Camping in Isle of Eriskay guide
Where to go
Coilleag a'Phrionnsa
On the west side of the island, not far from the ferry terminal from Barra, this stretch of sandy beach translates to "Prince's Beach" and is one of Scotland’s most historic. It was on these sands that Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot in Scotland when he landed to begin the 1745 Jacobite Rising—a cairn above the beach commemorates the event. In spring and summer, the beach is carpeted with colourful wildflowers, believed to have grown from seeds dropped by the bonnie prince himself.
Balla
Farther north along the island’s west coast, Balla is home to Eriskay's densest cluster of businesses. Here you’ll find the well-stocked community shop, St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in which the altar sits on a boat’s hull, and the Am Politician pub, named after The Politician ship, which ran aground nearby spilling 22,000 cases of whisky and inspiring the book and film "Whisky Galore!"
Beinn Sciathan
At 185 metres (607 feet), Beinn Sciathan is Eriskay's highest hill. An hour’s walk will get you to the summit, from where you can enjoy views of most of the island, as well as South Uist and Barra—on a really clear day you might even spot the islands of St. Kilda 109 km (68 miles) away. From May through November, sheep and Eriskay ponies graze on the slopes.
Haunn
At the northern end of the island, Haun Bay offers views of Ben Scrien and across the Sound of Eriskay to the hills of South Uist, just across the causeway. A walk through the rocky landscape takes you to the small Loch Cracabhaig, one mile (1.5 kilometers) south. On the shores of Haun Bay, campers can find tranquil glamping experiences.