shown, area and population ranks are for all Scottish islands and all inhabited Scottish islands respectively. | |
South Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a Deas) is an island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 1,818. There is a nature reserve and a number of sites of archaeological interest, including the only location in Great Britain where prehistoric mummies have been found. The population is about 90% Roman Catholic. The island, in common with the rest of the Hebrides, is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland. In 2006 South Uist, and neighbouring Benbecula and Eriskay were involved in Scotland's biggest community land buyout to date. In the north west there is a missile testing range. Its inhabitants are known in Gaelic as "Deasaich" (Southerners).
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The west is machair (fertile low-lying coastal plain) with a continuous sandy beach whilst the east coast is mountainous with the peaks of Beinn Mhòr 620 metres (2,034 ft) and Hecla 606 metres (1,988 ft). The main village on the island is Lochboisdale (Loch Baghasdail), from which ferries sail to Oban on the mainland and to Castlebay (Bàgh a' Chaisteil) on Barra. The island is also linked to Eriskay and Benbecula by causeways. Smaller settlements include Daliburgh (Dalabrog), Howmore (Tobha Mòr) and Ludag.
Tourism is important to the island's economy and attractions include the Kildonan Museum housing the sixteenth century Clanranald Stone and the ruins of the house where Flora MacDonald was born.
South Uist is home to the Askernish Golf Course. The oldest course in the Outer Hebrides, designed by Old Tom Morris, who also worked on the Old Course at St. Andrews. The course, which existed intact until the 1930s, is now being restored to Morris's original design, although this is being held up by disagreements with local crofters.[6][7] Part of the course was destroyed to make way for a runway, and its identity remained hidden for many years before its apparent discovery, but the claim is disputed by many locals.[8][9][10]
After a protracted campaign South Uist residents took control of the island on 30 November 2006 in Scotland's biggest community land buyout to date. The previous landowners, a sporting syndicate, sold the assets of the 92,000 acres (372.31 km2) estate for £4.5 million[11] to a Community Company known as Stòras Uibhist which was set up to purchase the land and to manage it in perpetuity.[12][13] The buyout resulted in most of South Uist, and neighbouring Benbecula, and all of Eriskay coming under community control.[14]
The proposal for community ownership has received the overwhelming support of the people of the islands who look forward to participating in the opportunity to regenerate the local economy, to reverse decline and depopulation, to reduce dependency while remaining aware of the environmental needs, culture and history of the islands. The company name Stòras Uibhist symbolises hope for the future wealth and prosperity of the islands.
In the north west of the island at (57°20′N 07°20′W / 57.333°N 7.333°W), a missile testing range was built in 1957-58 to launch the Corporal missile, Britain and America's first guided nuclear weapon. This development went ahead despite significant protests, some locals expressing concern that the Scottish Gaelic language would not survive the influx of English-speaking army personnel. The British Government claimed that there was an 'overriding national interest' in establishing a training range for their newly purchased Corporal, a weapon that was to be at the front line of Cold War defence. The Corporal missile was tested from 1959 to 1963, before giving way to Sergeant and Lance tactical nuclear missiles. The 'rocket range' as it is known locally has also been used to test high altitude research rockets, Skua and Petrel, which despite their purportedly scientific remit, were operated by the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment in Aldermaston.
The range is still owned by the MoD operated by QinetiQ as testing facility for missile systems such as the surface-to-air Rapier missile and Unmanned Air Vehicles[15] In 2009 the MOD announced that is was considering running down its missile testing ranges in the Western Isles,[16] with potentially serious consequences for the local economy.
Loch Druidibeg in the north of the island is a National Nature Reserve owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The reserve covers 1,677 hectares of machair, bog, freshwater lochs, estuary, heather moorland and hill.[17] Over 200 species of flowering plants have been recorded on the reserve, some of which are nationally scarce. South Uist is considered the best place in the UK for the aquatic plant Slender Naiad (Najas flexilis)[18] which is a European Protected Species.
Nationally important populations of breeding waders are also present, including redshank, dunlin, lapwing and ringed plover. The reserve is also home to greylag geese on the loch and in summer corncrakes on the machair. Otters and hen harriers are also seen.
There has been considerable controversy over hedgehogs on South Uist. The animals are not native to the islands, having been introduced in the 1970s to reduce garden pests. They now pose a threat to the eggs of ground nesting wading birds on the reserve. In 2003 Scottish Natural Heritage undertook a cull of hedgehogs in the area.[19][20]
The SEARCH project (Sheffield Environmental and Archaeological Research Campaign in the Hebrides) on South Uist has been developing a long-term perspective on changes in settlement and house form from the Bronze Age to the 19th century. Organisation within Iron Age roundhouses appears to have been very different from 19th century blackhouses in which the dwelling was shared with stock.[21]
The archaeological site of Cladh Hallan, the only site in Great Britain where prehistoric mummies have been found, is on South Uist.[22]
"Uist,
North and South". Encyclopædia
Britannica (11th ed.). 1911.
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South Uist is an island in the Outer Hebrides.
On 30 November 2006, 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.
Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist 4 per week, taking 5+ hours.
In the Outer Hebrides, there are airports in Stornoway in Lewis, Benbecula and Barra. These airports provide direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The nearest airport is Benbecula.
South Uist is linked by causeway to Benbecula to the North and Eriskay to the South.
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.
There are good bus services during the day Mon - Sat, but little in the evening and no buses on a Sunday.
The Big Garden, Cille Bhrighde (West Kilbride). Hand-spun wools, knitted/crocheted/woven garments and other items. T: +44 1878 700828. W: The Big Garden
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
Some can be found on the tourist board website [4], but many are no longer listed due to the charges and "hassle".
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 [6].
8 Askernish/Aisgernis, HS8 5SY. 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. Located about 1 mile north of Daliburgh/Dalabrog. T: +44 1878 700828. W: South Uist Self Catering.
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Category: Outline articles
| South Uist | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| OS grid reference: | NF786343 |
| Names | |
| Gaelic name: | Uibhist-a-Deas |
| Meaning of name: | From 'inni-vist', Old Norse for 'dwelling'. |
| Area and Summit | |
| Area: | 32,026 ha |
| Area rank (Scottish islands): | 9 |
| Highest elevation: | Beinn Mhor 620 m |
| Population | |
| Population (2001): | 1,818 |
| Population rank (inhabited Scottish islands): | 9 out of 97 |
| Main settlement: | Lochboisdale |
| Groupings | |
| Island Group: | Uists & Barra |
| Local Authority: | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| References: | [1][2][3] [4][5] |
South Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist-a-Deas) is an island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 1,818. There is a nature reserve and a number of sites of archaeological interest, including the only location in Great Britain where prehistoric mummies have been found. The population is about 90% Roman Catholic. The island, in common with the rest of the Hebrides, is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland. In 2006 South Uist, and neighbouring Benbecula and Eriskay were involved in Scotland's biggest community land buyout to date. In the north west there is a missile testing range.
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   | Flags of the world - Hebrides - Hebrides (United Kingdom) |
| | An Gàrradh Mòr, Historic walled garden at Cille Bhrìghde - The Big Garden - Welcome!/ Faìlte |
| | Corporal missile inaccuracy revealed, The Guardian Sept 6 2003 - British warhead was misguided missile | UK news | The Guardian |
| | Stòras Uibhist - Welcome :: Stòras Uibhist |
| | southuist.com - South Uist - Accommodation News Events Photos |
| | Iochdar.co.uk, a website about outdoor recreation in South Uist - Sgoil an Iochdair agus a'Choimhearsnachd |
| | StorasUibhist.com, the official website of the community-owned South Uist Estate - Welcome :: Stòras Uibhist |
| | Land buyout reality for islanders - BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Land buyout reality for islanders |
| | Ordnance Survey - Ordnance Survey, Britain's national mapping agency |
| | Am Paipear Community Newspaper - Am Paipear Website |
| | Crofters deny Old Tom claim - BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Old Tom claim denied by crofters |
| | ''The Chronicle of Man''. Manx Society. Vol XXII, - Author's Preface - ManxSoc Vol. XXII. 'The Chronicle of Man and the Sudreys'. |
| | BBC - History - The Mummies of Cladh Hallan - BBC - History - Mummification in Bronze Age Britain |
| | Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue - Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue - Stop the slaughter of the Uist hedgehogs campaign |
| | JNCC Slender Naiad report - 1833 Slender naiad Najas flexilis - SAC selection species account |
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