Welcome to
A place of natural beauty, stunning wildlife and surprising history – Eriskay is a small island embodying the very essence of the Outer Hebrides.
Nature & wildlife
History & heritage
Walking
Eriskay is an island with history written into every corner. The original landing place of Bonnie Prince Charlie on Scottish shores in 1745, it was in the midst of a very different event in 1941 that the SS Politician ran aground and lost its cargo of whisky. Alongside the history, there is natural beauty throughout the island.
Eriskay's pristine sandy beaches and rich machair grassland is where you may just glimpse the famous (and incredibly photogenic) Eriskay ponies roaming the island, as well as the Eriskay football pitch – credited by FIFA as one of ‘Eight most remarkable places to play football in the world’.
Eriskay provided the inspiration and backdrop for one of the most enchanting films about Scotland: Ealing Studio’s 'Whisky Galore'. The tall tale, still beloved of cinephiles worldwide, is based on the true story of the S.S Politician that ran aground in 1941 carrying a cargo of precious whisky. The island's residents (and those of neighbouring islands) battled the waves to liberate the abandoned whisky – many dressed in their wives' clothing to avoid detection by local customs officers. See one of the original whisky bottles in the island’s Politician Bar, named after the famous vessel that started the whole story.
Close in kinship to other northern breeds such as the Faroe pony and Icelandic horse, the Eriskay pony - a protected rare breed with a distinctive grey coat – is the last surviving native Hebridean pony breed. Until the 19th century the ponies were put to work across the island’s many crofts and farms, but their numbers fell into sharp decline due to cross-breeding and the collapse of farm work across the Hebrides. Once in danger of dying out, the Eriskay Pony have now rebounded and are roaming the island freely – providing enchanting memories for any visitor who catches sight of the brilliant beasts.
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy
VisitScotland | Responsible tourism
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.
RLNI | Safety tips
