North Uist

North Uist (Scottish Gaelic: Uibhist a Tuath) is an island of the Outer Hebrides. It is connected by causeways to Benbecula via Grimsay, to Berneray, Baleshare and to Vallay. With the exception of the south east, the island is very flat, with over half being under water.

The main settlement on the island is Lochmaddy, a fishing port and home to a museum, an arts centre and a camera obscura. Ferries sail from the village to Uig on Skye, and also from Otternish to Leverbugh in Harris. Other settlements include Port nan Long and Scolpaig, home to the nineteenth century Scolpaig Tower folly.

North Uist has many prehistoric structures, including the Barpa Langass chambered cairn, the Pobull Fhinn stone circle and the Na Fir Bhreige standing stones.

The island is also known for its birdlife, including corncrakes, arctic terns, gannets, corn buntings and Manx shearwaters.

Flag

All of the northern Outer Hebridean islands have the colour blue as part of their design. The flag of North Uist is quite distinct ? just a simple white star on a blue background. Its origin is unclear but maybe it represents the North Star.