Attractions Click on images to
enlarge and mouse over the image for a description
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Askernish
Golf Course is the oldest golf course in the Western Isles and
is a unique test for any grade of golfer. Restoration work has now
begun on the eighteen holes laid out by 'Old' Tom Morris in 1891.
Askernish is a fine challenge for any grade of golfer. it has
recently been restored to its original position under the guidance
of Gordon Irvine (Master Greensman) and Martin Ebert (Architect)
using entirely traditional design principles.
Enviromental experts have already
hailed the Askernish as "the most natural links course
in the world": the dunes' natural contours form the
fairways, no artificial chemicals are used in
maintenance, and during winter months sheep and cattle
graze the course! The unique nature of the Askernish
links and the culture of the Western Isles make South
Uist a wonderful place to visit for all ages. view channel 4 news item'
Brand new Golfclubhouse |
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Rocket Range
situated at the north west of the island is a missile testing range
which was built in 1957-58 to launch
the Corporal missile, Britain
and America's first guided nuclear weapon. The Corporal missile,
used in the Cold War, was tested here from 1959 to 1963, before
giving way to Sergeant and Lance tactical nuclear missiles. The
'rocket range' as it is known locally has also been used to test
high altitude research rockets, Skua and Petrel. The range is still
owned by the MoD operated by QinetiQ as a testing facility for
missile systems such as the surface-to-air Rapier missile and
Unmanned Air Vehicles.
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Loch Druidibeg in the north of the island is a National Nature
Reserve owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The reserve
covers 34 square kilometres of machair, bogland, freshwater lochs
and estuary. Over 200 species of flowering plants have been recorded
here, some of which are nationally scarce. It is considered one of
the best places in the UK to see a full range of island wildlife and
habitats. The area is very rich in birdlife and redshank, dunlin,
lapwing and ringed plover can be seen. The reserve is also home to
greylag geese on the loch and in summer corncrakes on the machair.
You may also be lucky enough to spot an otter. |
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Eriskay ponies
are the last surviving remnants of the original native ponies of
the Western Isles of Scotland. T hey were crofters ponies,
undertaking everyday tasks such as bringing home peat and
seaweed and taking the children to school. Only the ponies
willing to be trained and work hard, were retained, the others
were culled. Over the centuries, the Eriskay ponies evolved into
the hardy, versatile, people friendly animals that are
recognised today. As Eriskay is so remote and due to
difficulties with access, other breeds were not introduced,
leaving a stock of pure bred ponies which had declined to a
around 20 animals by the early 1970s. As the numbers became so
desperately low, a group of people comprising a local priest,
doctor, vet, scientist and crofters, got together and decided to
save the ponies. Numbers have risen steadily and now there are
over 400 ponies in the world. |
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Western
Isles Wildlife
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Bird and
general wildlife tours throughout the islands.
Steve
Duffield, 5 Drimsdale, Isle of South Uist, HS8 5RT Tel.
01870 620241 or 07867 555971. |
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If you need to know more information, try a search on Google!
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