Tigh-na-Mara is well-equipped with libraries of books, DVDs and fibre-optic broadband internet.
But you don't come to North Uist to sit indoors!!! So...... |
NEARBY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES in North Uist, Berneray and Grimsay.
The Uists are an archipelago rich in flora and fauna. Visit the RSPB Visitor Centre and nature reserve at Balranald. View sandy beaches, a rocky foreshore, wild marshes, machair and sculpted sand dunes. It's the perfect place to learn about traditional crofting agriculture, corncrakes and other wildlife. Or head for the summit of Cleatraval and use the telescope to see the Atlantic islands of St Kilda 40 miles to the west.
The more active will find a safe and sandy beach to the rear of Tigh-na-Mara ideal for sea-bathing and favoured by kite- and wind-surfers. Or hike up to Barpa Langais, a Neolithic chambered cairn measuring about 72 feet in diameter by 18 feet in height and around 5,000 years old. Nearby, in Langais woods is a life-size wooden carving of a bear. Kids love searching YouTube for the story of Hercules, a grizzly bear who, whilst filming an advert for Andrex in Benbecula in 1980, escaped and went on the run for over 3 weeks!
The lochans of North Uist are a fisherman's delight for anglers from all over the globe and brown trout, sea trout and salmon can be found here. Reputed to be the best in Scotland and much loved by our regular guests. Or take a short trip to see the ruins of Trinity Temple, listed as of European significance and possibly Scotland's oldest University. The building is the remains of a medieval monastery and college, founded by Beathag, daughter of Somerled around 1200 AD. The college was the alma mater of the philosopher Duns Scotus (1265-1309) who then went on to study at Oxford and Paris where he debated theology with Thomas Aquinas. His debating style coined the word "dunce" - one incapable of learning.
Lochmaddy, the ferry port for the island, is worth a visit to see the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre with its welcoming café.
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FURTHER AFIELD
| Head North: Take the causeway to Berneray, then the early morning ferry across the Sound of Harris to Leverburgh (one hour) in south Harris then drive up to Lewis to see the standing stones at Callanish (500 years older than Stonehenge), lunch at the café, explore the nearby broch and the Black House village at Carloway. Return home on the evening ferry from Leverburgh to Uist. Or.... |
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| Head South: drive down to South Uist (one hour) and take the causeway to Eriskay where the true "Whisky Galore" shipwreck of the SS Politician (1941) en route to Jamaica with 22,000 cases of Scotch on board ran aground and enjoy lunch in the local Am Politician pub and view the original hooch. On the way back, stop at the Kildonan Museum and learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald and Uist connections to the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. |
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DINING
Within a few minutes of Tigh-na-Mara are the Claddach Kirkibost Centre and café, and Westford Inn hosting evening meals and occasional live music. Fine dining can be found at Langass Lodge, the Lochmaddy Hotel, Hamersay House. More relaxed eateries are the Grimsay Kitchen and The Stepping Stone restaurant (featured in the BBC Alba documentary series "The Bakery"). There is a Chinese take-away on Benbecula. |
SHOPPING
North Uist and Benbecula are well-served with four supermarkets - one in Sollas, two in Balivanich and one at Creagorry.
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