Welcome toEriskay
The essence of the Outer Hebrides: the home of Whisky Galore, indigenous ponies, and the landing place of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
More about Eriskay
Ideal for:
History & heritage
Nature & wildlife
Cycling
Walking
The original Whisky Galore! island
For such a small island, Eriskay has had more than its fair share of action. It was the first place Bonnie Prince Charlie set foot on British soil in 1745, and in 1941 the SS Politician ran aground and spilt its cargo of whisky onto Eriskay's shores. You can see one of the original whisky bottles in the Politician Bar - and Eriskay is the original Whisky Galore! island made famous by the film.
Of course, it's not all about history - Eriskay also has beautiful landscapes, sandy beaches and stretches of machair grassland. Look out for the Eriskay ponies, a protected rare breed with a distinctive grey coat. Eriskay is small enough to explore on foot, and it's connected to South Uist by causeway, if you did decide to explore further.
For more information on Eriskay visit the Visit Outer Hebrides website.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
For more information on what to expect in the Outer Hebrides now it is gradually opening its doors once again , watch the video below.
Find out about Scottish Island Passport here
How to get here
You can get to Eriskay on the ferry from Barra, or via the causeway from South Uist. The journey takes 40 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board..
By Car
Electric vehicle charging points are available at the Eriskay Ferry Terminal.
Helpful tips for driving on Eriskay
Video transcript - How to drive on single track roads
Travelling without a car
By Bus
Bus services operate regularly (Monday to Saturday) throughout the Outer Hebrides. Local services connect to Berneray, South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.
By Foot
The Isle of Eriskay is connected to the tip of South Uist by causeway. Eriskay is only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide but offers fantastic opportunity for walking and being in the great outdoors. Eriskay has beautiful unspoilt beaches and fantastic hills to climb including Beinn Scrien, the island's highest peak which offers views of the islands coast, the Isle of Barra, the Cuillin range in Skye and South Uist. For more information about walks on Berneray why not visit the Visit Outer Hebrides website.
By Bike
Eriskay offers some challenging hills for cyclists and links into the 185 mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route that crosses 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries.
Note: If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your journey at CycleStreets .
Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?
With 5 routes to and from the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.
Whether you are looking to explore on an Island Hopping holiday or find a different route home we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.
Here are the 5 route options to the Outer Hebrides
Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (Uists) from Oban and from Mallaig (available during 27 October - 2 April)
Lochmaddy (Uists) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Journey Planner Tool can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.
We have listed some travel information below that you may find useful.
Travelling with Campervans/Motorhomes/Caravans
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) request that visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots. Plan your trip carefully by booking sites where you can and do not stay out with these campsites/overnight spots. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on our fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on our communities. Please follow our P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special. Find out more about changes that have been made to taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides
In addition motorhomes, campervans and those vehicles towing a caravan will not be able to join standby queues at ports on the following routes. Find out more about changes that have been made to the motorhomes, campervans and caravans standby process.
Useful information for your journey
For those travelling onward without a vehicle find out more about the bus services offered throughout the Outer Hebrides.
Download the free
'Ultimate Outer Hebrides' App
your ideal journey companion.
Keep up to date with all our CalMac services and Service status & info.