South Uist

South Uist

Gaelic name	Uibhist a Deas
Pronunciation	[ˈɯ.ɪʃtʲ ə tʲes̪]
Meaning of name	Pre-Gaelic and unknown
Location
South Uist South Uist shown within the Outer Hebrides
OS grid reference	NF786343
Coordinates	57°16′00″N 7°19′00″W / 57.2667°N 7.3167°W / 57.2667; -7.3167
Physical geography
Island group	Uists & Barra
Area	32,026 hectares (124 sq mi)
Area rank	9
Highest elevation	Beinn Mhòr 620 metres (2,034 ft)
Administration
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Country	Scotland
Council area	Na h-Eileanan Siar
Demographics
Population	1,754
Population rank	9
Population density	5.5 people/km2
Largest settlement	Lochboisdale
References

South Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a Deas) is the second-largest island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. At the 2011 census it had a usually resident population of 1,754, a fall of 64 since 2001. There is a nature reserve and a number of sites of archaeological interest, including the only location in Great Britain where prehistoric mummies have been found. The population is about 90% Roman Catholic. The island, in common with the rest of the Hebrides, is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland. In 2006 South Uist, and neighbouring Benbecula and Eriskay, were involved in Scotland's biggest community land buyout to date. In the north west there is a missile testing range. Its inhabitants are known in Gaelic as Deasaich (Southerners).

The west is machair (fertile low-lying coastal plain) with a continuous sandy beach, whilst the east coast is mountainous with the peaks of Beinn Mhòr 620 metres (2,034 ft) and Hecla 606 metres (1,988 ft). The main village on the island is Lochboisdale (Loch Baghasdail), from which ferries sail to Oban on the mainland and to Castlebay (Bàgh a' Chaisteil) on Barra. The island is linked to Eriskay and Benbecula by causeways. Smaller settlements include Daliburgh (Dalabrog), Howmore (Tobha Mòr) and Ludag.