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Eriskay

Eriskay (Scottish Gaelic:Eiriosgaigh) is an island of the Outer Hebrides in northern Scotland. It lies between South Uist and Barra and is connected to South Uist by a causeway which was opened in 2001. In the same year Eriskay became the ferry terminal for travelling between South Uist and Barra. The new vehicular ferry travels between Ceann a'Gharaidh on Eriskay and Ardmore on Barra. The crossing takes around 40 minutes.

Eriskay is famous for many things including 'Eriskay Love Lilt', the Eriskay pony, the Eriskay jersey (made without any seams). It is the real Whisky Galore! island: it was just off Eriskay that the S.S. Politician ran aground in 1941 with its famous cargo. On August 2, 1745 the small frigate le Du Teillay landed Bonnie Prince Charlie with his seven men of Moidart on Eriskay to start the 'Forty-Five Jacobite Rising.

There is a well stocked shop in Eriskay, a community centre and the Politician Lounge Bar (named after the ship). The Roman Catholic church of St. Michael's sits on a hill overlooking the main village on Eriskay. It celebrated its centenary in 2003 having been built by Fr. Allan MacDonald in 1903. The site of the old church is marked by a memorial garden.

Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46