The beautiful Scottish island you 'must visit' where ponies roam freely
Scotland's islands make for a great day trip or staycation destination. Out of the hundreds of islands dotted around the country's coast, there are countless worth visiting.
If you are looking for something a bit different for a holiday this summer season, there is one isle in the Outer Hebrides that is a hidden gem. In addition to its spectacular beaches, it is also a wildlife lover's dream.
Eriskay is a small island situated between South Uist and Barra. It is connected to the former via a causeway that first opened in 2001.
Home to a population of around just 140 people, Eriskay makes for a great escape if you are needing some time away from the hustle and bustle. The island has a few accommodation options dotted around, but for the most part is dominated by nature.
One of Eriskay's most notable features is its resident pony population. Eriskay ponies, which roam freely on the island, are extremely rare—with only a few hundred existing worldwide.
According to the Visit Outer Hebrides website, Eriskay ponies are "the last surviving native Hebridean pony breed". They are known for their hardy and people-friendly nature and generally grey colour.
Meanwhile, one of the island's top beauty spots is Eriskay Beach, which is located along its northwest coast. Known for its pristine white sands and bright turquoise waters, it is a great spot for sunbathing—and even a dip in the water if you can face the cold.
Eriskay Beach has received rave reviews from visitors on Google, where it has an overall rating of 4.9 out of five based on 77 reviews. Recent travellers have described the bay as "lovely" and "a must visit".
Another popular beach on the island is Prince Charlie's Bay, which is found south of Eriskay Beach. Also known 'Coilleag a Phrionnsa'—Gaelic for 'the Prince's cockleshell strand'—it is among the most historic beaches in Scotland.
As its name suggests, Prince Charlie's Bay has a fascinating past tied to Bonnie Prince Charlie. It is said that he first set foot on Scottish soil on the beach in 1745, ahead of the Jacobite rising.
Like Eriskay Beach, Prince Charlie's Bay has earned very positive feedback from day-trippers. The beach has a rating of 4.9 out of five on Google, where recent visitors have called it "beautiful" and praised its "stunning views".
There is also a popular pub and restaurant on Eriskay called Am Politician, named after a vessel that ran aground off the island in 1945. Utilising locally sourced seafood and produce, it serves up everything from snacks to three-course home-cooked meals.
One recent Am Politician customer wrote: "Stopped off for some lunch. A very tasty special of kippers and then had the meal deal of soup and a sandwich which was reasonably priced.
"Staff friendly and great atmosphere."
Elsewhere, another highlight of Eriskay is the Category C listed St Michael's Catholic Church. Dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, the church dates back to the early 1900s.
If you are interested in visiting Eriskay, the island can be reached by travelling on the ferry to South Uist from Mallaig on the mainland. Further information about what you can get up to around Eriskay can be found on the Visit Outer Hebrides website.
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