EriskayAbout Eriskay
Eriskay is a small inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, part of the island group often called the Western Isles. It is known locally for its Gaelic culture and small crofting communities.
The island is notable for its beaches, croftland scenery and traditional island life rather than large attractions; people visit for walking, birdlife and community events. It has a small settled village and local infrastructure that supports day visitors and residents.
The wreck of the SS Politician off Eriskay in 1941 and the subsequent salvage of its cargo of whisky is a well-documented incident that inspired the story Whisky Galore. The island also gives its name to the native Eriskay pony, a traditional Hebridean pony breed.
Eriskay sits in the Sound between South Uist and Barra in the southern Outer Hebrides and is connected to South Uist by a causeway. The island is reached by road from South Uist and by local ferry services to nearby islands.
- Causeway link: Connected to South Uist by a short causeway, providing a fixed road link to the larger island.
- SS Politician wreck: Location of the 1941 grounding of the cargo ship SS Politician, an event that inspired the novel and film Whisky Galore.
- Eriskay pony: Source of the native Eriskay pony breed, a small traditional Hebridean pony.
Nearby Attractions to Eriskay
Best Time to Visit Eriskay
Late spring through early autumn is best for calmer seas and full services; winter is only for those seeking solitude and storm-watching.
Weather & Climate near Eriskay
Eriskay's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1375 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 150 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 108 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 118 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 3° | 76 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 6° | 62 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 71 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.6h |
| July | Good | 11° - 15° | 13° | 89 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 11° - 16° | 13° | 104 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.0h |
| September | Poor | 10° - 14° | 12° | 134 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 12° | 7° | 159 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 3° | 154 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 150 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
How to Get to Eriskay
Eriskay is reached by causeway from South Uist; ferries and vehicle services connect South Uist to the rest of the Hebrides, with the nearest major ferry link at Lochboisdale. Many travelers reach the Outer Hebrides via Oban or Ullapool on the mainland and then take scheduled ferries to South Uist, followed by the short road crossing to Eriskay.
Tips for Visiting Eriskay
- The postboat to Eriskay is a classic West Highland sailing-check timetables and book Faroes-style ferry tickets in advance in peak summer.
- Visit the Eriskay Pony Centre to see the tiny native ponies that nearly vanished by mid-20th century.
- Try the local delicacy 'crownie' (a type of oat cake) at the village café.