Lochboisdale – Ferries, Monuments and Island History

Lochboisdale is the ferry terminal and marina for South Uist. Ferries from Mallaig and Oban to South Uist arrive here. If you are planning a hotel stay on South Uist, this feature provides a specific point of reference for choosing your destination. Check the ferry timetable for your travel dates. The area’s maritime role goes back further: in the 1950s, scheduled ship services ran to Oban, Castlebay, Mallaig and Lochmaddy. These historic services should be distinguished from today’s arrival routes.

Architecture and Local History

472b South Lochboisdale is a rare, largely complete and remarkably unaltered example of a Hebridean thatched cottage dating from the mid to late 19th century. The cottage is accessible only on foot and has been uninhabited since 2000. Until 2000, it was the home of the local bard Dòmhnall Aonghais Bhàin. Its history therefore includes not only its architecture but also its former role as a bard’s home.

Seann Taigh preserves a significant part of its historic fabric. Boisdale House and Post Office was probably built largely in the first half of the 19th century. The likely construction date of this house is therefore earlier than that of the thatched cottage; both buildings represent different aspects of local history.

The remains of Castle Calvay are on a small island off Calvay, on the south side of Loch Boisdale. The monument is of national importance. Describing them as remains draws attention to the surviving parts of the castle complex, while the designation highlights its historic significance.

Memorials and Art

The permanent Marloch Memorial stands in Lochboisdale’s Gateway Garden. Its ship-like form evokes a maritime theme. It was built using stones from the homes and settlements of the people who left on the Marloch. In this way, the monument connects its form with material from these people’s former homes.

The Listening Place Sculpture is in South Lochboisdale, on the site of the former village school. It explores the history, bards and agricultural character of the area and is part of the Uist Sculpture Trail. The mission church overlooking Lochboisdale harbour was built in 1905. Together, these places offer different ways to engage with history: through artistic interpretation, remembrance and a historic building.

Walking Routes and Boat Trips

The circular route via Laisger starts in Lochboisdale and returns to the starting point. A path from Lasgair leads to the Barp, a chambered tomb, crossing Loch a’ Bharp along the way. The route descriptions highlight different features: the circular route returns to its starting point, while the path from Lasgair names the chambered tomb as its destination and includes the crossing of Loch a’ Bharp. This helps you choose the described route based on whether you are interested in a circuit or a specific monument as your destination.

Uist Sea Tours offers wildlife trips from Lochboisdale. Its offerings also include boat trips to St Kilda, the Monachs, Mingulay and other offshore islands. The wildlife trips focus on the experience, while the boat trips highlight specific island destinations. This gives you different options for a stay centred on wildlife watching or the offshore islands.

Discover more destinations: Lochboisdale, Isle of Harris, Barvas, Isle Of Lewis, Castlebay, Isle of North Uist, Creagorry

Return to the main travel overview: Outer Hebrides.