The Isle of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides.

The island is connected to South Uist by a causeway which was opened in 2001.

Am Baile

Before the Causeway you would have to take a boat across the sound – easy enough on a good day but in winter the residents could have been cut off for days on end by stormy weather

Harbour near Ludag, South Uist

The island has an interesting history.

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie landed at this beach with a handful of men (the 7 men of Moidart).

He set of from here ‘O’er the sea to Skye’ to start the Jacobite rebellion

Coilleag a’Phrionnsa

The Ferry to Barra and a few fishing boats still use the harbour at the end of the beach.

Coilleag a’Phrionnsa

The island was also made famous by the book ‘Whiskey Galore’.

Based on true life events when, in 1941, the S.S Politician ran aground shedding it’s cargo which included 20,000 bottles of finest malt whiskey.

The locals (worried about litter and concerned for the environment) proceeded to clear up all they could find before what I’m sure was the mother of all parties.

Some believe there are still bottles hidden on the island. Either forgotten in a drunken haze or kept secret, the location taken to the grave!

Am Baile Burial Ground

Many of the houses are crofts and are scattered around the island in small clusters.

Looking North over the sound to South Uist

Although Am Baile would qualify as a village – at least it has a shop, post office and Pub (The ‘Am Politician’ named after the ship)

The islands entire water supply comes from a small lochan up on the hillside above the houses. Given the location of the island I doubt it would ever run dry.

At least they have mains electricity

Faded warning sign for electricity cables near ‘The Prince’s Beach’

This is a stunningly beautiful Island. A true Hebridean gem

 

Eriksay, Outer Hebrides, May 2013

Contax G2 Landscape Photography Velvia Zeiss Biogon 28/f2.8 Zeiss Planar 45/f2 Zeiss Sonnar 90/f2.8