South Uist Attractions Uibhist a Deas

A popular destination is the house near Askernish where Flora MacDonald was born. She is best known for her bravery in helping "Bonnie Prince Charlie" to escape from the English in 1746. A memorial to the courageous heroine stands in the ruined cottage.

Loch Druidibeg Bird Reserve lies at the foot of the Reuval Hill.

The main town of South Uist is Lochboisdale (pop. 300) where in the summer the harbor receives ferries from Oban.

The islands were made a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1983 for the maritime vegetation, rock shore and cliff habitats as well as for the seabird population. Breeding species include seabirds, particularly razorbill, guillemot, fulmar, kittiwake and shag. All the islands have significant archaeological sites, with several designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments, including the village area on Mingulay.

A good road runs from north Uist to south Uist. One of the first landmarks is Reuval Hill with its 33ft/10m high Madonna which was designed by Hew Lorimer in 1930.

Although the scenery is similar to Barra, deserted beaches and bizarre rock formations characterize the coastlines of the small islands that lie to the south: Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh), Sandray (Sanndraigh), Pabbay (Pataigh), Mingulay (Miu' Laigh) and Berneray (Bearnaraigh) with Barra Head (Ceann Barraigh) marking the southern tip.